Results matching “ackerson” from Hoosier Political Report

Press Release - Lafayette Journal & Courier breaks 10 year Buyer endorsement streak, says Nels Ackerson is the change we need!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2008

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - For the first time in over a decade, The Lafayette Journal & Courier announced that it is not endorsing 16-year incumbent Steve Buyer.  Instead, the paper has endorsed Nels Ackerson for Congress, stating that, "Nels Ackerson offers a credible change from the overly partisan representation offered by Buyer.  Ackerson knows his way around Washington and the issues. He leans toward being a fiscal conservative, which fits the district well."

Nels Ackerson has built a strong grass roots campaign in the 4th district and is now neck and neck with 16-year incumbent Steve Buyer in a race that many had thought was secure.  Last month The Journal & Courier, the largest newspaper in the 4th district, conducted a poll revealing that Nels Ackerson was only 2% behind 16-year incumbent Steve Buyer with 26% still undecided.  In recent weeks the race has been re-categorized as a contested race by several political trackers.

"We are making great progress," Ackerson declared, "and I am very proud and humbled to receive the endorsement of the Lafayette Journal & Courier.  With only 7 days left, my campaign is gaining amazing amounts of support from across the district.  This campaign is going to win, and we are going to change the failed policies that have hurt this country.  There is a great deal of work ahead if we are going to get America moving in the right direction again."

"My opponent, Steve Buyer, has been in Congress for 16 years.  He has completely failed to stop the misguided policies and pointless partisanship in Congress.  Instead he has marched in lockstep with some terrible economic policies, including huge deficits, reckless banking deregulation, and risky social security privatization.  When I am in Congress I promise that I will fight for jobs, I will be a better steward of taxpayer money, and I will help change the direction that our economy and our government has taken. That is my promise to the voters of the 4th district."

 

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INDIANA WIRE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2008

Former National Commander of the American Legion Endorses Nels Ackerson, Criticizes Steve Buyer


Zionsville, IN - Today the Ackerson campaign released a video endorsement by Tom Bock, former National Commander of the American Legion and a lifelong Republican who is endorsing Nels Ackerson for Congress in Indiana's 4th district.  

"Through our discussions about issues of great concern to military veterans and your approach to addressing them, I have reached the conclusion that Nels would be a true veterans' advocate in Congress," said Bock.  

The American Legion is one of the Nation's leading veterans' service organization, with over 2.7 million veterans involved nationwide.  Tom Bock was elected National President of the American Legion in 2005, after over 20 years of active involvement and advocacy on behalf of veterans.  A veteran of the Air Force during the Vietnam War, he obtained the rank of Sergeant, and is a Blue Star father, having a son who is serving in Iraq.  

"It is my proud honor to receive the support of such a strong advocate for Indiana's veterans.  Tom has been a lifelong Republican, and I am particularly proud that like so many Republicans this year, he has been willing to cross the aisle to support my campaign.  Treatment of our Veterans is a critical issue, particularly when we have more and more veterans fighting and returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq," said Ackerson.

"Our commitments to our veterans are a sacred promise.  It is shocking that Congress hasn't honored those promises.  The failure of Congress to honor their promises to veterans is more than a legislative failure.  This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue," Ackerson continued.  "It is fundamentally an issue of character and integrity."

During his 16 years in Congress, Steve Buyer has been highly criticized for his well documented anti-veteran record.  While on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Buyer was given very low marks by multiple veterans organizations.
Disabled Veterans of America in 2006 was 66% and 0% in 2003, 2004, and 2005
AMVETS gave him a score of 50% in 2003
American Legion gave him a score of 50% in 2003
Two years ago, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American gave Buyer a "C" for his lack of support of the veterans' community.

Former National Commander Bock met with Steve Buyer on many occasions trying to get his support for Veterans.  Bock commented, "In my honest opinion, Steve Buyer is not a veteran's friend.  He was responding to someone else's direction in order to further his own career."

