Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) struggled against CNN host Dana Bash on Thursday when she questioned him about accepting money from a Republican candidate accused of abusing his wife and daughter.
"This is the typical Washington game where, when something comes up, you have to return the money," Lawler complained about Max Miller, who donated $10,000 to Lawler's campaign.
The lawmaker said he wasn't returning the money because the allegations haven't been "proven." Several Republicans have come forward to say that Miller has a history of violence, including a former staffer in President Donald Trump's first administration.
Lawler wouldn't say whether or not he stood by Miller; he only compared the alleged abuse of a wife and child to his opponent, who took money from former Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-N.Y.).
Bash noted that Lawler sounded like he and Miller talk a lot privately.
"I'm not going to get into that," Lawler replied.
"It sounds like you're saying that you're not returning the donations because you believe him," Bash said.
Lawler sat silent for a few seconds of dead air. He then repeated the line being used by President Donald Trump about Miller's divorce.
"Look, this is a private family matter that unfortunately has spilled out into the public," said Lawler. "It should be adjudicated in family court. Max has been accused. Max has also made accusations against his ex-wife. It is tragic. And obviously I don't condone any level of abuse. But ultimately, there's been nothing that has been corroborated here, which is part of the reason why Max is continuing to run for reelection."
Bash said that Lawler has received only $10,000 from Miller, amid multi-million-dollar expenditures by political organizations.
Lawler pivoted to talk about the old governor again.
"I'm talking about this right now," Bash jumped in, "that your colleague has given you from his campaign. Can you just explain, politically speaking, why you shouldn't just give it back?"
She noted that he has $4.8 million cash on hand and it was nothing more than a $10,000 donation.
"Is it — is it the principle? Because he's your friend and you believe him? I'm just trying to get to the bottom of why," Bash said.
"Yeah. Dana," Lawler said, trying to talk over her. "Dana, do you have information that proves the allegation? I mean, are you aware of something that the rest of us are not? No. Absolutely not. So he denies it."
Bash cited fellow Republicans, including Miller's ex-father-in-law, a former U.S. senator, who has also come forward against Miller.
"I understand it's a tragic family situation that has spiraled into the public," Lawler said, repeating that he hasn't heard that the accusations have been verified.
