Springfield Congressman Richard Neal defended the practice of accepting money from political action committees, or PAC's, following criticism from his Democratic primary opponent.
Springfield Attorney Tahirah Amatul-Wadud sent out a mailer last week rejecting corporate PAC contributions. Amatul-Wadud has called for Neal to stop accepting large donations from the pharmaceutical and defense industries.
During a press conference Monday, Neal defended his use of PAC money, saying the committees are a way for working people to join forces.
“Teachers, firefighters, tradesmen, construction workers; they’re just pooling their money,” Neal said. “The bank presidents can write checks for $1,000, what’s wrong with the AFL-CIO getting 100 employees to give $10?”
As of the end of June, Neal raised more than $2.4 million dollars to Amatul-Wadud's approximately $72,000, campaign finance disclosures show.
Neal also said he's willing to debate Amatul-Wadud before the primary on September 4.