(
Cross-posted to ePluribus Media)
Many of you read my
diary yesterday about two-term incumbent John Kline's repeated smears directed at me, an unpaid staffer on Coleen Rowley's campaign in MN-02. The overwhelming majority of comments were supportive, and I really appreciate that.
I'm writing today to tell you the rest of the story. Coleen has now come out with a strong statement condemning John Kline's tactics and supporting me. Of course, I think Coleen is exactly the kind of candidate the netroots should get behind, and I hope that after reading her press release, you'll agree.
Rowley Responds to Kline Attack Ad #2, David Bailey to Remain with Campaign
On the controversy surrounding John Kline's recent mailer and David Bailey's role with Rowley for Congress, Coleen Rowley, DFL candidate for U.S. Congress (MN-02), issued this statement:
"John Kline may want to run against David Bailey, but he's not. He's running against Coleen Rowley, and if his attack mailers are any indication, he's running scared right now. He's also running away from his record of support for the disastrous debacle in Iraq, for the Medicare Part D program which is dropping at-risk seniors down the 'donut hole', and for privatizing Social Security," said Rowley.
"David Bailey has made valuable contributions to the campaign, and he will continue to do so. I welcome input and advice from people with a variety of views. This necessarily means I will disagree with both my supporters and staff on certain issues at certain times. But at the end of the day, Coleen Rowley decides what Coleen Rowley stands for, period. And as a 24-year FBI agent who fought organized crime, I emphatically and unequivocally oppose legalization of all drugs, especially methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine," said Rowley
"Now that I have had to answer the ridiculous, scurrilous charge that John Kline indirectly leveled against me, I would like some answers from him. Does he agree with yesterday's ruling that Bush's surveillance of innocent Americans without oversight is unconstitutional? If he is in Congress in 2007, will he push as hard for Social Security privatization as he did in 2005? What does he say to seniors who are falling into the Medicare Part D 'donut hole' and are now responsible for 100% of their prescription drug costs? And finally, what is his plan for bringing the American occupation of Iraq to a successful conclusion? Please be specific," said Rowley.
"When I'm in Congress, I won't hide from questions, even hard questions from my opponents. My track record shows I stand up for what I believe is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. And one thing I pledge right now and for as long as I'm in politics: I will never stoop to smearing an unpaid staffer on my opponent's campaign --- or anyone else --- for political gain," said Rowley.