NRCC Calls on DCCC to Face Accountability on Whether It Used Stolen Military Records

NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson released the following statement after a bombshell Politico report revealed that a Democratic research firm employed by the DCCC inappropriately obtained the military personnel files of Reps. Don Bacon and Zach Nunn by using a stolen Social Security Number in at least one instance. The Air Force said eleven people’s records were disclosed without approval – “virtually all” to the same research firm employed by the DCCC.

“This systematic weaponization of Republican candidates’ military service against them is beyond disgusting. It is time for the DCCC to stop hiding and face accountability for their actions. The Department of Justice must immediately begin investigations into this matter and if the DCCC violated the law, they should face prosecution.” -NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson

This reporting follows on the heels of revelations that Republican candidate Jennifer-Ruth Green’s military records were also improperly released, outing her as a victim of sexual assault in a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated with her opponent, Rep. Frank Mrvan.

According to the Politico report: 

“The Feb. 7 letter Bacon received from the Air Force names Abraham Payton of the research firm Due Diligence LLC as the person who ‘inappropriately requested copies of your military personnel records for the stated purpose of employment and benefits,’ adding that Payton was already in possession of Bacon’s Social Security number… 

“DCCC did not return a request for comment on whether it received and used materials provided by Due Diligence Group during the 2022 midterms. According to Federal Election Commission records, the House Democratic campaign arm paid Due Diligence just over $110,000 between January 2021 and December 2022….

“Bacon said Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall first told him that an internal probe revealed 11 people’s records were disclosed and that the Air Force would send the results of its inquiry to the Justice Department — while offering no further information on whether a formal DOJ investigation would result. The GOP lawmaker called for a probe of the role played by a Democratic-linked firm that the Air Force told him ‘inappropriately requested’ his personnel records.

“The DOJ declined to comment. Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said ‘virtually all’ of the 11 unapproved releases were made to the same third party ‘who represented himself as a background investigator seeking service records for employment purposes.'”

Read the full Politico report here.