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Audio Shows RFK Jr. Urged Iowa Libertarian Candidates to Drop House Bid: Report

On June 11, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged candidate Rick Stewart to withdraw from the Iowa 2nd Congressional District race, warning a Democratic House takeover would derail President Donald Trump's agenda.
Kennedy made a similar unrecorded appeal to Libertarian Marco Battaglia in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District on June 8, warning that the House could flip to Democrats if Battaglia stayed in the race.
Stewart interpreted the call as an attempt at quid pro quo, noting, "He was very careful about the words that he used, but the whole implication is: You help us, we'll help you."
Government ethics experts warned the recorded conversation may violate federal law, though the White House and Department of Health and Human Services did not answer questions regarding whether the calls were cleared by lawyers.
Republicans hold a slim congressional majority, and the White House is wary that a Democratic-controlled House could subpoena Kennedy over his health policy changes, with Kennedy stating, "I don't want to be fighting subpoenas.

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The 7 discuss audio of RFK Jr. pressuring an Iowa Libertarian to quit a House race and the ethics concerns it raises

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Center

Sec. RFK, Jr. tries to convince Iowa candidate to drop out of race

The Libertarian Party of Iowa Chair shared audio of a phone that she said shows U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Junior, trying to convince a candidate for Congress to drop out of a race for Congress.

14 hours ago

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Des Moines Register

Center

Listen to RFK Jr. urge Iowa Libertarian candidate to drop US House bid

A second Iowa Libertarian congressional candidate says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged him to drop out of race. You can listen to it here.

16 hours ago·Des Moines, United States

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USA Today

Lean Left

RFK Jr. urged Iowa Libertarian to end bid for Congress, candidate says

Libertarian Rick Stewart says U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called him and asked him to consider ending his bid for Congress.

18 hours ago·New York, United States

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KGAN

Lean Right

Second Iowa Libertarian says RFK Jr. urged him to drop out of race

Iowa Libertarian Rick Stewart, who is running in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged hi

19 hours ago

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MS NOW

Left

RFK Jr. reportedly tried to make a legally dubious deal with a congressional candidate

A report that Kennedy raised the possibility of an “agreement” that would benefit an Iowa Libertarian if he exited the race raises all kinds of red flags.

22 hours ago·New York, United States

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Raw Story

Left

RFK Jr. caught on tape possibly violating federal law: 'Tipping the scales'

A newly obtained audio recording shows that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. personally pressured a Libertarian congressional candidate in Iowa to abandon a competitive House race, urging him to step aside to protect Republican control of Congress.The Washington Post obtained a recording of th...

22 hours ago·United States

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