Dozens of different corporate interests combined to fill Rep. Max Miller’s reelection account with six-figures worth of campaign cash in recent weeks.
But now, amid accusations that Miller abused his daughter and now ex-wife — accusations the congressman denies — his business allies are falling silent.
Of the more than 35 corporate and trade association political action committees that contributed at least $1,000 to Miller’s campaign since mid-April, according to Federal Election Commission records, all either ignored or declined to answer questions from NOTUS about their relationship with the Republican lawmaker.
Among those questions: Do they continue to support Miller for a third term representing Ohio’s 7th Congressional District? Have they requested refunds of previous donations? Will they give Miller’s campaign money in the future?
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Among the corporate PACs that wouldn’t openly distance themselves from — or defend — Miller: TD Bank, Citigroup, ConocoPhillips, John Deere & Co., Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Pfizer, Genentech, Cencora, Altria, Tenaska and Elevance Health.
Trade association PACs that are remaining similarly mum on Miller include those of the Allied Pilots Association, Advanced Medical Technology Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, American Dental Association, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Investment Council, American Bankers Association, International Franchise Association, International Council of Shopping Centers, Investment Company Institute, National Apartment Association, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, Healthcare Distribution Alliance, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Electrical Contractors Association, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Farm Credit Council.
Associated General Contractors of America spokesperson Brian Turmail confirmed in an email that his organization’s PAC contributed $2,500 to Miller’s campaign this spring, but he wouldn’t otherwise comment.
Meanwhile, several special interest group PACs also did not respond to repeated inquiries, including the House Conservatives Fund, American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee.
Miller’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment on whether PACs have requested refunds or otherwise communicated their future intentions.
Miller says he isn’t dropping out of his race despite the accusations and a call for him to step aside by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), the father of Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
“If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives,” Bernie Moreno wrote on X. “I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake. I believe he should not be free to continue endangering others until he does.”
This week, Miller’s attorney released naked photos of Miller’s young daughter and also revealed her name as part of a cache of documents intended to bolster Miller’s assertions of innocence. The attorney, Aaron Minc, said the release was “completely unintentional and a mistake.”
Miller, for his part, told PBS News Hour: “No criminal charge has ever been filed against me. My former wife is engaging in a pattern of reporting incredible, serious and destructive allegations with absolutely no evidence.”
Ohio law gives Republicans a deadline of Monday to replace a congressional nominee on the November ballot, meaning Miller would have to abandon his reelection campaign by then in order for the party to nominate someone else.
As matters stand, Miller is set to face Democrat Brian Poindexter in a race the Cook Political Report scores as “likely Republican.”
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