Underwood calls out San Nicolas for not facing voters over allegations

Things are heating up in the democratic congressional race. Challenger Dr. Robert Underwood is calling out incumbent Michael San Nicolas for not facing the voters about allegations in a House ethics investigation. Instead, the congressman has hired a high-powered Washington law firm to represent him.

Former delegate Underwood called a news conference challenging delegate San Nicolas to speak to the specifics of the ethics probe, and not have his lawyer issue press releases. San Nicolas has retained the DC law firm of Brand Woodward. Partner Stan Brand, a former general counsel for the House of Representatives, said in a news release that, "any assertion that the mere fact of an investigation serves as an indication of wrongdoing is mere posturing intended to obfuscate rather than enlighten..." Underwood says San Nicolas should speak for himself.

"It's a fundamental obligation for people in public service to present themselves to the public. Michael San Nicolas has refused to do so and instead, in this particular instance, he's hiding behind an attorney's statement," Underwood asserted.

The Ethics Committee announced in June that it is looking into campaign expenditures that may not be legitimate, disclosed information to the federal election commission that may be false, and false statements to government investigators among other things. San Nicolas has also had to return a campaign contribution from a local businessman that well exceeded the lawful limit.

And Underwood says it's not just that that he needs to explain, but, "He's missed 52 percent of votes he was eligible to participate for. That's 160 votes, and there are all kinds of issues relating to the people of guam ranging from veterans to senior citizens to education, even to coral reefs and he did not participate in those votes. He did not stand up for Guam."

Underwood says the bottom line is accountability.

"That's the number one issue. How come Mike San Nicolas refuses to be held accountable for any of these activities? How come he refuses to explain his missed votes? How come he refuses to engage on the basis for his performance," he said of his opponent.

"And now he refuses to come home."