Lance uses Brennan to slap Malinowski

Rep. Leonard Lance is using Katie Brennan as a political football in his bid for re-election in New Jersey’s 7th district, calling on Democrat Tom Malinowski to get tougher with Gov. Phil Murphy and call for an independent investigation of Brennan’s allegation that Albert Alvarez, a former Murphy campaign staffer and administration official, raped her in 2017.

The five-term congressman is the first Republican candidate to use Brennan’s claim of sexual assault as an issue against a member of the governor’s party.

Lance did not say if he wants the Legislature to run the investigation.

Malinowski released a statement on Sunday night saying that Murphy was taking the issue seriously and calling for policy changes, but not an investigation.

“Tom Malinowski’s weak statement fails to lay blame where it belongs — on the desk of Gov. Murphy and his senior staff,” said Jim Hilk, Lance’s campaign manager.  “While Gov. Murphy prepares to leave New Jersey for a trip to his home away from home in Germany, Tom Malinowski ‘believes’ and ‘expects’ his administration ‘will take the appropriate next steps.’  The only appropriate next steps are those that include a full and independent investigation into the failures at the very top of the Murphy administration to address Ms. Brennan’s serious and credible charges properly.”