State representatives in the House Republican Caucus are calling on a Republican colleague to return money from the House Democratic leadership. They said Rep. Kent Williams, a Republican serving his first term in the legislature, has taken a $250 campaign donation from Rep. John Litz, the assistant majority leader for the House Democratic Caucus.
"This is an outrage," said Rep. Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville). "It is a slap in the face to his colleagues in the House Republican Caucus. By accepting this money from a leader in the House Democratic Caucus, it seems that Rep. Williams is saying that he is okay with the Democrats killing common-sense proposals like SJR 127 and legislation that protects our Second Amendment rights."
Rep. Chris Crider (R-Milan) cited Rep. Williams' vote in January of 2007 for House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, adding that this vote, coupled with the monetary donation from a member of the House Democratic Caucus, "shows where he stands on the issues."
"You can't claim to be pro-life and pro-Second Amendment, and then support and take money from those who repeatedly stop legislation that supports those values," said Rep. Mike Bell (R-Riceville).
All candidates are required to file campaign financial disclosure reports periodically, which are public record. All donations above $100 must be reported. Rep. Frank Nicely (R-Strawberry Plains) said that after the most recent filing deadline on July 10, the donation to Rep. Williams showed up on his disclosure statement.
Rep. Swafford concluded, "I think we know where Kent Williams' intentions and loyalties lie. They are certainly not on the side of conservative values."