Rep. Devin Nunes' (R-Calif.) campaign committee created its own partisan news site, '"The California Republican,” which claims to put out “the best of US, California, and Central Valley news, sports, and analysis,” Politico reports. The site is currently down due to heavy traffic, but an archive of it, as well as its Facebook page, are still available.
Why it matters: Nunes, a frequent critic of the media who has lamented several stories as "fake news," has become a controversial figure since drafting his memo alleging FISA abuse by the FBI and Justice Department. But with his own news site, his campaign can depict what he believes is accurate and fair coverage.
Details:
- Leading the site this week is the headline: "Understanding the process behind #ReleaseTheMemo.”
- Other headlines include: “CNN busted for peddling fake news AGAIN!,” “California’s budget future isn’t as good as it looks” and “Billions of dollars later, Democrats and the LA Times start to see the light on high-speed rail.”
- According to Politico, the website was registered by a Fresno-area communications consultant, Alex Tavlian. Nunes' campaign has reportedly paid Tavlian's company $7,773 since July for "advertising; digital advertising management."
Anthony Ratekin, Nunes’ chief of staff, declined to comment on the site in an email to Politico: “Until Politico retracts its multitude of fake stories on Congressman Nunes, we will not go on the record.”
Nunes' office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
