Amid calls to return campaign dollars from the political action committee of embattled Congressman Chris Collins, Sixth District Rep. Andy Barr says he’s planning to donate $3,000 to a veterans’ charity.
Last week, progressive PAC American Bridge urged Barr to return an alleged $3,000 contribution from the PAC of New York Republican Rep. Chris Collins, who has been indicted on charges related to insider trading. Collins suspended his re-election campaign on Saturday.
Asked about calls to return the funds, Barr told WUKY he’s going to donate the money.
"Of course we respect our system of innocence until proven guilty... but our intention is, in light of these developments, to donate $3,000 to a veterans' charity," Barr said. "We have not yet determined what charity, but we are moving toward that goal."
Federal prosecutors charged Collins and two others with conspiracy, wire fraud, and other charges. The congressman has denied any wrongdoing.
Barr is running for re-election against Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired marine fighter pilot, in a closely-watched 2018 congressional race.