Ackerson has promised that when he is in Congress, he will be a champion who fights for Indiana's veterans.  In August, Nels Ackerson publicly committed himself to the Ackerson Pledge on Veterans, four specific proposals that he would fight for in Congress.  "Our veterans have given us their best, and they deserve to be treated honestly and to receive the benefits they were promised.  And when I am in congress, that is exactly what I intend to do."

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Contact: Peter Ackerson, 317-733-8468, peter@nels4congress.com
Nels Ackerson believes very firmly in the need for truth in government and for active protection of Veterans rights.  He is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. Nels and his wife Sharon live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

Contact

Name: David Galvin                                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: 317-331-5850                                                                                      10/14/08

 

 

Nels Ackerson Discusses His Plan For Our Troubled Economy and How It Is Affecting Senior Citizens and Retirees

"Steve Buyer has voted repeatedly to spend every penny of Social Security surpluses in order to fund billion-dollar tax cuts for the wealthy."

Zionsville, Ind.- The 4th District needs a Congressman who will fight for economic security and not simply blindly vote for the failed policies that have caused a 30% decline in the stock market and record unemployment.  With the economic crisis affecting people across all age-levels but especially retirees and people near retirement, Nels Ackerson announced this week that he will be traveling across the district talking to those most hurt by the crisis.

Over the last year, Americans have lost nearly $2 trillion in retirement savings from pensions and 401(k) plans.  Many retirees have been forced to take hardship withdrawals from their retirement accounts to pay their debts.  Middle-aged Americans are delaying retirement while those who have already retired attempt to rejoin the workforce to make ends meet.

"Congress needs new ideas and new leadership.  16-year incumbent Steve Buyer has failed to protect the people of this district.  That is why I am reaching out to the 4th District, talking about the hardships our community is facing and what I will do to help senior citizens in particular," said Ackerson.

"During his 16-years in Congress, Steve Buyer has not only missed more votes than any other Indiana Congressman but he has also consistently voted for the deregulation which led to this current financial crisis and against the protections for which Social Security was created.  Buyer has voted repeatedly to spend every penny of Social Security surpluses in order to fund billion-dollar tax cuts for the wealthy.  Worse, Buyer has fully supported Bush's idea of Social Security privatization, which would have destroyed the pensions of millions."

During a district-wide tour including stops in Mooresville, Plainfield, and Lebanon, Ackerson discussed his commitment to fiscally conservative policies and government accountability.  "We must stop economic crises like this in the future.  Congress must be held responsible for where and how it is spending taxpayer's money, especially Social Security funds on which millions of the elderly depend.  Mostly, we must ensure that Congress protects the savings and retirements of many hardworking men and women. And when I am in Congress, that is exactly what I intend to do."

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Nels Ackerson believes very firmly in the need for fiscally conservative policies and government accountability. He is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. Nels and his wife Sharon live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

YouTube link.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2008

Nels Ackerson Comments on the House Passage of the Finance Bill

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson today said that Congress is not finished and needs to keep working to rescue our economy.  "Today's expensive rescue plan is designed to revive an economy on life support, but it has not cured the disease," Ackerson said.

Ackerson continued, "The disease was caused by Wall Street's reckless borrowing, investing and spending patterns that were the direct result of Congress removing all oversight and regulation over Wall Street multi-millionaires."

Ackerson urged Congress to stay in session and take necessary steps to prevent another financial crisis that may arise in weeks, months or years if the root cause is not corrected.  He suggested prompt scheduling of hearings and additional legislation to restore a reasonable framework of regulations on Wall Street to replace those that were removed by Congress in 1999.

"We must protect the savings, investments and retirement accounts of regular Americans so that they don't again become unwitting pawns in a Wall Street game fueled by unchallenged greed that leads to reckless decisions and incompetent management of other people's money," Ackerson explained.

