Duke Energy is pausing all financial contributions to federal office holders and candidates following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week. Duke Energy’s political action committee gave almost $600,000 to federal candidates in 2019 and 2020, including $1,000 to current Western North Carolina Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn.
“We were shocked and dismayed by the events at the Capitol last week. Duke Energy is taking this very seriously and taking a pause on all federal political contributions for 30 days,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Grace Rountree in an email. Other corporations across the country have also paused donations. Blue Cross and Blue Sheild Association has paused all donations to law makers who opposed the electoral college count.
“During this time, we are evaluating Duke Energy-supported candidates’ values and actions to ensure they align to our values and goals. The way members of Congress conducted themselves in this critical time will be an important consideration in future support,” said Rountree.
Dozens gathered outside of Cawthorn’s district office in Hendersonville on Thursday to call for his resignation or removal from office because of his role in the insurrection. Cawthorn spoke at the "Stop The Steal" rally in D.C. shortly before the insurrection and has shared baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
Almost, 30,000 people have signed a petition for Cawthorn to resign.
Cawthorn has denied inciting violence and disavowed the insurrection.
