Congressman Chris Collins says insider trading charges 'meritless'

Republican U.S. congressman Chris Collins, who has been charged with insider trading, on Wednesday called the accusations “meritless” and said he will run for re-election in November in his upstate New York district.

“The charges that have been levied against me are meritless and I will mount a vigorous defense in court to clear my name,” Collins told reporters in Buffalo.

“As I fight to clear my name, rest assured I will continue to work hard for the people and constituents of the 27th congressional district of New York and I will remain on the ballot running for re-election this November,” he said.

Reporting by Eric Beech in Washington; Editing by Mohammad Zargham