Republican Sen. Chris West is facing criticism from conservatives after acknowledging that he donated $1,000 to Democrat Joseline Peña-Melnyk’s 2016 congressional campaign.
Peña-Melnyk is now Speaker of the Maryland House, where Democrats in Annapolis have supported renewed redistricting efforts that critics say could threaten Rep. Andy Harris’ seat — the only Republican-held congressional seat in Maryland.
For some GOP voters, the controversy raises questions about West’s political judgment and whether Republican elected officials should financially support Democratic candidates who may later advance policies opposed by the Republican Party.
The issue, critics argue, is not only about one campaign donation. It is about whether Republicans are helping elevate Democrats who could later use their power to weaken Republican representation in Maryland.
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