Aide denies GOP charge that Rangel contribution influenced Braley

The National Republican Congressional Committee is calling on 1

^st

District U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley to return campaign contributions from Rep. Charlie Rangel, who recently was admonished by the House Ethics Committee.

Braley, who accepted $7,000 in campaign funds from Rangel, has twice voted to let Rangel off the hook, the NRCC said.

“Braley is tied to this scandal whether he likes it or not,” the NRCC said. “Will Braley try to salvage what's left of his political career and finally abandon Rangel and his campaign money?”

But Braley's staff disputes the point, noting the second-term Democrat from Waterloo has gone head-to-head with Rangel on issues affecting the 1

“Campaign contributions have no bearing on how Rep. Braley votes and represents the people of Iowa's First District,” a spokeswoman said. “Since being elected, Rep. Braley has not received a single contribution from former Chairman Rangel. He is focused on creating jobs and strengthening Iowa's middle class families, not campaign contributions he received four years ago.”

^st

District. Last summer, Braley prevailed on ending geographic disparities in Medicare reimbursement. His provision was included in the House-passed health-care bill.