Biden's New Challenger Doesn't Remember GOP Megadonor Cash

President Joe Biden’s new challenger for the 2024 primary, Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips, says that he doesn’t recall the circumstances of a maximum contribution check his 2020 congressional campaign cashed from right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow—but Phillips allows that it’s possible he solicited it personally.

“I do not remember ever making a call to Mr. Crow,” Phillips said on Friday, in reference to the $2,800 donation Crow made in June 2019, though he acknowledged putting in a great deal of fundraising “call time” in his first campaign. “If I did, by the way, and there’s evidence of it, I will be the first to acknowledge it.” (Federal campaign finance records show the existence of the donation.)

In response to The Daily Beast’s questions at a press availability ahead of his presidential campaign kickoff in Concord, New Hampshire, Phillips also said, “I don’t believe I’ve ever met Harlan Crow.” The wealthy Texan is widely known now for his close relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, which included an array of unreported gifts and perks paid by Crow.

Read more at The Daily Beast.