Ackerson said he was disappointed that Steve Buyer, the 16-year incumbent congressman from this 4th District did not make any attempt to improve on the legislation.  "Steve Buyer voted for removal of all regulations over the Wall Street multi-millionaires and that removal of oversight created the crisis that is now threatening our entire economy," Ackerson explained.  "I think the voters have a right to expect him to accept some responsibility for correcting the huge problem that he participated in creating.  At the very least he could have proposed some  solutions rather than simply voting against the bill."

"Our government has failed us, and people are angry," said Ackerson.  "It's unacceptable that regular people who have been responsible with their finances are being asked to bail out financial institutions and their CEOs who have been reckless in their borrowing.  And now we're having to pay $700 billion to bail them out.  But thanks to years of Congress's carelessness, that's what's we have to do."

Ackerson also said the legislation passed today would have been more readily accepted by the voters if it had clearly specified the types of distressed assets that could be acquired and set standards for the prices that could be paid.  "Congress should stay in session and set those standards now," Ackerson insisted.

 "We need a Congressman who is accountable, who shows up, works hard, proposes solutions, works across the aisle, and stays until the job is done.  That's what I would do if I were there" Ackerson said.


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INDIANA WIRE

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Evansville Courier & Press

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2008

Buyer Refuses to Debate, Resorts to Lies and Insults

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - While the nation continues to struggle through a financial crisis that our current 16-year incumbent Congressman did nothing to prevent, and has done nothing to resolve, Steve Buyer did find time yesterday to issue a press release containing lies and distortions.  In response to a district wide series of radio ads in which Nels Ackerson once again challenged Buyer to debate him face-to-face in a forum open to the public, Steve Buyer instead chose to respond via a midnight press release containing numerous factual errors and false accusations.

In the press release, Buyer resorted to childish name-calling using words like "whining", "hypocrite", "mean", "shallow", and "bitter" and referred to Ackerson's extensive voter outreach program as "parading around the district."

"This type of pettiness and childish rants are unfit for a leader," commented Ackerson.

"Buyer's been increasingly bizarre and belligerent on the campaign trail, making veiled threats to me and members of my staff.  He even yelled at one of my high school volunteers at the opening of the Montgomery County Republican office.  But this type of language in formal a public statement represents a new low for Buyer," noted Ackerson.  "If he weren't our elected representative and we didn't have such serious crises going on these rants would be comical."

Jim Need, a retired banker and Republican precinct committeeman who heads Republicans for Ackerson, was present at the event and added, "It is an embarrassment to see this level of false statements and slurs coming from a sitting Congressman.  There is no excuse for such language and untruths.  Steve Buyer knows that what his press release claimed is not true.  It is incredible the lengths this man will go to in order to hide from the truth in a public debate."

In addition to its petty tone, Buyer's news release included a series of distortions and outright misstatements of facts, including:

The event that Buyer described as a "joint appearance" was organized and managed by Mike Beard who is the Chairman of Steve Buyer's PAC.
Nels Ackerson attended the event with full intent to participate.  The only reason Nels did not speak was because Mike Beard refused to allow him to speak.  Mr. Beard had verbally committed to the Ackerson campaign that Nels would be permitted to speak early since he was scheduled to attend a competing public event in Indianapolis.  When Nels arrived at the event, Mike Beard publicly refused to allow Nels to speak at the previously agreed upon time of 6:30.  After explaining he had to leave at 6:45, which had been the understanding reached in earlier conversations, Beard still refused to allow Nels to speak.
The Clinton County Farm Bureau meeting was never a debate.  Nor was it open to the public or even to guests.  Mike Beard, president of the Clinton County Farm Bureau in addition to heading Steve Buyer's political PAC, organized and presided over the meeting.  Any suggestion otherwise is fundamentally untrue.
The Clinton County Farm Bureau event was scheduled in mid September, not "months ago."  Furthermore, the date of the event, September 29, was deliberately scheduled for the same night as a job fair in Frankfort in order to accommodate Steve Buyer's schedule.
From annual childhood trips with his grandparents to the Clinton County Fair and including dozens of appearances at FFA meetings, high schools, service clubs, Farm Bureau meetings and visits to friends and relatives, Nels Ackerson has spent extensive time in the 4th District throughout his life.
"It is the height of hypocrisy for Steve Buyer, a man who has made a career out of avoiding debates and hiding from public accountability, to try to criticize this campaign for not debating," observed Jim Need.

