Dold Calls on Seals to Return Tainted Rangel Contribution

Tenth District Congressional candidate Robert Dold called on opponent Dan Seals today to return his $41,217 contribution from the Rangel Victory Fund. Yesterday it was disclosed and widely reported that the House Ethics Committee will charge New York Representative Charles Rangel with multiple ethics violations. Rep. Rangel is among Seals's largest contributors. In March 2010, after the House began its initial probe into Rangel's alleged ethics violations, Seals gave $14,000 in contributions from Rangel to charity. Despite Dold's urging, Seals has thus far refused to return the full $55,217 he has received from Rangel during his six-year run for the 10th District Congressional seat.

On August 20, 2008, Seals received $41,217 from the Rangel Victory Fund. "Dan Seals should know that the right thing to do is to return the tainted Rangel money," said Dold. "Illinois voters have had enough of unethical politicians."

The following are Rangel's known contributions to Dan Seals:
9/30/06: $2,000 from Rangel for Congress
9/30/06: $5,000 from Rangel's "National Leadership PAC"
4/30/08: $2,000 from Rangel for Congress
4/30/08: $5,000 from Rangel's "National Leadership PAC"
8/20/08: $41,217.45 from Rangel Victory Fund

Total Contributions: $55,217.45

The House Ethics Committee will reveal the specific charges next Thursday at a public meeting. Dold called on Seals to return Rangel's contributions before then.