'Ruthless' Podcast Highlights Alleged Financial Conflicts Involving Democratic Candidates
The podcast discusses allegations against U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson in Maine and Rep. Adam Gray in California, suggesting mainstream media has overlooked these stories.
The "Ruthless" podcast has focused on financial allegations against two Democratic candidates, Troy Jackson and U.S. Rep. Adam Gray, in races leading up to the November elections. Hosts John Ashbrook, Josh Holmes, and Comfortably Smug argue that these stories have been neglected by mainstream media outlets.
One of the highlighted cases involves Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine. According to reporting from the Washington Free Beacon, Jackson co-sponsored a 2024 bill that sought $13.4 million in additional funding for Maine Maritime Academy while his son, Chace Jackson, was the school's legislative designee. Jackson had also supported a 2023 state budget that allocated an additional $2 million annually to the academy. Holmes commented that such actions are indicative of Democrats using government positions to steer funds to preferred parties or constituencies.
Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the Democratic Senate nominee in July after Platner withdrew from the race. He is set to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
The podcast also discussed allegations concerning U.S. Rep. Adam Gray, a Democrat from California. The Free Beacon reported that while serving as a state assemblymember, Gray supported gas tax legislation that directed funds to his cousin’s construction company, Marvulli Inc. Ashbrook noted the significance of this measure, which contributed to California having the nation's highest gas tax. Gray is also listed as a part-owner of Marvulli Inc. on his financial disclosures.
Holmes remarked on how the government contract secured by Marvulli Inc. for hotel and gas station projects, following the gas tax legislation, could be seen as more significant than historical congressional earmarks. He referenced past congressional careers ending due to similar issues.
Gray is running for re-election in a battleground seat in California and faces former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln II in the general election.
The "Ruthless" podcast typically releases episodes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, but has added Wednesday recordings during the election season. The podcast has been covering the midterms extensively, including a series of interviews with candidates in 19 states.