Added Ackerson, "We should be talking about issues that matter to voters instead of these personal attacks.  Steve Buyer wants to pretend that we've been skipping debates, and that's laughable.  Name the time, Steve.  Name the place.  We've been waiting.  Stop hiding behind half-truths."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2008

Ackerson Addresses Bailout Issue with 4th District Voters

To my fellow residents of the 4^th District,

The unprecedented events of the past week have led to a great deal of controversy and concern.  Never in the history of our Nation has our Congress considered such sweeping, and to be quite frank such expensive, legislation in such a short time.  As one of two candidates seeking your support this November, I am concerned.  While events continue to unfold, I wanted you to know where I stand on this critical issue.

Last night President Bush addressed the Nation.  In his speech he noted that "our entire economy is in danger" and used phrases such as "serious economic crisis", "panic", and warned of a "long and painful recession."  Like many of you, I am extremely frustrated to see yet another failure of our proud Nation.  Too often in recent times we have seen government ineptness lead to painful, and on occasion tragic, outcomes. 

It is no secret that the last few years have been fraught with turmoil, both abroad and now at here at home.  As events this week have made clear, we are now faced with the painful results of numerous failures in the financial sector and failures by our government.  In an economy already reeling from continued declines in the strength of the dollar, the massive explosion in the price of fuel, and ongoing foreclosures in home mortgages, our country is now facing a complete meltdown in the stock markets and the credit markets.

In response to the rapidly crumbling situation, this Wednesday I met here in Zionsville with several of my economic advisors, including Purdue faculty member Wally Tyner, a recognized expert in energy issues, and Tom Schelling, a Nobel Prize winning economist.  What is clear from our conversation is that while this problem was created by the failings of a small group of entrenched legislators and wealthy financiers, it is likely that the impact will hurt us all.

While many are already suffering from declines in their retirement, the longer term consequences of this failure may be worse.  When banks no longer offer credit, it is not the wealthy who suffer, but the middle class.  This crisis will hurt Hoosiers who need mortgages to buy a home, who depend upon student loans to receive an education, or auto loans to afford a car, who will suddenly find banks unwilling or unable to offer assistance.

And yet the proposed $700 billion solution concerns me a great deal.  This legislation represents one of the single biggest expansions of government in history.  That amount represents a sudden and unexpected tax of approximately $2,500 per person in this country.  And ultimately this fee must be paid for with increased taxes, more deficits, and further weakening the dollar, all of which hurt those who have been responsible in their personal finances and their savings. 

The decision to pursue such a massive expense with no provisions for oversight represents a significant increase in government authority that is unprecedented.  As a lifelong advocate who has dedicated his career to protecting the constitutional rights of private citizens, I am highly concerned by the radical proposal that runs rough shod over the traditions of this Nation.  From what we have heard so far, the current proposal provides for little accountability, few assurances that tax payers will ever receive repayment, and little regard for the reality that it is we, the taxpayers, who are being asked to shoulder the price for the losing economic policies. 

Given the severity of the crisis, we are now forced to consider drastic solutions that only a few months ago would have seemed inconceivable.  Expensive solutions that fly in the face of the fiscal conservatism that I have always embraced, and that may prove to create as many problems over the long term as they solve in the near term.

When I began my campaign to be your representative in Congress over a year ago, I spoke frequently about my concern about the direction our government was taking.  It seemed that our government no longer respected us.  Instead they treated their roles with a sense of privilege and entitlement, and spent our tax dollars with a recklessness more appropriate to Las Vegas than to Main Street.  Only a few weeks ago I travelled around the district presenting the Ackerson Pledge on the Economy, speaking directly to voters about the need for renewed fiscal discipline, greater government accountability, and more effective oversight by those whom we entrust to watch the soundness of our tax dollars, our banks, and our economy.

