National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers Steven (Steve) Ernst StiversBusiness groups back pandemic insurance bill modeled on post-9/11 law National Retail Federation hosts virtual 'store tours' for lawmakers amid coronavirus Stronger patent rights would help promote US technological leadership MORE (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that it will continue to support Rep. Duncan Hunter Duncan HunterDCCC reserves new ad buys in competitive districts, adds new members to 'Red to Blue' program Wife of former Rep. Duncan Hunter sentenced to 8 months of home confinement Harris endorses Democrat in tight California House race MORE (R-Calif.) despite the congressman's recent indictment for allegedly misusing $250,000 in campaign funds.



Hunter and his wife pleaded not guilty to 60 counts against them, including charges that they falsified campaign finance reports and used campaign funds for personal reasons like trips to Italy and Hawaii, his family's dental work, and his children's tuition.

The Hunters also allegedly spent thousands of dollars spent on "fast food, movie tickets, golf outings, video games, coffee, groceries, home utilities, and expensive meals," according to the Department of Justice.



The Cook Political Report shifted its rating on Hunter's seat to "Lean Republican" from "Solid Republican" after the indictments.

While Democrats are hoping to pick up Hunter's seat, a recent poll conducted for the Union-Tribune by SurveyUSA showed the embattled Republican with an 8-point lead over his Democratic opponent, Ammar Campa-Najjar.



Hunter's legal team has questioned the timing of the investigation's conclusion, noting that the DOJ's more than two-year probe had wrapped up weeks after the June primary and ahead of the election in November.

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Under California law, Hunter's name cannot be taken off the ballot.



President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE blasted the Attorney General Jeff Sessions Jefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsGOP set to release controversial Biden report Trump's policies on refugees are as simple as ABCs Ocasio-Cortez, Velázquez call for convention to decide Puerto Rico status MORE and the DOJ in a tweet Monday that was widely seen as referring to the indictments for Hunter, as well as a separate case involving Rep. Chris Collins Christopher (Chris) Carl CollinsConspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention NY Republican Chris Jacobs wins special election to replace Chris Collins 5 things to watch in Tuesday's primaries MORE (R-N.Y), who is facing charges of insider trading.

“Two long running, Obama era investigations of two very popular Republican Congressman were brought to a well-publicized charge, just ahead of the Mid-Terms, by the Jeff Sessions Justice Department,” he tweeted on Monday. “Two easy wins now in doubt because there is not enough time. Good job Jeff.”

Two long running, Obama era, investigations of two very popular Republican Congressmen were brought to a well publicized charge, just ahead of the Mid-Terms, by the Jeff Sessions Justice Department. Two easy wins now in doubt because there is not enough time. Good job Jeff...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2018

Regarding Collins, Stivers noted has decided not to seek reelection, but said he is hopeful a GOP candidate will retain the seat in November.



"Well, as you know, Chris Collins has decided to not run again, and that was his decision," Stivers told The Hill. "In America, everybody's still innocent until proven guilty and you know the voters also get to make up their mind in November. So you know I think it they'll both work out one way or the other."