MICHIGAN—US Rep. Tom Barrett says he’s keeping a $2,500 campaign contribution from an Ohio congressman who is accused of holding a gun to his ex-wife’s head, scalding her with hot water, and injuring their 2-year-old daughter—because, he said, he believes in “due process.”
“Obviously the challenges that Max Miller is going through are, you know, really devastating for their family, and it’s something sad to witness. I’m somebody that believes in due process,” Barrett told reporters this week in response to questions about the political contributions.
Barrett is up for re-election this year in one of the nation’s most competitive districts, facing off against Democrat William Lawrence in November. Campaign finance records show Barrett’s campaign received $2,500 from the Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC last year. That PAC is run by US Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), who is facing allegations of domestic abuse.
Barrett’s campaign didn’t respond to questions from The ‘Gander about the political contributions. He addressed them only this week, after reporters put the question to him during a scrum. His campaign has also reportedly dodged questions from the Detroit Metro Times.
Campaign finance records also show that John James, Michigan’s Republican nominee for governor, collected $4,000 from Miller’s PAC in total. James, who faces Democrat Jocelyn Benson in November, also didn’t respond to questions from The ‘Gander about the donations.
At least 15 other Republican members of Congress running in competitive races this year took money—more than $70,000 in total—from Miller’s PAC this election cycle, POLITICO reports.
Some lawmakers, like US Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) returned his $5,000. US Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) said his campaign will give the money to charity. Others have stayed quiet.
The allegations against Miller have shocked his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, alleges in court filings that Miller threw hot water from a pan onto her chest, held a gun to her head, pushed her against a wall, and injured their 2-year-old daughter.
Miller has denied all of it and the allegations have not been tested in court. The US House Ethics Committee has since opened an investigation on the matter—one that Miller requested.
“Barrett would rather keep his campaign coffers full than do the right thing,” Lawrence said in a statement issued from his campaign this week. “This gutter politics is exactly what people hate about politicians like Barrett and one of the many reasons mid-Michigan will fire him.”
READ MORE: William Lawrence is betting Michigan is ready for a fight
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