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Politics

Roundtable: Political Implications Of Hunter, Cohen And Manafort

Roundtable: Political Implications Of Hunter, Cohen And Manafort
Roundtable: Political Implications Of Hunter, Cohen And Manafort
Roundtable: Political Implications of Hunter, Cohen and Manafort PANEL: Morgan Cook, investigative reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune Jade Hindmon, reporter, KPBS News Michael Smolens, political columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune Alison St John, north county reporter, KPBS News

Is The GOP In trouble?

Republicans are dealing with fallout this week: from a guilty plea from President Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen, a guilty verdict for his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, and closer to home, an indictment for one of his biggest supporters in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter denied all charges hurled at him by federal investigators, which include fraud and misuse of $250,000 in campaign funds. His denials sound familiar, echoing the president's rallying cry of "witch hunt!" and calling the indictment a "deep state" conspiracy.

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"I'm going to win in court and I'm going to win my election and we'll see where we are," said Hunter Wednesday.

RELATED: Rep. Duncan Hunter, Wife Plead Not Guilty To Campaign Finance Corruption Charges

Hunter's challenger, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, did not waste any time pressing his advantage.

“I am running for everyone in this district. Not just the Resisters or the Trumpsters, but everyone. I know nothing in life is given. I didn't inherit the seat from my dad. I didn't sell my votes to the highest bidders in Washington so I could live lavishly, while the people in my district languish," Campa-Najjar said outside Hunter's arraignment Thursday.

But Hunter has strong support in his district, and could still hold his seat, despite the looming trial.