I want you to know that I take these issues very seriously.  Our government has failed us, and now they are asking us to pay the price for their losing policies.  It appears likely that regardless of what solution is adopted, it is we, the taxpayers, who will be held responsible.  It is failures like this that led me to run for Congress. 

We must change Congress.  As your representative I will work tirelessly to ensure that Congress always respects their role as stewards of the taxpayers money.  As a fiscal conservative, I understand that tax money is not government money.  I will be accountable to you, and will fight for responsible government and effective oversight.

Over the coming days I will be actively monitoring the current crisis, meeting with advisors and voters, and discussing the likely outcome with legislators here in Indiana and in Washington.  As always, I will be listening to the people of this district, and welcome your thoughts as we continue through this difficult situation. 

We need change in Washington.  It is clear that the current policies are not successful.  But America is a great Nation.  We have overcome great challenges before, and we will overcome this crisis.  Together we can, and we will, get our country back on the right track.

Yours for a new Congress,

Nels Ackerson

Nels is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. From his childhood years on the family farm in Eagletown to a decades-long legal career representing the "little guy" against powerful governments and corporations, Nels has always stayed true to his Hoosier values. He is a champion of individual rights and economic opportunity who believes there is nothing we can't accomplish by working together. Nels and his wife, Sharon, live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2008

Ackerson Decries Culture of Entitlement and Corruption In Congress and the Energy Industry

Zionsville, Ind - Nels Ackerson, Candidate for the 4th Congressional District, today called for stronger enforcement of criminal laws and more effective Congressional oversight in the wake of yet another ethics scandal in Washington.  "Our government continues to betray our trust by tolerating corruption and waste of taxpayers' money."

"We are literally losing billions of dollars every year because of government employees who chase perks from oil, gas, mineral and energy companies in exchange for one-sided contracts and underpriced leases.  The conduct by employees of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is outrageous," stated Ackerson. 

The MMS scandal follows on the heels of the April criminal conviction of high-powered Congressional lobbyist Jack Abramoff for trading expensive gifts, meals and sports trips in exchange for political favors.  Ackerson noted that this behavior should have been stopped years ago.  "Legislation to stop government employees from taking gifts from lobbyists and contractors should not have waited so long.  It is terrible that stronger versions of this law were blocked by members of Congress, allowing corruption that costs taxpayers billions." 

Ackerson specifically criticized 16 year incumbent Steve Buyer, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, for not only failing to fight the corruption, but instead showing a consistent tolerance of lax ethics in the Energy industry and encouraging the lobbyists from oil, gas, and energy companies that he oversees.  "The incumbent Steve Buyer has shown his loyalty to oil industry executives and corporate PACs who have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund his campaigns.  Since taking office 16 years ago Steve Buyer has taken over $160,000 from energy companies, and voted repeatedly to stop reforms that might reduce his fundraising perks."

"It is clear that there is a culture of corruption and entitlement in Washington that is being tolerated throughout the government," said Ackerson.  As published in the Wall Street Journal, the report from the Inspectors Generals' office uncovered corruption at every level of the MMS, including a former department head.  Investigators found that government employees responsible for managing more than $4.3 billion dollars in taxpayer money have been regularly engaging in acts of sexual behavior, drug abuse, and bribery with the very people they regulate.   

Congressional records show that Buyer has consistently voted against restricting the influence of lobbyists and against legislation that would forbid Congressman like himself from receiving gifts.  Among the positions Buyer has supported are:

• Voting against the investigation into Jack Abramoff's illegal lobbying activities (3/30/06, RC#76);
• Voting against stronger reporting requirements for lobbyists involved in fundraising for candidates (5/24/07, RC#420);
• Voting against repealing weak House ethics rules (4/27/05, RC# 145); and
• Voting for allowing groups to pay for a Congressperson's travel, and lobbyists to cater dinners to their offices (1/7/03, RC#4);

