FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 07, 2008
Ad Watch: NRSC Repeats Kennedy Attack on Landrieu's Fight for Schoolchildren
Attempts to hide Kennedy's record of wasting taxpayer money.
NEW ORLEANS - Friends of Mary Landrieu today responded to a new negative attack by the National Republican Senatorial Committee - the same organization that four years ago called perennial candidate John Kennedy ineffective, inefficient and not ready for primetime. The organization also exposed Kennedy for costing Louisiana $37 million because of lax procedures. Today, the NRSC criticized U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., for fighting to teach schoolchildren how to read.
"John Kennedy and his allies are again attacking Sen. Landrieu for securing funding for a program that helped children learn how to read," Landrieu campaign spokesman Scott Schneider said. "The program has been requested by local school officials in Louisiana and across the country to address high illiteracy rates. Sen. Landrieu will continue to work in the Senate to improve the lives of schoolchildren and give them more opportunities, regardless of John Kennedy's attacks, which have been called 'gross distortions' and 'patently false.'"
"The NRSC's new attack is simply designed to hide John Kennedy's record of wasting $37 million of taxpayer money. This is the same man who was asleep at the switch when Citizens spent $1 million on lavish trips and fancy meals but couldn't cover hurricane claims. He even voted to protect pensions for politicians convicted of bribery and embezzlement. He is truly one confused politician."
For more information on the new false, negative NRSC attack, see below:
| NRSC Ad Spin | The Facts |
| We stopped the pay raise, and new ethics laws have passed in Louisiana. | Kennedy Nearly Killed Earmark Reform Legislation With Political Posturing: In 2008, the Associated Press reported that the sponsor of earmark reform legislation in the Louisiana Senate said that radio advertisements and mailers featuring Kennedy's support for the bill "may not have helped its chances of passage." Morrish, R-Jennings, said some lawmakers saw Kennedy's support and a third-party group's touting of Kennedy's backing of the bill as a type of campaign tactic. (AP, 6/10/08) |
| But there's more work to do. Mary Landrieu was just named one of the most corrupt members of Congress. |
Landrieu Supported Ethics Reforms & Led Efforts To Increase Transparency In Government: Landrieu has fought in the U.S. Senate to increase ethics in government. She led the fight to make federal spending more transparent. Her record includes: • Supporting Tough, New Ethics Standards For Washington Lawmakers: In 2007, Landrieu voted for many new ethics provisions as part of the Democrats' ethics reform package. The changes Landrieu supported included the establishment of an independent Office of Public Integrity, harsher penalties for failing to comply with lobbying laws, denial of pensions to lawmakers convicted of white collar crimes, and stiffened penalties for falsified financial disclosures. Landrieu also supported a provision prohibiting lawmakers from paying family members with campaign funds. (S 1, Vote #18, 1/18/07; S 1, Vote #9, 1/12/07; S 1, Vote #8, 1/12/07; S 1, Vote #2, 1/10/07; S 1, Vote #4, 1/10/07) • Pushed For Greater Earmark Transparency And Disclosure: In 2007, Landrieu voted several times for greater transparency and disclosure of federal earmarks. In August, Sen. Landrieu voted for an ethics reform package that required earmark sponsors to be identified and allowed lawmakers and the public a chance to review bills before they are voted on. Landrieu voted for two similar provisions in January of that year. (S 1, Vote #19 & Vote # 294, 8/2/07; CQ BillAnalysis; S 1, Vote #5, 1/11/07; Vote #11, 1/16/07; S 2349, Vote #82, 3/29/06) • Co-Sponsored Measures To Increase Transparency In Federal Funds: In 2006, Landrieu cosponsored legislation that was introduced by GOP Sen. Tom Coburn to create a free searchable database for all recipients of federal grants and contracts including earmarks. The measure became law in September 2006. (S 2590, Co-Sponsored 8/1/06; Public Law 109-282; Obama Release, 9/8/06; Chicago Sun-Times, 9/21/06) • Supported Efforts To Limit The Influence Of Lobbyists: In 2007, during the passage of landmark ethics reform, Landrieu supported a number of efforts to limit the influence of lobbyists. Senator Landrieu voted to extend the period that former lawmakers must wait before becoming lobbyists, to prohibit lobbyist-funded parties at Party conventions, and