Top Dem skips event, cites sponsor donation to GOP lawmaker
(AP) — Democrats' effort to oust a seven-term Republican lawmaker carried over to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, when a top state lawmaker boycotted an event because the sponsor had donated to the congressman.
Senate President Steve Sweeney declined to appear at the Democratic State Committee's breakfast he was expected to headline Wednesday because PSE&G gave a political contribution to U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, who has been cited in news reports as declining to support a committee that backed gay candidates.
The utility company, the state's largest electricity provider, has made thousands in political contributions over the past year to both Democrats and Republicans, including $2,500 to Garrett in May, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Sweeney, a possible gubernatorial candidate in 2017, was expected to be the headliner but announced on Sunday that he was pulling out over PSE&G's donations to Garrett.