HAWAII GOP CALLS ON SCHATZ TO RETURN MONEY

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

[Honolulu] – The Republican Party of Hawaii is calling on Senator Brian Schatz to return the campaign donations he received from fellow Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), or to explain why he has thus far refused to return the money.

Menendez has been indicted on multiple counts of felony bribery and corruption, allegedly receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in return for political favors, and is currently on trial in a New Jersey federal courtroom.  If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

Schatz is one of a handful of Democrat lawmakers who have received generous campaign donations from Menendez, and to date has received $2,500.  Schatz has thus far refused to return the money or to address the issue of forcing Menendez to resign.

“In refusing to address the issues of whether a sitting U.S. Senator accused of numerous felonies should be forced to resign, Brian Schatz has sent a clear message that he places partisan politics over responsibility and accountability,” said Shirlene Ostrov, chairman of the Hawaii GOP.

“And in refusing to return the donations given to him by Senator Menendez, Brian Schatz is sending another clear message that he lacks integrity, character and courage.  If Schatz is willing to fund his next campaign with dirty money then he is not worthy of the title, ‘Senator.’”

The Republican Party of Hawaii demands that Brian Schatz explain 1) why he has thus far refused to return the donations from Menendez, and 2) why he has not forcefully come out against Menendez and called for his resignation.

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