Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has criticized his opponent, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), following the sentencing of former FBI counterintelligence chief Charles McGonigal to 50 months in prison for conspiring with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Rice has accused Krishnamoorthi of perpetuating the "Russiagate" narrative and questioned whether he would apologize for spreading "unsubstantiated lies" against former President Trump.

“This former FBI official McGonigal was busted for taking illegal foreign payments AND he played a key role in the FBI’s ‘Russiagate’ sham probe of former President Trump — and in a ‘defensive briefing’ of Trump’s ex-rival Hillary Clinton’s lawyers,” Rice said on Facebook. “Do you see my opponent Democrat Rep Raja Krishnamoorthi, who pushed the Russian hoax (and raised campaign money peddling the hoax), offering any apologies for knowingly spreading unsubstantiated lies against a duly elected President for the last several years?”

“No… Raja Krishnamoorthi thinks it’s ok taxpayers were forced to pay the $32 million probe costs of investigating a democrat-led and created witch hunt based on a fake dossier paid by Hillary’s campaign. It is hard for Krishnamoorthi to admit to pushing the lie as he continues ignoring this. We need accountability!”

Rice's comments were made in light of recent events involving Charles McGonigal, the ex-FBI counterintelligence chief who received a 50-month prison sentence for his conspiracy with Deripaska. As the special agent in charge of the FBI’s New York Counterintelligence Division, McGonigal was subjected to this judicial decision due to his actions. The judge emphasized the severity of collaborating with Deripaska, who is U.S.-sanctioned for aiding Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Federal prosecutors had sought a five-year prison term, accusing McGonigal of misusing his skills and influence, thereby posing a threat to the rule of law when counterintelligence professionals serve the highest bidder.

In addition to this case, McGonigal also faces separate charges in Washington D.C., where he stands accused of concealing payment from an Albanian intelligence official while on duty. Defense attorneys acknowledged McGonigal’s impermissible services to Deripaska but argued that they aligned with U.S. foreign policy regarding potential sanctions on another Russian oligarch, as reported by ABC News.

McGonigal played a pivotal role in the FBI’s controversial "Russiagate" probe of former President Donald Trump and a "defensive briefing" of ex-rival Hillary Clinton’s lawyers. He was instrumental in the early stages of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. McGonigal was among the first to learn about George Papadopoulos’ statement to an Australian diplomat regarding Russia having "political dirt" on Clinton. According to FBI Deputy Assistant Director Jonathan Moffa, McGonigal’s July 2016 email served as the basis for initiating the investigation known as "Crossfire Hurricane."

The investigation led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, who probed Russian meddling in the election and potential ties to Trump associates. As reported by the New York Post, McGonigal's involvement included sending messages about interviews with Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, who was later wiretapped based on a FISA application criticized for its reliance on the discredited "Steele dossier." His actions have been scrutinized in the context of the broader investigation which, as outlined in Mueller’s 2019 report, did not establish collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia but detailed potential instances of obstruction by then-President Trump.

The Krishnamoorthi is the incumbent representative for the 8th Congressional District. A map on his website indicates that the district encompasses northern Cook County, northern DuPage County, and northeast Kane County.