Congressional candidate declines to answer questions on Senate nominee

A campaign staffer for a congressional candidate repeatedly placed a pastry in front of a reporter's camera during an interview. The candidate did not answer questions about whether she supported a Senate nominee who has faced recent allegations.

Background on the Senate race The Senate nominee has drawn scrutiny over the past year. Reports from last month described sexually explicit messages sent to multiple women while married. Earlier coverage also examined past social media posts and a tattoo resembling a historical military symbol.

Several Democratic senators have continued to back the nominee. They have cited the importance of Senate control in the November election.

The congressional campaign The candidate is running for an open House seat previously held by a member now seeking the Senate. Neither the candidate nor her mother, a sitting senator, has issued a public statement on the Senate nominee. A Republican committee spokeswoman criticized the candidate's silence and the staffer's actions during the exchange.

The candidate's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.