Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
Featured Stories
N.C. Democratic Party: Reporting - Michael Whatley Knowingly "Championed [A] Convicted Child Sex Predator," "Faces Mounting Questions"
RALEIGH, North Carolina, March 17 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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NEW REPORTING: Michael Whatley Knowingly "Championed [A] Convicted Child Sex Predator," "Faces Mounting Questions"
New breaking reporting from the Daily Beast confirms that Michael Whatley knowingly appointed a convicted child sex offender, Harvey Lee West, while he was NCGOP Chair. In an interview, West revealed he was "open" with NCGOP leadership about his criminal record "from day one."
West: "I openly discussed what happened. I openly discussed my time in prison. I
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, March 17 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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NEW REPORTING: Michael Whatley Knowingly "Championed [A] Convicted Child Sex Predator," "Faces Mounting Questions"
New breaking reporting from the Daily Beast confirms that Michael Whatley knowingly appointed a convicted child sex offender, Harvey Lee West, while he was NCGOP Chair. In an interview, West revealed he was "open" with NCGOP leadership about his criminal record "from day one."
West: "I openly discussed what happened. I openly discussed my time in prison. Iopenly discussed the charges. And I would tell people, 'If you want me around, I will work and be glad to do so. If you don't want me, I'll go on down the road,'" he said.
Despite that, Whatley still appointed West to NCGOP leadership. And now, Whatley - yet again - refused to answer questions from reporters about why he knowingly elevated a convicted child sex predator and "now faces mounting questions."
Read More:
Daily Beast: Trump Shrugs Off Child Sex Offender Scandal to Plug 'Great' GOP Candidate (https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-shrugs-off-child-sex-offender-scandal-to-plug-great-gop-candidate/)
Leigh Kimmins | March 16, 2026
* A Republican Senate hopeful backed by President Donald Trump is facing backlash in his own party after he was accused of helping a convicted child sex offender get leadership roles.
* But a revolt is now brewing in the ranks of the state GOP after a report last week detailed Whatley's support for Harvey L. West Jr., 54, who secured leadership positions after serving a stint in prison.
* West, in a candid conversation with the Daily Beast, said he was open with the party's leadership about his past "from day one." That past includes charges of statutory rape involving three girls, two aged 14 and one aged 16, in 1999, when West was 28 years old and working as a police officer.
* "I openly discussed what happened. I openly discussed my time in prison. I openly discussed the charges. And I would tell people, 'If you want me around, I will work and be glad to do so. If you don't want me, I'll go on down the road,'" he said.
* But Whatley, accused of "championing" West's ascent within the party, now faces mounting questions as he sees his own star rise with help from the president.
* Asked how the saga affects Republicans in the state, Woodhouse added, "I think it affects, now that Michael's on the ballot, it affects his race and every down-ballot Republican. They're all at risk now."
* Andrew Bates, the North Carolina-born former White House senior deputy press secretary for Joe Biden, was among those to speak out against Whatley in light of his alleged ties to West. He told the Daily Beast: "Michael Whatley tried to dismiss the bipartisan investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's relationships with powerful people. Now it turns out he gave a convicted child sex predator a top position in the North Carolina Republican Party and shielded him from local party activists who didn't want him near children. This is the same guy who helped pass the biggest health care cuts in history to lower taxes for the rich. There's no one Michael Whatley won't sell out to the well-connected."
* Former Virginia Republican congresswoman and network political analyst Barbara Comstock also took aim at Whatley and Trump's backing of his campaign. "How much $$$ will Trump waste on this fool @WhatleyNC ?" she wrote on X. She later added: "Team Trump just can't quit hanging with sex offenders..."
