Rep. Moran’s brother, Brian, is running for Governor of Virginia and is the topic of this Times article noting donations to his state campaign from lobbyists and military contractors. 

“Congressman Moran wants to do whatever he can to help his younger brother,” said Frank Shafroth, the representative’s chief of staff.

“He is very Irish in that sense,” Mr. Shafroth added. “The congressman is going to turn to anyone he knows who might have money and be willing to give it. I think that is an exceptionally natural thing to do.”

Critics contend that Mr. Moran is capitalizing on his position on the House military appropriations subcommittee, where his influence ensures a steady flow of contributions from lobbyists and contractors eager to seek his favor. According to an analysis by The New York Times, nine military contractors who together received about $38 million in earmarks that Mr. Moran inserted into the last two military bills contributed more than $102,000 over the last two years to the gubernatorial campaign of Brian Moran, a former Virginia state legislator.

“Defense companies don’t usually take much interest in Virginia state government, so these contributions seem to have a lot more to do with federal contracts, federal earmarks, federal dollars,” said Ryan Alexander, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, which tracks earmarks. “They are contributing to Brian Moran because of who his brother is, not the office he is running for.”

The Post also covers the story.