The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) took aim at U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., on Wednesday, running a new online ad hitting the former Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairwoman on ethics.
The new ad bashes Wasserman Schultz for retaining IT staffer Imran Awan on her staff after he was fired by other members of Congress who accused him of data and computer theft. In April, after a police chase--which is referenced in the new ad--police arrested Awan on charges of bank theft. Wasserman Schultz defended keeping Awan on her team earlier this month.
“Scandals, lies and corruption define Debbie Wasserman Schultz’ entire congressional career,” said Matt Gorman, a spokesman for the NRCC, on Wednesday. “As usual, instead of taking responsibility, she made an abundance of excuses and doubled down. As long as Florida has Debbie Wasserman Schultz, they’ll have to deal with the scandals that follow her around.”
Republicans could have a hard time in knocking off Wasserman Schultz in her solidly Democratic South Florida district.
So far, three Republicans--activist Joe Kaufman, nurse Carla Spalding and attorney Carlos Reyes--have lined up to take on Wasserman Schultz in 2018. Last time out, Wasserman Schultz had no problem beating Kaufman, besting him 57 percent to 41 percent.
Spalding ran for Congress further north with no party affiliation and took 3 percent as Republican Brian Mast won an open congressional seat last year.
Wasserman Schultz is expected to face a primary fight next year. Despite having the support of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., attorney and professor Tim Canova came up short against Wasserman Schultz in the Democratic primary as she won with 57 percent to her challenger’s 43 percent. Canova has filed to challenge her again in 2018.
