Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) expressed support for Rep. Max Miller’s (R-OH) reelection campaign amid allegations of domestic violence and child abuse.
Miller was accused by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, of throwing hot water from a skillet at her body, scalding her, holding a gun to her head, pushing her against a wall, and fracturing their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone, according to the New York Times. McClain, who is the fourth-highest-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, said she hopes that the allegations “are not true.”
“Divorces are ugly, and I’m glad I’m not in his shoes right now,” McClain said on Face the Nation. “I support anybody with an ‘R’ behind their name.”
Emily Moreno is the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), who has called for Miller’s resignation. Miller said in August that Emily Moreno was diagnosed with a mental illness.
McClain said she’s focusing on keeping crime down and maintaining border security and believes Miller has been a “good advocate” for his constituents in reaching those goals.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got to let the process play out,” McClain said. “I’m focused on winning the House back, taking the House back, keeping the House, because we are the only party actually putting more money in your pockets.”
McClain dodged a question about how she, as the highest-ranking GOP woman in the House, came to terms with supporting Miller despite some other Republicans calling for his resignation.
“At the end of the day, he’s our nominee right now,” McClain said.
House
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has also publicly announced support for Miller. As lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill after a monthslong recess, Miller ignored questions on his reelection campaign in light of the accusations.
MAX MILLER SIDESTEPS REELECTION QUESTIONS IN RETURN TO CAPITOL HILL
In an effort to defend himself against Emily Moreno’s claims, Miller released multiple files. A nude photo of their young daughter was included, resulting in Emily Moreno filing a lawsuit alleging Miller “recklessly and intentionally” released the image.
The Cook Political Report, the organization, had changed its rating for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District from “likely red” to “toss-up, ” sparked by the new data after the allegations arose.