Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is campaigning in a runoff against Democrat Mike Espy on Nov. 27. | AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Elections Walmart seeks refund from Hyde-Smith after 'public hanging' comment Several other companies have asked the Republican senator for their campaign contributions back.

Walmart wants its money back from Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

The retail behemoth asked Hyde-Smith to return its campaign contribution after the Mississippi Republican praised a supporter by saying, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row." Hyde-Smith said the statement was made in jest and denied any racial connotation.


Walmart responded to a tweet from actress Debra Messing pointing out that the company had donated to Hyde-Smith. "Completely understand your concern," Walmart tweeted from its official company account. "Sen. Hyde Smith's recent comments clearly do not reflect the values of our company and associates. As a result, we are withdrawing our support and requesting a refund of all campaign donations." The company gave $2,000 to the senator.

Walmart is the latest of several major companies to request refunds from Hyde-Smith's campaign following the controversy over her remarks. She has not apologized for the "public hanging" comment, which she called an "exaggerated expression of regard."

Hyde-Smith is campaigning in a runoff against Democrat Mike Espy on Nov. 27. A spokesman for her campaign declined to comment.

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Railroad giant Union Pacific and Boston Scientific, a medical device manufacturer, also asked for their campaign donations to be returned. Both companies sent out dozens of replies on Twitter to users who were criticizing them for the donations.

"Union Pacific in no way, shape or form condones or supports divisive or perceived to be divisive statements," the company tweeted. "Our contribution was mailed prior to Hyde-Smith's statement being made public. Union Pacific has requested a refund of our contribution."

"We were not aware of Senator Hyde-Smith’s remarks when this contribution was made on November 8, and we have requested a refund," Boston Scientific tweeted. "We reject the Senator’s statements, which are not aligned with our company’s core values."

