February 3, 2008 - 6:45pm
Collins criticizes Allen for MoveOn money
By Jessica Alaimo
Sen. Susan Collins is criticizing Rep. Tom Allen for accepting more money from MoveOn.org then any other candidate in the country.
Allen is challenging Collins in the race for U.S. Senate this year.
Collins used Saturday’s Republican caucuses to point out some key differences between her and her challenger.
She brought up the issue with the MoveOn.org contributions to Allen. To top it off, she said, Allen voted against a U.S. House resolution condemning a MoveOn.org ad in the New York Times attacking Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.
She also touted her perfect attendance record in showing up for roll-call votes. Allen has missed 135 votes, she said.
Also, she said her record in protecting small businesses is also better.
But Sen. Collins, you’re criticizing Tom Allen to a room full of Republicans. Aren’t you just preaching to the choir?
“Sure, but it helps get them excited (by) drawing contrasts to the campaign,” Collins said after her speech.
Responding to Collins’ allegations about the MoveOn contributions, campaign communications director Carol Andrews said Allen has raised most of his contributions through individuals. MoveOn contributions come strictly from individuals, she said.
The average contribution to Allen is $167, and the most common contribution is $25.
His contributors “appreciate his leadership in voting against the war in Iraq, standing up to the pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and fighting for the middle class,” Andrews wrote in an e-mail yesterday.
As for the ad? It’s all about the First Amendment, Andrews said.
“He proudly voted against condemning the ad because he doesn't believe it is the job of the Congress to restrict free speech.”
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Perfect Voting Record
Collins compares her perfect roll call voting record to Allen's, without mentioning that Allen has cast nearly three times more votes than she has. But her criticism is limited; she is co-chair of John McCain's prez campaign in Maine, and yet does not seem at all bothered that McCain has missed over 56% of Senate votes in the 100th Congress (source: WaPo).
Has Collins' campaign returned the money she received from Richard "Dickie" Scruggs and family yet? Just curious. MoveOn may have contributed to Allen, but as far as I know, they haven't been indicted for bribing a judge.
Not that again!
I remember Collins crowing about her perfect attendance record back in 2002, also.
What is this crap? Who the hell cares if you have perfect attendance, Susie? It's your report card that matters!
And any candidate who touts her own attendance record as an "accomplishment" is hopelessly out of touch with the very real problems that need solving.
Sorry, Susan. Next!
Allen's strong allegiance to the ASPEN INSTITUTE
Allen and his wife have taken many paid junkets to the 5 star 'resorts' run by the ASPEN INSTITUTE overseas.
Spending a week with high powered lobbyists espousing this and that cause has had a major influence on Allen..the only other place where Allen hangs out as much are off the radar meetings at Bowdoin College.
Perhaps MOVE-ON is getting a bit jealous, or SOROS hasn't discovered the mother lode of lobbying--captive audiences at far-away resort hotels with professional lobbyists from sponsoring corporations and non-profits.
Go reference Allen's 'trips' with THOMAS and note that Allen may well have more paid for by ASPEN than any other elected rep.
Then measure that with the times he's been to Calais or Greenville or some other place in Maine that doesn't have fancy restaurants.
Allen's trips
Perhaps, anonymous, next time you can do your own legwork. The link to what you cite is here; Allen has gone on 21 "junkets" since 2001 for a total cost of $87,788, seven sponored by Aspen.
But I guess it's okay, since Collins only attended just ONE junket sponsored by Aspen (13 total junkets for $14,920).
Smokescreen
What warmongering Suzie-Q failed to note is that she is the #2 defense contractor campaign contribution recipient ('08 Senatorial candidates).
Oopsie.
Somebody wanna pass her a stickkuh book for that "perfect attendance" award meme?
She's dripping in blood.
First-graders tend to thrive upon positive reinforcement gimmicks.
Got "oversight," Collins?
[...]
"Pentagon officials were unhappy with Brent Wilkes' work scanning documents in 2001 and didn't want to pay for it, said Phillip Halpern, an assistant U.S. attorney. Cunningham prevailed on them to pay $4 million.
Wilkes has pleaded not guilty to charges that he bought Cunningham's assistance in securing millions in federal contracts by giving the congressman more than $700,000 in cash and perks that included exotic vacations, private jet flights and prostitutes.
The prosecution said in its opening statement Wilkes got about $90 million in Pentagon contracts in return."
[....]
:::wink:::
Contribute to Tom's campaign here on my ActBlue page, pls.
Thanks~
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