to require legislators to pay full market price for flights on private planes. Landrieu also supported strengthening penalties for violating lobbying laws. (S 1, Vote #19, 1/18/07; S 1, Vote #16, 1/17/07; S 1, Vote #13, 1/17/07; S 1, Vote #12, 1/16/07; S 1, Vote #15, 1/17/07; S 1, Vote #9, 1/12/07) Landrieu Honored As Legislator Of The Year By Alliance For Good Government: In 2007, Senator Landrieu was honored by the Alliance for Good Government as Legislator of the Year. The group was started in 1967 by a core group of six people affirmed their dedication to the need for good government in the city of New Orleans by starting the Alliance for Good Government. They have enlarged their commitment and ideals with active chapters in Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes. (Times-Picayune, 9/9/07) Landrieu Was Lauded By For Her Legacy Of Reform As State Treasurer: In 1996, a New Orleans Times-Picayune column stated, "As she walks out of the state treasurer's office for the last time, Mary Landrieu leaves a legacy that few elected officials can match. In her eight years as state treasurer, she has improved and largely depoliticized the way the state invests its money, saved millions of dollars for the state, and generated millions in additional money for education. She leaves the office with a solid reputation for personal integrity...As she campaigned for governor, Landrieu repeatedly said that the state must radically change the way it handles its money and that this is a larger problem than the amount of money the state receives from the taxpayer.... She has been a bright spot in a system where unselfish service, hard work and honesty are often at a premium. Landrieu has established that legacy whatever the future holds for her." (Times%u2011Picayune, 1/7/96) |
| Landrieu took thirty thousand dollars in contributions. Then just days later, she slipped a million dollar earmark into law to benefit her contributor. Now allegations of bribery haunt Landrieu. | Ad Gets It WRONG: Landrieu Requested Funding For A Literacy Program At The Urging Of Local School Officials: Senator Landrieu requested funding for the literacy program at the request of local school officials months before the timeline laid out by Kennedy. • Local Officials Requested Literacy Program Funding In April 2001: Local school officials requested funding for the Voyager literacy program in April 2001 based on previous success with other Voyager programs. (Letter from D.C. Superintendent Paul Vance to Sen. Mike DeWine & Sen. Mary Landrieu, 4/25/01) • NRSC Timeline Is Wrong, Landrieu Requested Funding In May 2001 At Request Of Local Officials: Senator Landrieu requested funding for the literacy program in May 2001, AFTER receiving the request from the local school system. These events occurred months before the timeline laid out by Kennedy and the Washington Post. (Sen. Mary Landrieu Letter to Sen. Mike DeWine, 5/15/01) • Local Officials Continued To Advocate For The Program: The D.C. Superintendent of Schools continued to push for funding for the program, stating in September 2001 that he was "pleased that Senator Mary Landrieu is vigorously supporting our reform efforts that focus on early childhood reading." (Letter from D.C. Superintendent Paul Vance to Kate Eltrich, Professional Staff, District of Columbia Sub-Committee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, 9/19/01) Senator Landrieu Fought For A Program To Help Children Learn To Read: In 2001, Landrieu secured $2 million for Voyager Expanded Learning's Universal Literacy Program to help schoolchildren learn to read. She secured the funding at the request of local school officials. (D.C. Superintendent Vance Letter to Sens. DeWine & Landrieu, 4/25/01) Senator Landrieu Has A Strong Record Of Backing Innovative Programs To Improve Education In Louisiana & Across The Country: Landrieu has a long history of fighting for innovative ways to improve education for students in Louisiana and across the country. She led and won efforts for new accountability and standards and additional resources for our classrooms. • New Accountability & Standards: Senator Landrieu has backed new accountability and standards for our classrooms. She supported the No Child Left Behind Act and has proposed a major overhaul of federal education programs to emphasize job performance. (Vote #371, 12/18/01; Washington Post, 12/17/01; S 2001, Introduced 8/3/07; Times-Picayune, 7/19/07, Times-Picayune, 3/4/07) • Additional Funding For Louisiana Classrooms: Senator Landrieu was successful in reforming federal education funding formulas to deliver