Andy Winer is a Washington government-relations and public-affairs professional and attorney. He previously served as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, held senior roles at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Strategies 360, and has advised government, nonprofit and private-sector clients on federal policy and appropriations.
Role at the time: Former Navatek strategist and lobbyist
Challenged the characterization
Response to this claim
Susan Collins knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement in which Navatek campaign support was exchanged for her office's assistance obtaining federal contracts.
“The political contributions I discussed with Kao were understood by me to be lawful political contributions. I never participated in, witnessed, or had knowledge of any illegal political contribution, bribe, or agreement to exchange a political contribution for an appropriation, contract, or other official action.”
Open source (opens in a new tab)The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Why we used this label
Relative to the alleged Collins–Navatek exchange, Winer denies his own knowledge, participation and advice but does not make a categorical claim about every other participant. He therefore challenges the characterization and evidentiary link rather than fully denying the case-level conduct.
Martin Kao alleged that Susan Collins knowingly linked Navatek campaign support to federal-contract assistance. Collins's office and other participants deny a quid pro quo, while official records establish separate illegal contributions by Navatek-linked actors.