* The Daily Beast emailed Whatley and the White House seeking comment but did not receive a reply.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/new-reporting-michael-whatley-knowingly-championed-a-convicted-child-sex-predator-faces-mounting-questions/
Michigan Dems Launch First Digital Ad in U.S. Senate Race, Slamming Mike Rogers for Backing Billionaire Donors' Plan to Block the Gordie Howe Bridge
LANSING, Michigan, March 17 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Michigan Dems Launch First Digital Ad in U.S. Senate Race, Slamming Mike Rogers for Backing Billionaire Donors' Plan to Block the Gordie Howe Bridge
Today, the Michigan Democratic Party launched its first digital ad in the U.S. Senate race, slamming GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers for supporting threats to block the Gordie Howe Bridge to the benefit of his billionaire Moroun family donors. The 60-second ad, titled 'A Bridge Too Far,' will reach persuadable voters across Michigan
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, March 17 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Michigan Dems Launch First Digital Ad in U.S. Senate Race, Slamming Mike Rogers for Backing Billionaire Donors' Plan to Block the Gordie Howe Bridge
Today, the Michigan Democratic Party launched its first digital ad in the U.S. Senate race, slamming GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers for supporting threats to block the Gordie Howe Bridge to the benefit of his billionaire Moroun family donors. The 60-second ad, titled 'A Bridge Too Far,' will reach persuadable voters across Michiganon streaming platforms.
Recent reporting revealed how Rogers became one of the billionaire Moroun family's "reliable allies" in Congress as they sought to block the potential construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge. A Detroit Metro Times investigation found Rogers "repeated arguments made by the Ambassador Bridge's owners" while accepting $21,400 in campaign and PAC contributions from the Moroun family over more than a decade.
"While Mike Rogers thinks blocking the Gordie Howe Bridge is 'the right thing to do,' the only people that stand to benefit are his billionaire donors--not Michigan families," said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel. "Michiganders know Rogers is willing to cave to special interests that want to hold our economy hostage, and they'll hold him accountable for his pay-to-play politics in November."
Read the ad script below:
For 96 years, there's been just one bridge from Detroit to Canada.
But now a new bridge is almost ready to open.
One that will get supply chains humming, boost Michigan's economy...
...and create new, good-paying Michigan jobs.
But Mike Rogers is trying to stop it.
[REPORTER] "Trump posted on Truth Social Monday saying he will not allow the bridge to open. Mike Rogers defended the President's comments"
[REPORTER] "Mike Rogers... has now had to come out and say, 'Yeah, it's good that we don't have this new bridge opening up all this new trade up into Michigan"
[REPORTER] "This is where the heavy hand of the Administration is really going to come back and bite Mike Rogers"
You see, one of his big donors...owns the old bridge.
Rogers spent years cashing their checks...
...When his donors schemed to block the rival bridge...
...Rogers had their back...
Jeopardizing jobs and spiking costs.
Mike Rogers is a bridge too far.
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/michigan-dems-launch-first-digital-ad-in-u-s-senate-race-slamming-mike-rogers-for-backing-billionaire-donors-plan-to-block-the-gordie-howe-bridge/
DNC: 'Fraud Czar' Vance Will Have His Hands Full With Rampant Corruption in Trump White House
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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'Fraud Czar' Vance Will Have His Hands Full With Rampant Corruption in Trump White House
Today, Donald Trump signed an executive order formally creating a fraud task force led by "fraud czar" JD Vance. As Vance takes on his new role and tries to distance himself from the administration's unpopular war of choice with Iran, he is conveniently turning a blind eye to the rampant pay-to-play politics, and self-enrichment happening in the White House.
Trump's wealth increased by $1.4
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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'Fraud Czar' Vance Will Have His Hands Full With Rampant Corruption in Trump White House
Today, Donald Trump signed an executive order formally creating a fraud task force led by "fraud czar" JD Vance. As Vance takes on his new role and tries to distance himself from the administration's unpopular war of choice with Iran, he is conveniently turning a blind eye to the rampant pay-to-play politics, and self-enrichment happening in the White House.
Trump's wealth increased by $1.4billion in his first year back in office to a total of $6.5 billion, largely due to crypto deals. Trump and his family have collectively pocketed $2.25 billion through shady business dealings, corrupt oligarchs, and foreign payments. While Trump rakes in cash, he is demanding American taxpayers add to his windfall by suing the IRS for $10 billion.
In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"JD Vance's first job as 'fraud czar' should be investigating Donald Trump and his family for the billions of dollars they have made off of the presidency, including the favors, pardons, and government positions bought by Trump's wealthy friends, and the dropped investigations into powerful corporate elites after massive donations to the Trumps. The American people, regardless of party affiliation, want our government to take on real fraudsters, not abuse the office of the presidency to enrich themselves and go after their political enemies."
