A political action committee founded by the former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spent more than $42,000 on a bulk order of books the same day his memoir “Never Give An Inch” went on sale.
Champion American Values, Pompeo’s PAC launched in 2021, reported spending $42,181.97 at Bulkbooks.com, a site that helps people buy large amounts of books at wholesale prices, according to its February report with the Federal Elections Commission.
The report does not specify what book it was purchasing and the PAC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pompeo’s book is currently $19.49 on Bulkbooks.com for an order of more than 500 copies. At that price, the PAC could have purchased more than 2,190 books.
The Kansas Republican’s memoir appeared on the New York Times Hardcover Non-fiction bestseller list on Feb. 12, three weeks after it hit shelves, though the Times indicated that some retailers say they have received bulk orders. It is currently fifth on the Times list and has appeared on the local bestseller list from Kansas City’s Rainy Day Books.
Pompeo has indicated he is interested in running for president in 2024 and the book — along with his subsequent tour — has allowed him to draw publicity in what could be a crowded primary field. Early polls indicate that Pompeo is lagging in support, currently drawing around 1% of an electorate that appears more focused on former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
It is common for political organizations to purchase bulk orders of a politicians book. Republican organizations have placed large orders for books by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky; Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas; and Rep. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., according to the Washington Post.
The PAC’s purchase was first reported by Forbes.