"This incestuous relationship between corporate money and the Congressmen who oversee them is costing taxpayers billions.  It forces voters to question who their representatives are actually representing, the voters or the lobbyists that shower Congress with perks and money.  Congress has not upheld the trust of the people they represent to prevent these illegal activities, and instead Congress has been auctioning off that trust for their own enrichment," said Nels.  "I know that I am not the only American who is tired of it.  I want our government returned to us and I want an explanation from Steve Buyer for standing in the way of accountability, voting to protect Abromoff and his cronies, and for his acceptance of so much money from companies that he oversees."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                       
Sept 10, 2008

 

Ackerson Endorses Bipartisan Energy Legislation

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson, candidate for Congress in Indiana's 4th District, today announced his endorsement for broad-based, bipartisan energy legislation to bring an end to partisan bickering on the subject.  He specifically mentioned two energy proposals that are supported by coalitions including both Democrats and Republicans.   House bill H.R. 6709, co-sponsored by 36 Democrats and 95 Republicans, and  the Senate's "Gang of Ten" energy legislation , co-sponsored by 8 Democrats and 8 Republicans.

Ackerson said, "These bills represent real solutions that have a chance of getting passed and of solving the energy crisis that Congress has gotten us into.  We've had enough of Washington's blame game.  Let's get on with bipartisan solutions that are long overdue.  Hoosiers want solutions from Congress, not political posturing or threats to shut down the government.  They want statesmanship and smart solutions, not stale arguments about who's to blame."

In his only debate with Ackerson, 16-year incumbent Steve Buyer stated that he was proud to be a partisan in Congress.  Buyer argued that he preferred contention and even "combat" in Congress, instead of cooperation.  Ackerson strongly disagreed, saying that the national interest has to be put ahead of partisan party concerns.  Said Ackerson, "Congress has failed, and we're suffering because of it.  We need someone in Congress who will fight for this district and create real legislative solutions to our energy problems, not someone who deliberately picks fights and promotes symbolic legislation."

This past spring Buyer joined with 20 other Republican members of Congress in proposing an energy bill that has no co-sponsors from the other party.  It was his first substantial legislation on the Energy issue in 16 years.  Buyer has held news conferences in Indiana roundly criticizing Democrats for not scheduling a vote on the bill.  While several other bills have been developed with bipartisan support, Buyer's bill has yet had a hearing and has not been seriously considered by the committees on which Buyer serves.

Ackerson said, "True to form, it seems that Steve Buyer would rather pick a fight than to do the spadework necessary to fix a problem.  After 16 years of inactivity, Steve Buyer proposes this bill 90 days before the coming election, with no effort to go through committee, or to get involvement from both parties.  Perhaps that's why Buyers bill has been largely ineffective.  I've worked on the Hill under Birch Bayh, and I know how to get things done.  And that's not it.  I encourage Steve to rise above that level, reach across the aisle, make some compromises if necessary, and help get something done."

 

###

 

For more information contact Peter Ackerson. 317-733-8468  or peter@nels4congress.com.

YouTube link.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                        Aug 20, 2008

 

Ackerson Pledges Fiscal Responsibility

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson, Democratic candidate for Congress in Indiana's 4th District, today pledged to adopt pay-as-you-go spending limits and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.

Ackerson is a fiscal conservative.  His proposals are part of the "Ackerson Pledge for Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability."  Nels has publicly committed to taking action on four initiatives when he becomes Congressman:

Require Pay-As-You-Go spending
Fight wasteful earmarks, sole source contracts to political cronies, unjustified subsidies.
Apply effective regulations to prevent taxpayer bailouts of huge companies
Support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget
Appearing in Indianapolis and Lafayette, Ackerson said, "Congress has failed us by borrowing recklessly and spending beyond its means.  The people we've sent to Washington are bankrupting our country.  They are not being honest about the size of the loans they're imposing on future generations.  This reckless borrowing and spending is endangering critical funding obligations like Social Security and Veterans Healthcare.  I want to change that immediately."