Here are just some examples of pay-to-play politics and self-enrichment happening right under Vance's nose that should be his first priority:
* Trump has paused investigations into companies and billionaires who have enriched his family and businesses, including securities fraud cases and investigations into crypto billionaires who infused over $1 billion into Trump-owned crypto ventures.
* The administration has funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into companies linked to Trump's children, including at least four portfolio companies of Donald Trump Jr.'s 1789 Capital.
- Don Jr. and Eric Trump are also partners at the fund American Ventures, which is backing drone makers as the Pentagon aims to spend around $1 billion on related technology over the next two years.
* The White House has also made suspicious deals with Saudi Arabian officials after the country conveniently invested billions in Trump family ventures, and recklessly gave the UAE access to U.S. chips after a UAE royal family member invested $2 billion in the Trumps' crypto firm.
* Trump accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar -- possibly the biggest foreign gift ever -- and plans to retrofit it at taxpayer expense for use as Air Force One.
* Trump has pardoned numerous donors convicted of financial crimes after they, or someone close to them, made massive donations to Trump's organizations.
* Trump's disgraced Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directed $220 million in taxpayer dollars for an ad campaign that heavily featured Noem, including money that went to a firm run by the department's former spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin's husband. Noem also directed $172 million for two private jets, $2.4 million for gold-detailed ICE vehicles, $700,000 for tricked-out ICE trucks, and $120,000 for Mustangs for ICE as Noem "systematically reduced" access to funding for natural disaster prevention programs.
* Trump and Elon Musk's so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" generated at least $21.7 billion in wasteful spending, and was forced to rehire hundreds of the employees it fired.
Meanwhile, Trump and Vance's signature legislative achievement sells out working families to pay for massive tax cuts for rich and powerful elites. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill is the largest wealth transfer from low-income and middle-income Americans to the ultra-wealthy. The cost of the tax cuts in the bill is 10 times higher than the cost of permanently extending the ACA tax credits that 20 million everyday Americans relied on, which Republicans refused to extend after they also cut $1 trillion from Medicaid.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/fraud-czar-vance-will-have-his-hands-full-with-rampant-corruption-in-trump-white-house/
WASHINGTON POST: Young Trump Voters Have Buyer's Remorse
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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WASHINGTON POST: Young Trump Voters Have Buyer's Remorse
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"I feel betrayed," says one 26-year-old voter
After 14 months of broken promises from Trump and House Republicans, the Washington Post reports that many young voters are having regrets about voting for the GOP in 2024.
Young voters describe feeling betrayed by Republicans' broken promises, which are crushing them economically. As one 23-year-old told the Washington Post, "I wouldn't even say it's living. It's more survival."
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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WASHINGTON POST: Young Trump Voters Have Buyer's Remorse
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"I feel betrayed," says one 26-year-old voter
After 14 months of broken promises from Trump and House Republicans, the Washington Post reports that many young voters are having regrets about voting for the GOP in 2024.
Young voters describe feeling betrayed by Republicans' broken promises, which are crushing them economically. As one 23-year-old told the Washington Post, "I wouldn't even say it's living. It's more survival."One 26-year-old who voted for Trump in 2024 said simply, "I feel betrayed."
It's all ominous for House Republicans this fall, given that "the rightward shift among men in their late teens and 20s in 2024 may have been an isolated incident."
