Salomon Melgen, the eye doctor under FBI investigation for Medicare fraud, political corruption, and a controversial connection to Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), donated to Terry McAuliffe during his 2009 gubernatorial race, reports NBC 12.
Melgen has supported Democratic candidates since 1992, donating money personally and through his eye clinic, Vitreo-Retinal Consultants.
In 2009 McAuliffe's gubernatorial campaign received two separate donations from Melgen's company of $5 thousand each. Those are the only two donations Vitreo-Retinal or Melgen has made to a candidate in Virginia directly. […]
"These donations speak to a bigger connection between Terry McAuliffe and Dr. Salomon Melgen than just 'playing golf together,' as Chairman McAullife has claimed," said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins. "Terry McAuliffe owes the voters of Virginia a detailed explanation of his personal and campaign dealings with Melgen."
The McAuliffe campaign remains steadfast in their belief that the connection between Melgen and the Democratic nominee is a thin one.
"If there was any wrongdoing Melgen, needs to be held fully accountable for his actions," said Josh Schwerin, McAuliffe's press secretary.
Melgen also has ties to former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Sen. Chris Dodd (D., Conn.).