Mike Collins Slams Ethics Probe After Awkward Press Moment

Republican Georgia Senate nominee Mike Collins found himself in a cringe-worthy spot over the weekend when a reporter pressed him on his past during a press event. The awkward moment unfolded after revelations from the Daily Mail exposed an ethics investigation into Collins. Reports claimed his former chief of staff allegedly used congressional resources to hire his much younger girlfriend for a job she never performed. The aspiring Senator has called these allegations meritless.

Senate Republican Leader John Thune, a major GOP fundraising powerhouse who traveled to Georgia to aid Collins in this tough race, awkwardly sidestepped the uncomfortable question. A local reporter asked if the ethics probe was 'a concern to voters in Georgia.' Thune replied that he did not know all the particulars but noted that the Congressman had addressed it. He then turned to Collins and asked if he had anything to add.

Collins immediately slammed the investigation, calling it a nothingburger. He stated he looks forward to the day they come out and exonerate them. The Georgia Republican is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Ossoff was once considered one of the most vulnerable members of his party at the start of the electoral cycle. Now, Ossoff enjoys a significant fundraising advantage over Collins as well as a poll lead by double digits in some surveys.

A YouGov poll conducted between September 15th and 18th showed Ossoff up by 10 points with 52 percent backing him versus 42 percent for Collins. Revelations concerning controversial social-media activity by people in Collins orbit have also engulfed the campaign in controversy. This includes his son-in-law, David Alan Scheer II, who lives on property owned by Collins. The Daily Mail previously reported that Scheer promoted white nationalist ideology and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on social media.

Among Scheer's posts were comments calling for Muslims to be deported alongside material promoting the white nationalist movement. Scheer has not publicly offered a substantive denial of these described actions. Collins, however, seeks to distance himself from his son-in-law views by saying Scheer holds no role in his campaign and condemning the comments. Collins also said this material was not representative of his own views.

A former intern for Collins was photographed wearing KKK garb which further complicates the Republican efforts to broaden his appeal to Georgia voters. These controversies continue to overshadow his campaign but ultimately the biggest problem is money. Ossoff has built one of the largest Senate campaign war chests in the country with nearly $98 million raised this election cycle according to the Wall Street Journal. Collins by comparison had raised about $7.4 million through June 30 based on Federal Election Commission filings.

His campaign committee held about $2.08 million in cash reserves as of June's end. This massive fundraising gap leaves Ossoff with far more spending power for his reelection push. Republican-aligned outside groups are now pouring money into the race to shrink that lead and keep the seat competitive. Thune's recent visit signals he believes this district remains winnable for his party.