NRCC: Let’s Not “Rush to Judgment”

As Josh noted, the National Republican Congressional Committee has released a statement to CNN about the $15,000 in contributions it got from Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari, the man indicted last week for financing terrorists in Afghanistan:

“We are extremely concerned and disturbed by these charges but we need to be careful not to rush to judgment as the judicial process moves forward. If the individual in question is actually found guilty of a crime, it is our intent to donate the money to charity.”

Just because you’re the subject of a federal indictment, in other words, doesn’t mean your money’s not good enough for the NRCC. That’s no surprise from the group that has refused to return the money contributed by ex-Reps. Mark Foley (R-FL) and Bob Ney (R-OH).

Lax though that may seem, it’s a more serious response than the NRCC’s reaction to the last member of their Business Advisory Council to be indicted for terrorist related charges, Yasith Chhun, the head of the Cambodian Freedom Fighters. Then, NRCC spokesman Carl Forti, after cautioning that Chhun “hasn’t been convicted of anything” would only say that his case was “something we need to look at,” adding that they “wouldn’t want any leader of a terrorist organization being members of our business advisory council.” He was silent on the question of Chhun’s contributions.

Now, Chhun is up for trial next month, so the NRCC should get their answer pretty soon.