Indicted GOP Rep Reverses, Will Seek Reelection

The Buffalo News reports:

Rep. Chris Collins will stay on the congressional ballot in November even though he remains under indictment on insider trading charges, according to four sources familiar with the situation.

The sources, who asked not to be identified, say Collins has heeded the advice of his criminal attorneys who fear the potential complications of protracted election law challenges almost sure to be initiated by Democrats if he removed his name from the congressional ballot.

Collins’ decision brought cheers Monday when it was announced at a rally for his Democratic opponent, Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray.

The New York Times reports:

Last month, Mr. Collins had said he would “fill out the remaining few months” of his term but that it was in the “best interest of the constituents” of the 27th Congressional District for him to suspend his re-election campaign.

As it happens, Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was in Mr. Collins’s district on Monday, campaigning for Nate McMurray, the Democratic challenger. “The choices couldn’t be more stark,” Mr. Perez said. “But as much as anything, integrity is on the ballot.”

Rep. Chris Collins, who was indicted on insider trading charges last month, reversed course and planned to announce he would stay on the ballot to seek another term, according to 2 Republicans familiar with his plans https://t.co/ZdmRyMwzgF

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 17, 2018