Congressman Scott Garrett has refused to return campaign contributions he received from a convicted serial child molester -- former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Garrett’s refusal caused the Star Ledger editorial board to review Garrett’s grim record on victim issues, going back to his days in the New Jersey Assembly.

In addition, The Star Ledger brands ludicrous Garrett’s assertion that other politicians, including Democratic challenger Josh Gottheimer, have acted in a similar fashion. Moreover, the Star Ledger asked Garrett to do exactly what Gottheimer did when he became aware of tainted contributions. Gottheimer promptly donated the money he received to charity -- a victim abuse shelter. So far, Garrett has refused to give up the money he received from Hastert.