additional resources for Louisiana schools. (S 1, Amendment 474 and 475, Vote #178, 6/11/01; HR 1, Sec. 1125AA; Times-Picayune, 11/29/01) • An Advocate Of School Reform: Senator Landrieu has been a long-time proponent of public charter schools. (TIME Magazine, 9/17/07) Kennedy's Friend & Campaign Ally David Vitter Also Requested Funding For The Literacy Program: Senator David Vitter, who has raised money for and is campaigning with John Kennedy, also requested funding for the Voyager Literacy Program. • Vitter Requested Voyager Funding: In 2001 then-Rep. David Vitter requested $1 million for Voyager's Universal Literacy Program in the District's spending bill. (Times-Picayune, 2/3/08; Conference Committee Markup Worksheet, 12/1/01) • Kennedy & Vitter Campaigning Together: Kennedy said in July 2008 that he would campaign with Senator David Vitter and that he was "honored" to have Vitter's support. Vitter has donated $10,000 to Kennedy's campaign from his Louisiana Reform PAC. (Politico.com, 7/24/08; FEC) Kennedy Voted To Allow Public Officials Convicted Of Corruption To Keep Taxpayer-Funded Pensions: In 2006, Kennedy voted on the state employees' retirement board to oppose legislation to take retirement benefits away from public officials convicted of bribery, embezzlement or other corruption charges. Under the legislation, affected officials could retrieve money they contributed toward their retirement but would lose a pension largely financed by government money. (LASERS Board Meeting Minutes, 4/28/06; Advocate, 5/2/06; SB 59 & SB 60, 2006) • Republican Sponsor - "We Should Not Have An Entitlement Program For Corrupt Officials": The Republican sponsor of the legislation, state Sen. Art Letini said, "We should not have an entitlement program for corrupt officials...I think this is a tremendous deterrent." (Baton Rouge Advocate, 5/2/06) Furthering His Career Using State Funds: A research report produced by the Republican Party in 2004 highlighted legislation introduced to stop lawmakers from using state funds to pay for advertisements featuring themselves. The research report stated, "A fellow Democrat introduced legislation to stop Kennedy from politically capitalizing on state programs." (NRSC Research Report, 2004) • Bill Was Named After Kennedy: The bill's author, State Sen. Joe McPherson, called his legislation the John Kennedy bill, not for the late president but for the incumbent state treasurer. McPherson said that Kennedy was getting free publicity in television advertisements promoting the return of unclaimed property to rightful owners. (NRSC Research Report, 2004 citing Associated Press, 4/19/01) |
| Ethics reform just isn't done until Mary Landrieu is gone. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. |
Senator Landrieu Has Taken On Washington Interests To Deliver For Louisiana: In the U.S. Senate, Landrieu has been a tenacious fighter for Louisiana, taking on powerful interests to get things done for the state. • Landrieu Convinced Washington To Give Louisiana Fair Share Of Oil & Gas Revenues: In 2006, after nearly 60 years of Louisiana not getting its fair share or oil and gas revenues, Landrieu co-authored the law that dedicated 37.5% of revenues from new drilling for Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states for coastal restoration and hurricane protection. The measure created a dedicated revenue stream for Gulf Coast wetlands restoration, hurricane protection and flood control projects. (HR 6111, 2006; New Orleans CityBusiness, 12/20/06; Advocate, 12/21/06) • Successfully Changed Federal Laws To Direct Additional Funding To Louisiana Classrooms: Senator Landrieu led a successful effort in 2001 to ensure federal Title I dollars made it to the schools and children that most need the help - those schools with high concentrations of poor children. The final No Child Left Behind Law also included an amendment by Senator Landrieu to better target teacher-training money to poorer districts. (S 1, Amendment 474 and 475, Vote #178, 6/11/01; HR 1, Sec. 1125AA; Times-Picayune, 11/29/01) • Led Investigation Into Formaldehyde In FEMA Trailers: In the U.S. Senate, Landrieu has fought hard to require comprehensive testing of FEMA trailers housing victims of the 2005 hurricanes for formaldehyde following complaints by residents. After tests found high levels of the carcinogen in the trailers, Landrieu used her position as chair of the Disaster Recovery Subcommittee to push FEMA for answers and a timeline for moving people out of the trailers. (HR 2638, Senate Amdt. 2509, 7/26/07; Landrieu Release, 12/18/07; AP, 3/13/08) |
