Andy Winer
Role at the time: Former Navatek strategist and lobbyist
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.”
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)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.