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Abdul "Shaboozer" Shabazz Faces Allegations of Misreporting Campaign Finances

Sam Keen

Indianapolis, February 3, 2025


Local political commentator and former mayoral candidate Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, commonly known by the nickname "Shaboozer," is under scrutiny for alleged discrepancies in his campaign finance reporting. These allegations were brought to light by David Waters, a well-known local Republican, through a detailed critique posted on his personal Facebook page.


The nickname "Shaboozer" reportedly originated from an incident during Shabazz's mayoral campaign where he was asked to leave an event due to intoxication, allegedly wearing shoes two sizes too large for his feet. This event has not only given Shabazz a controversial moniker but has also cast a shadow over his political maneuvers.


According to Waters' post, there are several issues with Shabazz's 2023 campaign finance reports:


1. Timing of Contributions and Reporting:

- Waters questions the legitimacy of cash contributions accepted between October 21, 2023, and January 16, 2024, pointing out that the 2023 fiscal year ended on December 31, 2023. He also raises concerns about the absence of a 2024 report, questioning the transparency of Shabazz's financial disclosures post-campaign.


2. Discrepancies in Financial Statements:

- The 2023 annual report shows a starting cash balance of $352.39 on January 1, 2023, with no contributions reported, yet the same amount was listed as expenses. Given that Shabazz was involved in a primary election during this period, Waters questions how the campaign was funded and managed.


3. Legitimacy of Financial Transactions:

- A notable transaction listed in the report is a $352.39 expenditure at Nicky Blaines Cocktail Lounge, which Waters and others are questioning as an appropriate use of campaign funds. He specifically criticizes the use of campaign funds for personal expenses like alcohol, which he claims is not permissible under Indiana's campaign finance laws.


David Waters also highlighted an apparent contradiction in Shabazz's actions, noting that in 2023, Shabazz had previously criticized another politician, Gabe Whitley, for similar violations in campaign finance reporting. This critique now seems to reflect back on Shabazz himself.


Furthermore, Waters raises concerns about the competence of the Marion County Election Board, naming Kate Sweeney Bell, Jennifer Ping, and Nolita Stewart, implying that they might not be adequately overseeing campaign finance regulations in the county.


The 2024 Campaign Finance Manual, which Waters references in his post, stipulates strict guidelines on the use of campaign funds, particularly prohibiting the use for personal expenses or luxury items like alcohol. However, the 2023 manual is no longer available online, making direct comparisons challenging.


The allegations have sparked a debate in Indianapolis about the integrity of political campaigns and the oversight of election boards. As this story develops, it will be crucial to see how the Marion County Election Board responds and whether any formal investigations will ensue.


For now, these allegations against Abdul-Hakim "Shaboozer" Shabazz underscore the need for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, especially among those who have positioned themselves as watchdogs of political integrity.


Note: For more details on campaign finance rules, one can refer to the [2024 Campaign Finance Manual](https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/2024-Campaign-Finance-Manual.FINAL-with-Appendix-Docs.pdf).

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