CEO DATELINE - Associations pressured to end support for Rep. Steve King
CEO DATELINE - Associations pressured to end support for Rep. Steve King
- November 1, 2018 |
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Walt Williams
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At least one trade association said it will no longer support Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) following public calls for businesses and business groups to cut ties to the controversial congressman.
NCTA—The Internet & Television Association told BuzzFeed News on Wednesday that it would no longer back King. NCTA is one of more than a dozen associations and businesses whose political action committees have contributed to King's reelection campaign, according to the news site. The association was the only organization to explicitly withdraw its support when contacted by BuzzFeed.
"As an organization and industry that highly values diversity and inclusion, we denounce the congressman's comments and no longer support his campaign," NCTA spokesman Brian Dietz told BuzzFeed.
In media appearances, King has echoed white nationalist talking points and endorsed far-right politicians running for office in other countries. Both Jewish leaders and many political observers called on businesses and associations to stop contributing to King's campaign following Saturday's mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 people dead. The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Wednesday it would no longer support King's campaign.
Land O'Lakes, Intel and Puria are among the businesses that have cut ties to King. BuzzFeed noted the National Association of Home Builders and American Bankers Association have also contributed to the congressman's campaign, but neither have indicated they would drop their support for King.
"Our contribution to Rep. King was given before these developments," NAHB spokesman Paul Lopez told the news site. "Since then, we have started a review process in which we are still in the middle of. So we cannot comment any further at this time."
ABA did not respond to BuzzFeed's request to comment. http://bit.ly/2SF4QTI
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