430 South Capitol St., SE
Washington D.C, 20003
August 29, 2016
NRCC Chairman Greg Walden
320 First St., SE
Washington D.C., 20003
Dear Chairman Walden,
The recent cyber intrusions into the DNC, DCCC and other political organizations is a deeply troubling incident, and respected cybersecurity experts have unanimously attributed these malicious activities to the Russian government. This ongoing Russian offensive appears aimed at disrupting and influencing our fall elections.
Another disturbing development has been the online posting of documents allegedly stolen from the DCCC by the Russian hackers. The Russians have a long track record of doctoring documents acquired through cyberattacks, and while we cannot confirm their authenticity, their appearance online is certainly a notable concern.
I write with the assumption that you are not aware of the troubling action your Committee undertook last week to take advantage of this Russian cyberattack ahead of this week’s Democratic primary in Florida. In a digital advertisement attacking Mr. Randy Perkins in the 18th Congressional District, your staff used content from documents stolen by the Russian hackers.
I know you to be an honorable person, and this disturbing action by your Committee is genuinely shocking. The NRCC’s use of documents stolen by the Russians plays right into the hands of one of the United States’ most dangerous adversaries. Put simply, if this action continues, the NRCC will be complicit in aiding the Russian government in its effort to influence American elections.
Having called your attention to this deplorable act, I urge you to announce that you oppose any use by the NRCC and other Republican campaigns of materials stolen by the Russians. In doing so, you would join RNC Chairman Reince Priebus who stated he is “not on board” or “happy” with the hack into Democratic networks, and our colleague Congressman Ryan Costello who has vowed that he “will not use information contained in the hacking as an opportunity to attack [his] opponent.” This is the only appropriate and patriotic way to respond to this Russian attack on our democracy.
I look forward to your announcement that the NRCC will refrain from and denounce any further activity that takes advantage of the Russian hacking. This is a grave concern to every American, regardless of party.
Sincerely,
Chairman Ben Ray Luján