Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) appears to have broken a "no fundraiser" rule set by Speaker Mike Johnson with a posh "golf outing" at a private golf and country club.
Johnson told members in September, ahead of the shutdown, that he didn't want to give Democrats any political fodder at a time of difficult financial times for the government.
But Kean was the special guest at the Union County Republican Committee's Inaugural Golf Outing on Monday, according to a digital invitation. The event also included gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who is in a statistical tie with Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, The New York Times reports.
"Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has urged his GOP colleagues not to hold fundraisers during the shutdown because it could open them up to political attacks," The Hill reported earlier this month when the shutdown began.
The fundraiser also comes amid revelations that healthcare premiums will increase 175% in New Jersey for 2026 for those who buy through the state’s exchange, Politico reported Tuesday.
Democrats are demanding that Republicans extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to garner support for their continuing resolution that funds the government for a few more months.
