Sherrill doubles down on claim that Ciattarelli profited from opioid crisis
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- In the race for New Jersey Governor, Democrat Mikie Sherrill is refusing to back down from her claims that Republican Jack Ciattarelli was 'complicit' with opioid companies that led to the deaths of New Jersey residents.
She first accused Ciattarelli during the final debate on Wednesday.
The next day, Ciattarelli threatened to file a defamation lawsuit against her.
So far, no lawsuit has been filed.
Sherrill on Monday doubled down on her claims, accusing Ciattarelli of profiting from the opioid crisis.
Congresswoman Sherrill brought in colleagues, drug counselors and those directly impacted by opioid abuse to talk about Ciattarelli's publishing business and its connection to big pharmaceutical companies.
"I'm dumbfounded that this perennial candidate who has run now for three elections, saying that he's a small businessman, the minute we start to talk about that small business, he wants to shut it. He wants his lawyers to shut it down?" Sherrill said.
Sherill claims Ciattarelli's business made millions printing articles that downplayed opioid addiction and developed an app to find doctors who could prescribe opioids.
Her congressional colleague Frank Pallone joined the attack.
"Big corporations and pharma made billions. Jack and his company got paid millions. And New Jerseyans got hooked," Pallone said.
Howard Beson, whose brother became addicted to opioids and died, holds everyone from big pharma to those who pushed the pills accountable for hurting families.
"Admit your responsibility and move forward and come up with coherent ideas to help people," Beson said.
But Ciattarelli, who was campaigning in South Jersey, released a statement saying Sherrill should apologize for her slanderous comments, adding he created an online tool which 'allowed a small group of chronic pain sufferers to educate themselves on treatment options' so they could 'better advocate for their own healthcare choices.'
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