Driving the news: The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday it is investigating Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) on allegations of illegal drug use and domestic violence — hours after Miller himself filed paperwork requesting the probe.
The committee noted that 'the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.'
The backstory: Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno — daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) — has alleged Miller scalded her with hot water, held a gun to her head, and fractured their 2-year-old daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied every allegation and sued Emily Moreno for defamation in May.
Sen. Bernie Moreno called Miller 'a danger to my daughter' and said he needs 'serious psychological help.' Several other Republican senators have joined calls for Miller to resign.
By the numbers: Wednesday is the deadline for Ohio Republicans to replace Miller on the November ballot. Cook Political Report rates the seat 'likely Republican,' but Democrats have poured resources into boosting union ironworker Brian Poindexter.
Axios reported Trump privately urged Miller to reconsider his candidacy over concerns he could lose the race. Trump publicly called Miller 'a good person' and said he'd 'let the families figure that out.'
Politico reported the Ethics Committee is unlikely to release any findings before Election Day.
The bottom line: Miller is betting resilience beats scandal — invoking Trump's 2016 playbook. But the clock is ticking: with the ballot deadline Wednesday and no public polls since his video statement, the Republican Party faces a real risk of handing a safe seat to Democrats over a self-inflicted crisis.