The FBI has confirmed for the New York Times that it is now investigating the actions of the former Treasurer of the National Republican Congressional Committee--who was appointed to that post by Western New York Congressman Tom Reynolds.Now those who seek to unseat Reynolds in Congress are making political hay of that fact.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (RNCC) is the chief fundraising arm for House Republicans.
Christopher Ward, who had been on the RNCC staff for ten years before Reynolds became Committee Chair, was promoted to treasurer by Reynolds in 2003. There are now allegations that while Treasurer, Ward lied about having performed audits of the committee’s finances. Further, that the audits Ward claimed to have performed were faked and that during his tenure hundreds of thousands of dollars may possibly have been stolen.Ward, who left his position back in August, has not been charged with any crime.
Reynolds was unavailable to speak with 2 On Your Side according to a spokesperson who sent us a statement from the Congressman which reads in part: "It was my understanding throughout my tenure as NRCC Chairman audits were performed on a regular basis. At no point in time were any red flags raised....I fully support this investigation in an attempt to uncover the truth."
But Democrats hoping to unseat Reynolds insist he too should be held accountable, especially amid revelations that the RNCC may not have had had any outside auditing of its books during the four years Reynolds headed the organization.
"Either Mr. Reynolds was asleep at the switch, or he used incredibly bad judgment," said Alice Kryzan, who hopes to emerge as the Democratic candidate who will oppose Reynolds in November.
The Campaign Manager for Jonathan Powers, who also seeks to be the Democratic Nominee in the 26th district, reacted similarly.
"It's just another sign of Tom Reynolds' poor leadership, or lack of leadership, the fact that there wasn’t an audit done at the NRCC the entire time Tom was there."
"He's passing the buck just like he did with the Mark Foley scandal," said Jack Davis, who is still contemplating whether to throw his hat in the ring and challenge Reynolds for a third consecutive time. "He was the Chairman, he was the boss, and he's responsible for everything that happened," Davis said.
Asked if it was fair to criticize Reynolds for what could have been the sole misdeeds of an underling about which he had no knowledge, Kryzan replied, "it's clear this happened under Mr.Reynolds' watch."
