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Helsinki Summit Reaction in TX-04 Congressional race

Monday’s press conference following the Helsinki Summit sparked some reaction in Texas’ 4th US Congressional District. 

Incumbent Republican John Ratcliffe said in a statement that he sees no evidence of Russian influence in the 2016 election, but that sides with the US intelligence community that the Russians did try.

District 4 challenger Catherine Krantz, a Democrat, called the press conference between Presidents Trump and Putin "nothing short of astonishing,”adding that "the lack of official rebuke from our elected GOP leadership is very disappointing.”

John Ratcliffe, Republican (Incumbent)

“I’ve seen no evidence to indicate that the Russian government influenced the outcome of the 2016 election or colluded with any American to do so. However, I agree with our nation’s intelligence agencies—and my informed belief remains—that Russia did attempt to interfere in our election, and I disagree with any assertion to the contrary.

Catherine Krantz, Democrat (Challenger)

“Yesterday’s press conference with our president and Vladimir Putin was nothing short of astonishing. The lack of official rebuke from our elected GOP leadership is very disappointing.  The only GOP Congressmen willing to stand up for our country and our intelligence community are the ones who are retiring. They are clearly putting their political and career aspirations before all else. To see such a lack of integrity from our elected GOP leadership gives me grave concerns.  We deserve elected officials we can trust to act with integrity and honestly, not to mention logic and common sense.  Our congressman, John Ratcliffe, has proudly led the charge to discredit at all costs our own intelligence community, to call into question an entire investigation, to distract and deflect any criticisms of this administration.  And for what gain? We can only wonder.  We deserve better than a GOP Congressman that puts party preservation and president-pleasing over the obvious best interests of our country.  We need to send a clear message in November, we deserve better."

Scott Morgan has been an award-winning journalist since 2001. His work has appeared in several newspapers and magazines as well as online. He has also been an editor, freelancer, speaker, writing teacher, author, and podcaster.