(CNN) Former astronaut Mark Kelly this week returned $55,000 he was paid for a speech in the United Arab Emirates last year at an event sponsored by the country's crown prince and attended by leaders of the country. Kelly is now a Democratic candidate in the 2020 US Senate race for the seat held by Republican Sen. Martha McSally of Arizona. The appearance could open Kelly to criticism of foreign influence now that he's running for the Senate. An aide to Kelly's Senate campaign said he received a fee of approximately $55,000 from his speakers bureau, Keppler Speakers, who booked the appearance and paid Kelly through a consulting firm. In early March, The Intercept reported Kelly made at least 19 paid appearances at corporate events across the US.

Source: CNN March 22, 2019 18:22 UTC