Democratic Chairs Schaffer, Jones, Scutari, Robinson, Quinones Perez, and Palmieri issued the following statement in the case of embattled U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7):

“The idea that we would be willing to give away Congressman Malinowski’s seat for 10 years is categorically absurd. President Obama’s ethics czar looked at the facts and concluded that Malinowski did nothing wrong and is now going above the law to be transparent with the public. To be clear, we are standing with Tom Malinowski and fighting to preserve every Democratic seat in New Jersey.

“As the Democratic leadership of the 7th Congressional district, we have no intention of relinquishing this seat to any Republican, let alone Tom Kean Jr. who not only holds pharmaceutical company stock but is dependent on their contributions and votes their interests. Republican attacks on Congressman Malinowski are an attempt to mislead the public because they can’t win on the issues, or without redistricting.

“We will not allow Republicans to pick up seats in New Jersey and doom every meaningful change Congressman Malinowski and the Democrats have been fighting for; healthcare, campaign finance reform and critical infrastructure. The stakes are too high.”

And later, this release appeared:

NJDSC Executive Director Saily Avelenda Releases Statement of Unequivocal Support for Congressman Tom Malinowski

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Democratic State Party Executive Director Saily Avelenda has released the following statement of support for Congressman Tom Malinowski:

“Chairman Currie and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee stand unequivocally behind Congressman Malinowski and understand how critical it is to send him back to Washington to continue fighting for our values. Especially at this perilous time when our party’s majority in Congress hangs in the balance and there are so many critical issues that must be addressed, we need to fight for every seat. Turning Congress back over to the Republicans is not an option, and we will continue to support Congressman Malinowski and the rest of our state’s excellent Democratic Congressional delegation.”