Rep. Chris Collins, fighting prosecution, seeks to end reelection bid

[DonViejo]

By KYLE CHENEY and JIMMY VIELKIND 08/11/2018 10:07 AM EDT

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), who was charged this week as part of an insider trading scheme, is suspending his re-election campaign and will attempt to remove his name from the ballot.

The third-term congressman announced the decision Saturday morning on Twitter, just days after he vowed to clear his name and remain on the ballot.

Collins is facing multiple counts of securities fraud, as well as charges of wire fraud and lying to investigators. His son and another associate were charged in the scheme as well.

Federal prosecutors allege Collins — who sits on the board of an Australian pharmaceutical company — shared non-public details about the failure of a multiple sclerosis drug in clinical trials. Using that information, Collins’ family members were able to sell off shares and avoid more than $760,000 in losses, prosecutors say.

Collins, the first member of congress to endorse President Donald Trump in 2016, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

more
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/11/chris-collins-reelection-bid-insider-trading-773514

[Fla Dem]

1. Payback is a bitch. Another one bites the dust.

My God, what a bunch of gangsters the Republican party has become. We have to hold our Democratic legislators, at every level, from city council member to Senator to a higher standard. No corruption, no sexploits, no under the table money, total transparency.

We'll show them who's draining the swamp which has gotten exponentially larger un Trump.

[PearliePoo2]

2. Oh happy day! So just for kicks, I took a little look at his Twitter feed and oh my...

He is getting his ASS KICKED from here to Tuesday!

It's absolutely brutal! They're ripping him to shreds and itsy-bitsy pieces!

K&R

[DonViejo]

4. Have a link you can share with us?

[PearliePoo2]

5. Certainly!

Here is his Twitter page. Just click on the post at the top that has his "Statement", scroll down, read and enjoy!

https://twitter.com/repchriscollins?lang=en

[GoCubsGo]

3. Womp, womp!

[GeorgeGist]

6. So glad he got my message.

[monmouth4]

7. Amazing what a little chat with your attorney, who you are paying a bundle, will change your mind..