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Lamborn: Trump Campaign Indictments Won't Stall Tax Bill

October 30, 2017

The indictments of two top Trump campaign leaders won't slow the president's tax reform plans in the House, U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn said Monday. Congress is working on the tax plan inspired by President Donald Trump's campaign trail pledge to cut corporate rates. Republicans, including Lamborn, have touted the tax package as a boon for the middle class that will simplify taxes for all Americans.

Monday, as lawmakers readied to roll out their tax bill, former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and campaign assistant Rick Gates turned themselves in on federal conspiracy and money laundering charges. The charges came after months of investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian election meddling.

"I'm not worried that it will stop what we're doing in the House," said Lamborn, a congressman from Colorado Springs.

Embroiled in controversy since taking office this year, Trump has had difficulty getting bills passed, despite GOP majorities in both chambers. A Gallup poll released Monday showed Trump's approval rating sagging to 33 percent in a survey of 1,500 adults.

With eight months to go before the 2018 primary election, Lamborn faces Republicans Owen Hill, Darryl Glenn and others in a GOP battle for his seat. The six-term incumbent trails his rivals in fundraising so far, according to the Federal Election Commission. Hill has raised $295,000, leading Glenn, who brought in $245,000, reports show. Lamborn raised $186,000.

Lamborn said he's not worrying about the primary or the president right now.

"I'm focused like a laser on serving my district," he said.

The House has been the scene of Trump's greatest legislative triumphs. Lamborn and other Republicans in that chamber have pushed to repeal the Affordable Care Act and backed the president's immigration plans. But those bills have been killed in the Senate, as leading Republicans there have sparred with Trump.

Trump on Sunday alluded that his latest political woes were timed to scuttle House work on a new tax plan.

"All of this 'Russia' talk right when the Republicans are making their big push for historic tax cuts and reform. Is this coincidental? Not!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

Lamborn said the indictments won't stall tax reform, though.

"I, for one, will not let this distract me," he said.

To read this article in its original format, see the Gazette