Jeff Belle, a Republican candidate running for Congress in San Diego, faces multiple allegations of fraud and financial exploitation of ex-wives. According to a report by the San Diego Union-Tribune, Belle has been convicted of check fraud, charged with lying on election paperwork, and fined for practicing respiratory therapy without a California license. Five former wives claim he exploited them financially, including running up credit-card debt in their names and steering one into nearly $200,000 in risky financing that led to her clinic's bankruptcy. The Union-Tribune could not verify Belle's claims of working as a U.S. Senate staffer, federal lobbyist, or private-equity CEO. Belle denied the allegations, comparing himself to Donald Trump and dismissing accusers as 'jealous.' He has also failed to file required financial disclosures for congressional candidates. His opponent, Rep. Juan Vargas, has consistently won elections with over 65% of the vote since 2012.

Alt: a man in a striped shirt and tie is talking to another man in a hat .