 "Congress has borrowed so much money that every baby born in America today inherits over $31,000," Ackerson noted.  "That's $125,000 of national debt owed by every family of four. This borrow and spend approach is a cruel form of taxation without representation for our children and grandchildren.  Even worse, we're now borrowing from foreign rulers in China, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, hurting our independence and security."

"It is time for us to change our government, to change the 'borrow and spend' mentality.  It is time to establish new and better policies that ensure a better economy.  And that is what I pledge to work for when I am elected to Congress."

Ackerson was joined in Indianapolis by former United States Congressman Andy Jacobs, Jr., who proposed the first balanced budget constitutional amendment in Congress more than 30 years ago.

 "Nels' pledge is a solemn commitment to do what he says he will do," Jacobs said.  "That's a courageous act and a refreshing change from politics as usual in Washington.  It's called accountability.  He will be accountable to the voters and to his conscience."  Observed Jacobs, "Nels will be a great congressman for Indiana."

Today's pledge is the second in a series of pledges that Nels Ackerson will announce.  The first pledge included four ways in which Ackerson pledges to support Veterans Rights.

Nels Ackerson believes in the need for truth in government, for conservative fiscal policies, and for active protection of Social Security and Veterans healthcare.  He is running for Congress to bring much-needed accountability and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. Nels and his wife Sharon live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

 

###

 

For more information contact Peter Ackerson. 317-733-8468  or peter@nels4congress.com.

MEDIA ADVISORY
Aug 18, 2008

Contact: Bill Bean, 317-507-8570

Ackerson to Announce Pledge on Government Stewardship and Accountability in Lafayette and Indianapolis on Wednesday

Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson will be campaigning in two cities tomorrow to unveil the Ackerson Pledge on Government Stewardship.  Ackerson will be joined in Indianapolis by former Indiana Congressman Andy Jacobs.

In announcing the event Ackerson noted that "Congress has been spending with reckless abandon and no accountability.  We are building massive debts with deficit spending and mortgaging our children's future.  Congress' risky spending is the ultimate example of taxation without representation.  I want the voters of the 4^th district to know exactly what I stand for and exactly what I will do in Congress.  It's a matter of principle, of integrity, and of accountability."

His public schedule is as follows:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008

10:30 a.m.
Lafayette
Event: Announce Ackerson Pledge on Government Stewardship and Accountability
IBEW Local #668, 2535 S 30th St, Lafayette, IN 47909

1:30 p.m.
Indianapolis
Event: Announce Ackerson Pledge on Government Stewardship and Accountability
UAW Local #933, 2320 South Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241

Nels is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. From his childhood years on the family farm in Eagletown to a decades-long legal career representing the "little guy" against powerful governments and corporations, Nels has always stayed true to his Hoosier values. He is a champion of individual rights and economic opportunity who believes there is nothing we can't accomplish by working together. Nels and his wife, Sharon, live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                        Aug 18, 2008

 

Ackerson Campaign Announces "Veterans for Ackerson"

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson today announced the formation of 'Veterans for Ackerson', a group of veterans from across the 4th district who have offered to help him fight to restore the veterans benefits that we promised to them but taken away by sixteen year incumbent Steve Buyer.  Formed this week, Veterans for Ackerson has already grown to include over 40 veterans from all branches of the military.

"It's really exciting to see the strong response we've received from the veterans' community," said Ackerson.  "But it's not just veterans who care about these issues, or about honesty in government.  People are disgusted by the way our government has broken its promises with our veterans who have put their lives on the line for us.  That's why so many veterans who know the truth about Steve Buyer's record of anti-veteran votes, and his history of saying one thing and doing the opposite, are pitching in to help our campaign and to help me fight for our veterans."

Rick Cornstuble, a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Chairman of 'Veterans For Ackerson' stated that "Veterans need a strong voice in Washington, someone who will put them first.  Nels Ackerson will fight for our vets and protect their benefits."

'Veterans for Ackerson' includes members who have fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Ackerson noted that many of the members were long time Republicans.  "Treating our veterans fairly is not about party, it is about principle.  We need to fight Steve Buyer's anti-veteran legislation, such as his proposed Veterans Tax.  I'm running a bipartisan campaign that includes supporters from both parties who understand that we need to find solutions, not scapegoats."

