Abigail Spanberger’s Statement on the Acquisition of her Full, Unredacted National Security Questionnaire by the Congressional Leadership Fund

From Abigail Spanberger’s campaign (VA-07:

Abigail Spanberger’s Statement on the Acquisition of her Full, Unredacted National Security Questionnaire by the Congressional Leadership Fund

HENRICO, VA — Abigail Spanberger, Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, released the following statement in regards to a recent New York Times article detailing actions by the Congressional Leadership Fund, Speaker Paul Ryan’s Republican Super PAC, to release protected personal information to score political points.

“It is reprehensible that a political group would improperly obtain a copy of my unredacted National Security Questionnaire (SF86) in an effort to get personal information about me. The SF86 is the comprehensive document anyone seeking a security clearance must complete. It contains some of my most personal information including my Social Security Number and medical history. As a result of my SF86 filings, I obtained both Secret and Top Secret//SCI security clearances before dutifully serving my country as a federal agent and then a CIA case officer. Each time I completed this filing, I put my trust in the government that it would protect and secure my most personal information in hopes that the government would ultimately trust me with its most sensitive information, which the government did. Twice.

“I am proud of my background, my service and the work I did to keep this country safe, and it is outrageous that the Congressional Leadership Fund, Speaker Ryan, and Rep. Brat are so afraid of losing an election that they would resort to these disgraceful and likely illegal tactics to try and find or create controversy – where there is none – regarding my personal background. This is exactly what is wrong with our politics and it is emblematic of the broken system that I am running to change.

“CLF is now attempting to distract from their un-American behavior by coyly questioning what I have to hide. The answer is absolutely nothing, which they should know better than anyone because they have my full unredacted National Security Questionnaire in their possession.

“It’s important to our national security that these underhanded tactics by CLF be brought to light, so I’m proud and willing to be the canary in the coal mine so that others who may be targeted — veterans and those who have served our country — can be vigilant.

“I call on Congressman Brat to stand up for the rule of law and forcefully and unequivocally denounce this shameful offense by the Congressional Leadership Fund in our district.”