Campaign 2016: Carter Says Blumenthal Must Answer For Silence on Iran Ransom

BETHEL, CT - In an open letter to voters, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dan Carter commented on the State Department admission that the United States gave Iran $400 million in exchange for the release of American prisoners.

Carter released the following statement on the issue:

"Finally, someone in the State Department had the courage to tell the truth and admit to the American people that the United States paid $400 million to the Iranian government contingent upon the release of American hostages," said Carter.

"Not only is this policy dangerous, but not being honest with the American people is almost worse," said Carter. "When will politicians in Washington start accepting responsibility for the decisions they make?"

"Connecticut's own Senator Blumenthal couldn't even muster the courage to comment on the reported ransom paid to Iran, telling a reporter 'No comment,'" said Carter. "This is why people can't stand Washington. It's not just the bad policies, it's the inability to be honest and do the right thing."

"Senator Blumenthal voted to allow $150 billion to flow to Iran, the world's most foremost state sponsor of terror, who oppresses women and executes members of the LGBTQ community," said Carter. "Now he's looking the other way when the Obama administration puts a price on American lives."

"Putting a price on American lives is dangerous, negotiating with terrorists is foolish, and giving billions of dollars to a nation state who would keep Americans hostage in the first place is irresponsible and embarrassing," said Carter. "Senator Blumenthal must answer for his support of these policies."

Photo taken by Wendy Ann Mitchell