Did you know you could start a so-called super PAC (Political Action Committee) for the candidate of your choice and do almost anything you want with any money you raise so long as you declare it publicly?

What a country! Turns out the Time for Hillary super PAC is based right here in L.A. And, lo and behold, it sells a lot of stuff, including T-shirts, in the name of a Hillary Clinton presidential run in 2016. Its website says, “Each dollar you donate or spend on this site will help us make a difference.” But it doesn't say it will pledge money to specific, pro-Hillary ends. Slick.

The thing is, it's connected to a character who has not exactly been successful or straight-up in his business dealings. Allegedly:

The nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity this week published an investigation of the Time for Hillary super PAC.

It found connections between the Studio City organization and a local man named John A. Gibson Jr., who allegedly bilked a disabled man out of $10,000 in a restaurant deal gone bad, launched a failed bakery, and worked as marketing director for a “superfruit” beverage company that is no longer with us.

Super PACs can be million-dollar fundraisers, and they don't give money directly to candidates. Often they purchase airtime and produce ads for candidates. So far Time for Hillary just sells T-shirts, bumper stickers and, yes, donations. And it claims in a public filing that it has only broken even, according to CPI.

The investigative nonprofit says this of the political fund raisers:

Super PAC operators can easily collect money from activists in the name of a well-known politico and pocket what they amass, so long as the expenditures are disclosed.

A rep for Time for Hillary told CPI this:

Because our focus is on the youth vote, we view Time for Hillary apparel as a great way to reach our target audience. Hillary Clinton has millions of very passionate supporters who would love to show their support through apparel.

By the way, we're starting a pro-Joe Biden super PAC called Time for My Wallet. Won't you donate today?

Send feedback and tips to the author. Follow Dennis Romero on Twitter at @dennisjromero. Follow LA Weekly News on Twitter at @laweeklynews.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.