Senior House Republicans were so aware of alleged inaccuracies and embellishments within the profession biography of Representative-elect George Santos that the topic became a “joke,” a number of insiders near the House leadership told The Post.
Santos – who made history as an openly gay Republican – is facing accusations that he lied about his previous job, where he went to highschool and that he didn’t report income in his federal financial disclosures – potentially a felony, Recent York Times he announced on Monday.
He also faces charges of lying about his Jewish ancestry and ancestors, and even his sexual orientation – until 2020 he had an undisclosed marriage to a girl on a regular basis beast reported.
“In terms of general questions on George, that was at all times something that was brought up after we talked about this race,” said one senior adviser to the Republican Party leadership. “At one point it was a joke. That is the second time he’s been running and we assumed these issues can be resolved by the voters.”
“When the story ended, everyone thought, yes, it made sense. That is what we thought,” the adviser added, noting that his financial and biographical details didn’t at all times match.
A second insider near the Republican Party leadership called the allegations against Santos “mostly things we already knew,” adding that “there have been questions. Things didn’t add up.
“By the point we knew there have been questions and problems, he was principally a candidate. So what are you able to do? He was the one Republican candidate.”
Now Santos also faces the warmth from the correct. The pinnacle of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Matt Brooks, called the allegations “deeply disturbing.”
Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Cairo suggested his patience with Santos was running out.
“I can be listening fastidiously and I would like to listen to meaningful comments from George Santos,” said Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Cairo.
Santos was mid-term elected last month to represent the Long Island and Queens-based third District to exchange retiring Democrat Tom Suozzi. It’s a key part of the Republicans with a narrow majority of 222 to 213 within the chamber.
Given this paper-thin margin, there was almost no probability the possible congressman would face any sanctions from the leadership on the matter, House insiders said.
“The primary goal Santos serves is to vote for Kevin McCarthy, until then nobody will do anything,” said a second insider. “He won his election. He’s a member of congress. Shame on the Democrats. I must have figured all of it out sooner. He can be on committees.
Representatives for McCarthy didn’t reply to a request for comment.
Santos confirmed to The Post that he would vote for McCarthy, but declined to deal with the growing allegations of alleged misrepresentation within the minutes.
in a Thursday statement, he promised to clear things up — next week.
“To the people of #NY03 I actually have a story to inform and it’ll be told next week. I would like to guarantee everyone that I’ll answer your questions and that I’ll remain determined to realize the outcomes I actually have fought for; Public Safety, Inflation, Education and More”, on he said in a tweet.
Fibbing and flubbing have long been a longtime part of US public life. President Biden has falsely claimed previously that he “was arrested” in a civil rights protest, and that he was arrested in South Africa when he tried to go to Nelson Mandela. He misrepresented his academic performance in college, and accusations of plagiarism derailed his 1988 presidential campaign.