Senate hopeful Markey defends Spitzer fundraiser

BOSTON (AP) - Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Edward Markey is defending a planned fundraiser hosted by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Kirsten Hughes criticized the decision, saying Markey shouldn't "rub elbows with a man best known for his solicitation of prostitutes."

Spitzer was forced from office in 2008 after he was accused of spending thousands of dollars on high-end prostitutes.

The fundraiser for Markey's Senate campaign is planned for later this month in Washington.

Markey said if Massachusetts Republicans were really concerned about campaign finance issues they would encourage Republican Senate candidates to agree to a pledge to keep outside groups from spending money on political ads during the special election.

Fellow Democratic Senate hopeful Stephen Lynch has already agreed to the so-called "people's pledge."

The special election is June 25.

Cox Media Group