Max Miller Will Pour $1 Million Into His Reelection Bid Despite Growing Calls To Drop Out

Topline

Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, is set to pour $1 million into his re-election campaign, the Wall Street Journal reported, while rejecting growing calls from other GOP lawmakers to drop out and resign from Congress amid domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife.

Key Facts

Miller told the Journal that he plans to lend $1 million to his campaign in two installments of $500,000 and added that he was “invested in this election in every way” and would pour all the resources needed to win.

The report notes that the loan to his own campaign will give Miller a financial edge over Democratic rival Brook Park city councilman Brian Poindexter in the race for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District.

The large lending and doubling down on his campaign comes despite a growing number of GOP lawmakers, including Sen. John Husted, R-Ohio—who is also up for reelection during the midterms—calling for him to resign and end his reelection bid.

Miller rejected concerns about his electability and told the Journal he’s in this for the “long haul.”

How Has The Controversy Impacted Miller’s Polling Numbers?

Earlier on Thursday, a new co/efficient poll—with a survey conducted this week—was released for the district. The numbers showed that Miller was now 14 points behind his Democratic rival, sinking from 5 points down in late July. The polling report notes that the decline in Miller’s polling numbers is linked to an increase in awareness of his ex-wife's domestic violence accusation—which rose from 53% to 86% in the past week. The poll also noted that among Republican voters, 38% rate him as unfavorable compared to 30% favorable.

What Has Miller’s Opponent Said About His Controversy?

While Miller faces growing calls to exit the race, his opponent Brian Poindexter has refused to focus his campaign on Miller’s domestic abuse allegations. Earlier this week, Poindexter told Politico that his campaign is focused on “working families” rather than “running against Max Miller.” On the allegations themselves, the Democratic candidate said, “Obviously the allegations against Max Miller are very credible and very outrageous…If they prove to be true, he should be in jail.”

key background

Miller has been accused of physical and verbal abuse by his ex-wife Emily Moreno. According to court filings, Moreno alleged that Miller had previously thrown hot water at her and held a gun to her head. In the filings, the congressman’s ex-wife also mentioned a February incident that left their infant daughter with a broken collarbone. Miller has all;eged his ex-wife has struggled with mental health issues and her allegations against him are meant to aid in a custody battle for their two-year-old daughter. Moreno is the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who last week called for Miller’s resignation and described him as a “danger to my daughter” who needs “serious psychological help.”

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