DCCC Spokesperson Liam Buckley:
"Young voters feel betrayed, disgusted, and disillusioned by Republicans' broken promises. As prices skyrocket and job opportunities plummet, it's harder than ever for Americans to find their footing -all while Republicans' billionaire donors and corporate cronies line their pockets. Gen Z is sick of getting screwed."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/washington-post-young-trump-voters-have-buyers-remorse/
THE GIRLS ARE FIGHTING: Jon Husted's Out of Touch Comments Spur Bipartisan Backlash
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 16 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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THE GIRLS ARE FIGHTING: Jon Husted's Out of Touch Comments Spur Bipartisan Backlash
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TiffinOhio.net : Renacci blasts Husted over comments about people in poverty: 'Should not have been appointed to Senate'
Jon Husted : "People living in poverty are just not very, they're not very experienced at navigating the real world"
COLUMBUS, OHIO - Jon Husted's latest comments claiming that struggling Ohioans are "not very experienced at navigating the real world" are so insulting that they are now spurring bipartisan
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 16 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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THE GIRLS ARE FIGHTING: Jon Husted's Out of Touch Comments Spur Bipartisan Backlash
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TiffinOhio.net : Renacci blasts Husted over comments about people in poverty: 'Should not have been appointed to Senate'
Jon Husted : "People living in poverty are just not very, they're not very experienced at navigating the real world"
COLUMBUS, OHIO - Jon Husted's latest comments claiming that struggling Ohioans are "not very experienced at navigating the real world" are so insulting that they are now spurring bipartisanbacklash. Even Jim Renacci -former Ohio Congressman and the 2018 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate -blasted Husted for his remarks, saying "he should not have been appointed to the Senate" and "needs to never do [another] interview."
Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:
"It takes a lot for Ohioans to agree with Jim Renacci -but Jon Husted has somehow found a way to make it happen. Husted's comments are so out of touch and arrogant that even Republicans are telling him to stop talking. Ohioans are tired of politicians in Washington voting to make everything more expensive, and they will send Jon Husted packing in November."
Read more:
TiffinOhio.net: Renacci blasts Husted over comments about people in poverty: 'Should not have been appointed to Senate'
* U.S. Sen. Jon Husted said in a recent interview that people living in poverty are "not very experienced at navigating the real world," remarks that have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle -including from a prominent Ohio Republican.
* Husted made the comments to conservative podcaster Nic Dunn. Speaking about poverty and financial literacy, Husted described a conversation with a woman who, he said, did not know "how money works at a grocery store" because she had spent her entire adult life using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
* The remarks prompted a sharp response from Jim Renacci, the 2018 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate who lost to then-Sen. Sherrod Brown. Writing on Facebook the following day, Renacci said Husted "needs to never do [another] interview."
* "I was poor. My parents had very little. We survived. I did well. He is waving a broad brush with stupid comments," Renacci wrote. "He should not have been appointed to the Senate. He spent his entire life trying to be Governor. He is now in the wrong world and his interviews prove it."
* Renacci added: "These interviews can only help Sherrod Brown."
This interview is part of a long trend of Senator Husted showing how out of touch he is with hardworking Ohioans and blaming them as they struggle with skyrocketing gas, utility, grocery, and health care costs:
* Husted has dismissed concerns from struggling Ohioans, claiming that he has helped lower grocery and gas prices and that affordability problems do not exist.
* Husted revealed he has no solutions to actually lower prices, suggesting that Ohioans should just " earn more " money to make ends meet.
* Husted insulted Ohioans working harder than ever, complaining that their " work ethic is broken."
* Husted defended his friends and donors, complaining about people saying "rich people [are] selfish" while attempting to justify his record of delivering tax breaks to the rich.
* Husted claimed the affordability crisis only exists in " blue states," dismissing the pain Ohio families are feeling every day.
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/the-girls-are-fighting-jon-husteds-out-of-touch-comments-spur-bipartisan-backlash/
PHILLY INQUIRER: Democrats Go on Offense on Health Care & Affordability "To Win Back Congress"
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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PHILLY INQUIRER: Democrats Go on Offense on Health Care & Affordability "To Win Back Congress"
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Philadelphia Inquirer : "Democrats will be telling voters that Republicans are to blame for problems with health care, now and in 2027"
After gutting access to health care, forcing premiums to skyrocket, and raising costs on everyday goods, the disastrous records of Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry are coming back to bite them.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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PHILLY INQUIRER: Democrats Go on Offense on Health Care & Affordability "To Win Back Congress"
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Philadelphia Inquirer : "Democrats will be telling voters that Republicans are to blame for problems with health care, now and in 2027"
After gutting access to health care, forcing premiums to skyrocket, and raising costs on everyday goods, the disastrous records of Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry are coming back to bite them.
The Philadelphia Inquirerreports that "as Democrats look to flip four key swing congressional districts in Pennsylvania, they're centering their message on healthcare and the cost of living" -and Republicans are struggling to defend their cost-spiking, care-cutting record.
