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Meehan Contributes to Pennsylvania Republicans Following Harassment News

State party says it will use funds from disgraced former congressman to recruit women candidates

Former Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., contributed to a number of Republican groups in Pennsylvania. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Former Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., contributed to a number of Republican groups in Pennsylvania. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Disgraced former Rep. Pat Meehan donated funds to a number of Republican groups in Pennsylvania after revelations he settled a sexual harassment claim against him.

Meehan announced he would not seek re-election in January after the New York Times revealed he used taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment claim against him by a former staffer.

Last month Meehan resigned from Congress and said he would repay the $39,000 that was used to settle the claim.

Federal Election Commission documents show that in the months between his announcement in January and the end of the most recent filing quarter, Meehan made multiple contributions to Republican groups.

In February, Meehan gave $1,000 to the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and $2,000 to the Pennsylvania Young Republicans. He also contributed $3,000 to the Delaware County Republican Party.

The following month, Meehan contributed $500 to the Montgomery County Young Republicans.

Meehan could not be reached for comment on his contributions.

Jason Gottesman, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Republican Party, said the party will use Meehan’s contribution “in our efforts to educate, recruit, and elect Republican women interested in holding public office.”

“This includes bolstering our Anstine Series, which aims to provide Republican women with the background, skill set and network to assume decision-making positions at all levels of government, in the community and in the party structure,” he said.

The special election to replace Meehan will be held on Nov. 6.

Meehan is not the only former member of Congress who resigned in disgrace to contribute to campaigns.

Fellow Former Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphygave to local Republican party groups to help with the special election to fill his seat, which ultimately went to Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb.

Murphy resigned last year after it was revealed the anti-abortion Republican pressured his mistress into getting an abortion during a pregnancy scare.

In Arizona, former Rep. Trent Franks resigned last year after it was revealed he asked female staffers to act as a surrogate mother.

His leadership PAC called Defending America’s Future contributed $4,000 to Steve Montenegro, who was running for the Republican nomination to succeed him and whom Franks endorsed.

Watch: There’s Been a Dramatic Rise in Female Campaign Donors This Cycle

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