Give It Back, Paul

As Paul Hodes’ Congressional Benefactor Charlie Rangel Heads To An Ethics Trial, Ayotte Camp Calls On Hodes To Join Shea-Porter And Return Dirty Money

MANCHESTER, NH – Coming on the heels of news reports revealing that Paul Hodes’ campaign may be violating state election laws, Hodes’ Congressional benefactor Charlie Rangel has been charged with congressional ethics violations.

With Hodes having received at least $17,000 in campaign contributions from the ethically challenged Rangel, Ayotte for Senate today once again called on Paul Hodes to return Rangel’s tainted donations. In doing so, the campaign noted that his colleague Carol Shea-Porter has already refunded contributions from Rangel.

Communications Director Jeff Grappone released the following statement:

“Paul Hodes’ campaign is shrouded in ethics scandals. Hodes knows he’ll lose to Kelly Ayotte in the general election, so he ordered up a batch of potentially illegal phone calls and is running false attack ads to try and defeat her in a Republican primary. Rather than take responsibility for the calls, his campaign is avoiding accountability by stonewalling inquiries on the calls.

“Hodes’ ethics problems come as no surprise, given that his long-time backer Charlie Rangel was smacked down by a House ethics panel this week. Hodes has stood by his man Rangel throughout the embattled congressman’s long investigation, steadfastly refusing to give back Rangel’s tainted contributions. Even Carol Shea-Porter has given the money back.

“Paul Hodes is running the most vicious, negative campaign in recent New Hampshire history. He’s received thousands in contributions from one of Congress’ shadiest members. If Paul Hodes has any shred of integrity left, which we acknowledge is doubtful, he should join Democrats from across the country and return Charlie Rangel’s dirty money.”