Senator dismisses Gaetz allegations: No one should be 'disqualified' over a 'media report'
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) doesn't appear particularly concerned about the cloud of scandal hovering over former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Donald Trump's pick for attorney general.
When CNN congressional correspondent Manu Raju caught up with him on Tuesday and asked him if he had reservations about the nominee given the allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct with a high school student, Graham replied, "Nobody should be disqualified because of a media report."
The allegations were investigated in a bipartisan report from the House Ethics Committee, which has not been released to the general public — yet. The report also explored claims that Gaetz engaged in illicit drug use and accepted improper gifts.
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Gaetz, who resigned shortly after Trump named him as the attorney general nominee, denied all accusations and said they were a setup to extort money from him.
The FBI convicted an individual in a $25 million extortion scheme related to the allegations. While Gaetz was never charged in the FBI's separate investigation, an associate of his pleaded guilty.
While Graham appeared unbothered by the allegations, some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who has said he wants the Ethics Committee report handed over.
The Ethics Committee was supposed to vote on whether to release the report last Friday, but that vote was canceled at the last minute. Another vote is scheduled for Wednesday.
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