Chris Smith Weak on Russian Election Meddling, Putin.

America is facing a direct and continuing threat to our elections from Russia. This is the conclusion of every US intelligence agency.

And yet, after his private meeting with Putin, Trump stood in front of the world and shrugged off the facts, because Putin “strongly” denied it. Trump’s reversal over a missing contraction is laughable, and everything else he said at that press conference exposes his lie.

It is abundantly clear that Trump cannot be relied upon to confront Russia or safeguard future elections. Congress must be willing to stand up to Trump, and despite their recent hand wringing, it is obvious that a Republican controlled congress will not rise to the occasion.

Chris Smith, who represents New Jersey’s fourth district, has delivered a particularly weak and disappointing performance. He has aided Trump in his undermining of the Mueller investigation, refuses to assert his seniority in protecting us, and let opportunities to confront Russian officials pass by.

To begin, Smith supported releasing the Nunes memo, a since discredited smear campaign against Mueller, the FBI, and DOJ. Smith tried to appear neutral by also supporting the release of the Democratic memo, but this misses the point. Claiming support for both sides doesn’t exonerate Smith and contributes to the problem. Having “two sides” is exactly what Putin, Nunes, Trump, and Republicans want. If half of the country views the investigation as tainted, we will be paralyzed to the point of inaction, leaving us vulnerable this November and beyond.

On July 13th, Smith appeared on Fox News and called for issuing an Interpol Red Notice for the twelve Russian intelligence officers recently indicted. This was the extent of his effort to defend our elections. Smith spent the rest of the interview, and his meeting with Russian officials in Berlin, discussing human rights and trafficking issues. (Worthy causes, but not surprisingly, Russia’s abysmal treatment of the LGBT community never came up.)

After the bewildering July 16th press conference where Trump endorsed Putin’s version of events, Smith released a statement repeating his Red Notice request, but made no mention of Trump contradicting US intelligence findings or refusing to stand up to Putin.

After Trump’s pathetic “would to wouldn’t” walk back on the 17th, Smith released a statement almost in praise of Trump, noting Trump’s newfound “full faith and support” for the conclusions reached by US intelligence agencies and stating that the clarification was “welcome and, frankly, expected.” Once again, there is no mention of Trump’s performance the previous day, nor the implications of an American President siding with a dictator over his own government.

Smith sounds as though he has full faith in Trump to protect our elections, and that he accepts Trump’s actions, prior statements attacking American intelligence agencies, and ridiculous linguistic turnaround. Where Smith finds such faith is a mystery.

Smith says we need to continue to press Russia on election meddling, but when face to face with Russian officials, or with legislation to protect the Mueller investigation stalled in the House, he demurred.

Russia’s attacks are real and have not stopped. Chris Smith has already proven he will not stand up to Trump, and by extension, Putin. Residents of New Jersey’s fourth district, and the entire nation, cannot afford a congress that won’t defend the most basic cornerstone of our democracy. We need real leadership that puts country first.

Josh Welle is running against Smith this November. A Navy veteran who understands first-hand defending our nation, Welle has spoken out strongly against Trump’s acquiescence to Putin. He values and respects the work done by the intelligence agencies tasked with ensuring our safety, and will support legislation that protects our elections.

Welle is a leader who backs up words with actions. It is time for residents of the fourth district to elect a representative who won’t be hiding when the stakes are highest.