Grimm: Donovan said he'd try to help win presidential pardon

NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, trying to win back his seat from incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan, said Monday that his fellow Republican offered to help try to get him a presidential pardon for his felony conviction for tax fraud. Donovan denied making the offer.

The issue came up as the two men engaged in their first campaign debate before the June 26 primary, frequently arguing and interrupting each other. The 11th Congressional District covers conservative Staten Island as well as a slice of Brooklyn.

Donovan assailed Grimm over his 2014 conviction that cost him his seat in Congress and put him in prison for seven months. He pointed out that Grimm had won re-election just before pleading guilty.