McKay to Whitehouse: Return Campaign Contributions from Russian Lobbyist
Whitehouse, who has accused Republicans of enabling Russia, took campaign donations from Roberti, a top lobbyist for the Nord Stream Pipeline 2 AG, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of Russian oil giant Gazprom.
"Sheldon Whitehouse is a hypocrite. He talks tough about Russia, but behind the scenes he cozied up with the Nord Stream lobbyist. I call upon my opponent to return all campaign donations he received from Vincent Roberti," said Ray McKay.
Sheldon Whitehouse is a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He accepted $12,000 in past and recent donations from Vincent Roberti, Sr., according to FEC filings. The most recent $2,900 in earmarked contributions was made to Whitehouse by Roberti, who listed his occupation as chairman of Roberti Global, the company contracted since July 2017 to lobby for Nord Stream 2 AG.
According to the campaign finance research group Open Secrets, Roberti Global received $2.42 million in 2021 and another $1.63 million in 2022 from Russian oil giant OAO Gazprom to lobby on behalf of its subsidiary, Nord Stream 2 AG.
Politico reported Roberti Global severed ties with Nord Stream 2 AG in early 2022 following American economic sanctions against Russia for its escalated aggression in Ukraine. Yet Whitehouse reported another earmarked contribution of $1,000 from Roberti a year later, in early 2023.
Vincent Roberti, Sr. is one of the Democratic Party’s biggest supporters, donating to the Democratic National Committee, Senatorial and Congressional Campaign Committees, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D CA), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D NY).
Voters seeking more information about Raymond McKay and his platform should visit www.mckayforsenate.com.
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