Audio Shows RFK Jr. Urged Iowa Libertarian Candidates to Drop House Bid: Report
An audio recording shows Kennedy pressed Rick Stewart to exit the race as Republicans sought to protect their House majority.
- On June 11, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged candidate Rick Stewart to withdraw from the Iowa 2nd Congressional District race, warning a Democratic House takeover would derail President Donald Trump's agenda.
- Kennedy made a similar unrecorded appeal to Libertarian Marco Battaglia in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District on June 8, warning that the House could flip to Democrats if Battaglia stayed in the race.
- Stewart interpreted the call as an attempt at quid pro quo, noting, "He was very careful about the words that he used, but the whole implication is: You help us, we'll help you."
- Government ethics experts warned the recorded conversation may violate federal law, though the White House and Department of Health and Human Services did not answer questions regarding whether the calls were cleared by lawyers.
- Republicans hold a slim congressional majority, and the White House is wary that a Democratic-controlled House could subpoena Kennedy over his health policy changes, with Kennedy stating, "I don't want to be fighting subpoenas.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Audio: RFK Jr. urges Libertarian candidate to drop out race to help GOP keep House
OutFront obtains audio of US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging a Libertarian congressional candidate in Iowa to drop out of the race to improve Republicans’ chances of winning - and keep control of the House. Rick Stewart, who had no prior relationship with RFK Jr., tells Erin Burnett it’s “ludicrous” a Trump cabinet official would make such an offer.
Republicans target Iowa Libertarian candidates, urging them to drop out of congressional races
With Republicans trying to hold onto a narrow majority in the U.S. House, Libertarian candidates have become a target for Republicans hoping to avoid another close election.
RFK Jr. Offers Bribe For Iowa Politician To Drop Out
You know things are going badly for Republicans in Iowa when Republicans are already offering bribes to get Libertarians out of races expected to be close. And if this is any indication, Iowa's 2nd and 3rd districts look to be swinging in Democrats' favor. Source: Des Moines Register Rick Stewart, a Libertarian who is running for Congress in northeast Iowa's 2nd District, said he received a call from Kennedy on June 11 and provided a screenshot…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
