A number of Republicans, facing competitive races, have not disclosed whether they will return donations made by Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller’s political action committee (PAC).
Miller’s Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC contributed over $70,000 to 16 Republican incumbents who face challenges in the November elections, as reported by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Some members indicated plans to return the funds or donate them elsewhere, while others didn’t respond to inquiries about their intentions in light of domestic violence allegations against Miller.
The campaign of Minnesota Republican Rep. Brad Finstad confirmed that it has returned the $5,000 donation. A representative for Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stated that the money would be donated to charity.
“Yes, the campaign will donate the money to charity,” the spokesperson affirmed.
Miller’s PAC donated $5,000 to New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler on March 17. A representative for Lawler mentioned that Lawler’s opponent, Democratic candidate Kate Conley, has not returned donations associated with former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, who resigned due to involvement in a prostitution scandal.
Lawler’s campaign affirmed they would keep the funds. “Kate Conley raised untold thousands of dollars in a fundraiser hosted by disgraced former Governor Eliot Spitzer,” campaign spokesperson Kris Russell told DCNF. “Their hypocrisy is astonishing. Conley and Hakeem Jeffries should be quiet about this.”
Conley reportedly received $13,500 from Spitzer. After his resignation in March 2008, Spitzer became embroiled in controversy concerning federal wiretaps that revealed he arranged meetings with high-priced escorts, according to reports.
Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, accused Democrats of being “shameless hypocrites” for overlooking their own troubled candidates.
“Democrats are shameless hypocrites, conveniently ignoring when vulnerable members are funded by scandal-plagued Democrats like Eric Swalwell,” Marinella expressed.
Despite stepping down from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, Conley continues to reference Swalwell’s PAC as a supporter on her site. Reports say the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating Swalwell following the arrest of a former employee.
Miller’s PAC also provided donations to Republican candidates such as Zach Nunn from Iowa, Tennessee’s Johnny Garrett, Florida’s Laurel Lee, and others. Republican Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, who has called for Miller to resign, received donations as well. Husted’s campaign noted two donations of $5,000 on March 18 and September 2.
“We both seem to agree that Lucy’s best interests must come first,” Husted stated. “Given everything they are facing, I don’t see how a campaign in Congress would benefit them.”
The Husted campaign has yet to disclose if it will keep or return the donations.
Husted is set to contest against former Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, with recent polling indicating a tight race.
Additional candidates who received PAC donations have not commented on the situation. Meanwhile, Miller faces serious allegations involving physical abuse against his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their young daughter. Miller has denied these accusations and remains committed to his campaign.
Moreno has alleged instances of severe abuse, including claims that Miller pointed a gun at her and broke their daughter’s collarbone. There have been ongoing disputes regarding custody and claims of Miller denying their daughter a stuffed animal.
The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Miller following his request, as he asserts that he has “nothing to hide.” The Ohio Republican Party missed the chance to appoint a substitute since Miller did not resign in time; they had a deadline until Aug. 5 to do so.
If Miller resigns before the Aug. 25 deadline, Democratic candidate Brian Poindexter would face no opposition in the election.
Additionally, President Trump’s political team has advised the party not to press Miller to step down, as he has no intentions of resigning.
