Manchester, NH—Ovide Lamontagne, candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, today issued the following statement concerning the refusal of Congressman Paul Hodes (D-NH) to return at least $17,000 in campaign contributions received from Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY), after Rangel blatantly and repeatedly violated House ethics rules.
“It is past time for Paul Hodes to do the right thing and return Charlie Rangel’s dirty money. While other Democrats have correctly returned Rangel’s money, Mr. Hodes refuses to part with it. It is hypocritical for Hodes to advise Rangel to relinquish his leadership post, while keeping upwards of $20,000 in contributions that Rangel supplied him with. Its no wonder that Americans have lost faith in Washington insiders like Paul Hodes. Granite Staters deserve honest and transparent leadership from elected officials in both parties. There is no excuse for this type of behavior. I call on Mr. Hodes to join with his colleagues in returning these tarnished funds. Keeping the money is as good as endorsing such unethical conduct.”