Fitzpatrick, Mackenzie, Bresnahan, and Perry all declined to comment, because they know their record is indefensible.
Read more from the Inquirer for yourself:
Philadelphia Inquirer: How Democrats in four key Pa. districts plan to use Medicaid cuts to win back Congress
As the midterm elections approach, Democrats will be telling voters that Republicans are to blame for problems with health care, now and in 2027, when Medicaid cuts go into effect.
* As Democrats look to flip four key swing congressional districts in Pennsylvania, they're centering their message on healthcare and the cost of living.
* Part of that message will involve reminding voters that congressional Republicans approved $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid over 10 years to help pay for Trump's signature tax cuts, potentially eliminating health coverage for 300,000 Pennsylvanians, according to state estimates.
* The cuts to the popular entitlement program won't take effect until January 2027, two months after the midterm election... But Democrats want to make sure voters understand that pain postponed is still pain.
* Throughout the next nine months, party leaders say, Democrats will look to broaden Medicaid eligibility, cap drug costs, close gaps in rural healthcare, and fight for reproductive rights. They will also be pledging to address a spike in insurance premiums by restoring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, a COVID-era policy which expired at the end of last year.
* Mackenzie, who voted for Trump's signature law, has more than 17,500 people in his district who could lose Medicaid coverage.
* And across the four collar counties, a projected 40,000 people will be affected, including nearly 11,000 in U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick's district.
* Neither Fitzpatrick nor Mackenzie's campaigns responded to a request for comment on the upcoming Medicaid cuts.
* Spokespeople for Pennsylvania's two other swing-district Republicans, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan and Scott Perry, also did not comment. Bresnahan and Perry have nearly 22,000 and nearly 19,000 residents, respectively, in their districts at risk of losing coverage.
* Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under the new law already began in January for around 46,000 people in the state -many of them are likely residents who will also lose Medicaid.
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/philly-inquirer-democrats-go-on-offense-on-health-care-affordability-to-win-back-congress/
Mike Lawler's Campaign Paying Activist Who Ranted About "Jewish Organized Spending Spree" [Politico]
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Mike Lawler's Campaign Paying Activist Who Ranted About "Jewish Organized Spending Spree" [Politico]
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"Lawler's employment of Davis comes at an awkward moment for the swing seat Republican, a pro-Israel lawmaker considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents this election cycle."
New reporting from POLITICO reveals that vulnerable Republican Mike Lawler's campaign has quietly been paying a local political "full-time" activist nearly $20,000 - even as he pushed inflammatory
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Mike Lawler's Campaign Paying Activist Who Ranted About "Jewish Organized Spending Spree" [Politico]
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"Lawler's employment of Davis comes at an awkward moment for the swing seat Republican, a pro-Israel lawmaker considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents this election cycle."
New reporting from POLITICO reveals that vulnerable Republican Mike Lawler's campaign has quietly been paying a local political "full-time" activist nearly $20,000 - even as he pushed inflammatoryrhetoric attacking pro-Israel lawmakers and questioning the Holocaust.
Federal filings show that Darrell Davis has been paid $18,600 by Lawler's congressional campaign since June 2024. During that same period, Davis blasted Democrats for traveling to Israel and benefitting from what he called a " Jewish organized spending spree, " and even questioned why " only the white experience counts " when discussing the Holocaust.
REMINDER: Davis' advocacy group also came out in support of Lawler in October 2024 - while Davis was actively being paid by the campaign - when the New York Times exposed Lawler for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume.
Lawler has repeatedly failed to condemn antisemitism in his own backyard and has yet to explain why his campaign is paying an activist making these kinds of antisemitic comments.
DCCC Spokesperson Riya Vashi :
"Mike Lawler is willing to look the other way while someone on his own campaign payroll makes antisemitic comments. Lawler owes Hudson Valley voters an explanation for why his campaign is paying someone five figures after spreading this kind of dangerous rhetoric."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/%f0%9f%9a%a8new-mike-lawlers-campaign-paying-activist-who-ranted-about-jewish-organized-spending-spree-politico/