Thomas Bratcher, a veteran from West Lafayette, is also very unhappy with Steve Buyer's record.  He recently participated in a Congressional hearing and was upset that Steve Buyer "ranted insults at disabled veterans as if we were a bunch of errant children."  Bratcher wants a better advocate for veterans in the 4th district.

Ackerson has promised that when he is in Congress he will fight to ensure that veterans receive fair treatment and have an honest advocate in Congress.  Over the past two weeks he has announced the Ackerson Pledge, publicly promising that when he is in Congress he will ensure that veterans receive the health treatments they were promised and that they need.  Nels has also pledged that he will promote legislation to support the families of veterans and to provide job transition assistance for veterans returning from service.

 "'Veterans for Ackerson' represents a first step to ensuring that the veterans in this district have an honest advocate in Congress who does what he says and who fights for veterans and not against them," said Ackerson.  "Our veterans and all of us deserve a representative we can trust and who will not claim to support veterans issues and then vote against those same issues in Washington.  I deeply respect the noble service our veterans provide to this country, and I am honored to have them supporting my campaign."

 

###

 

For more information contact Peter Ackerson. 317-733-8468  or peter@nels4congress.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2008

For more information: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468

Nels Ackerson Calls For Public Debates, Not Private Dinner Parties


ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson today called for open debates with Steve Buyer.  He criticized Buyer for trying to avoid debates and for attempting to replace a proposed public debate in Hendricks County with a private dinner meeting.  Ackerson instead called for openness and public access for any debates in the 4th District.  "The fact is Congress has failed us," Ackerson said.  "Steve Buyer has been in Congress for sixteen years, and he's trying to avoid facing the voters in public.  We don't need secrecy here, we need public debates."

Buyer has made it clear that he is available on August 28, and can be in Hendricks County, but he wants to limit who can attend.  "Buyer wants to negotiate changes to the format so he can avoid facing the voters," said Ackerson.  "I trust the Hendricks County Farm Bureau to set a fair and reasonable debate format.  I trust it will be open to the public.  I don't need to argue over format details.  I'll be there."

In addition to the Farm Bureau, several other organizations have actively promoted debates, including the Purdue Student Government, members of the Crawfordsville VFW, WILO Frankfort, The Frankfort Times, and others.  So far Buyer has not accepted any of these invitations.

The August 28th date is the first and only date that Steve Buyer has indicated he is available to debate the issues.  Ackerson recently proposed a series of debates across the 4th District, but Buyer has not responded.  "We should be having debates that are open to the voters, open to the press, and near enough that people don't have to drive for hours to attend.  That's the spirit of American Democracy that I believe we should follow."

 "Steve Buyer seems to think that he's entitled to this job, and that he doesn't have to be bothered to meet the people, to be held accountable for what he has or has not done, and to share his vision for our district and our country.  I think that's not right.  I believe that politicians work for the people, and not the other way around."

Ackerson has accepted every debate invitation, and has issued an open invitation to Buyer to jointly appear in debates in each county in the district.  "It's important that we go out and meet the voters.  They shouldn't have to travel to meet us.  It's a matter of principle.  We aren't entitled to this job, we report to the citizens of this district and should be accountable to them."

Ackerson noted that Congress is on vacation for the month of August, but that Buyer has so far refused to accept any public debate challenges while he's in the district.  "I'm receiving invitations to debate from people who want to know how their Congressman is going to solve the problems facing our country.  We're facing a lot of serious issues these days.  I'm meeting voters all the time who are worried about the price of oil, the state our economy and housing, and frustrated by the treatment of our Veterans.  They deserve an honest and open format to hear the candidates respond to questions."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2008

For more information: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson believes that voters in the 4^th district have a right to know how their representative stands on the issues that affect their lives.  Sixteen year incumbent Steve Buyer believes he can continue to avoid any debates, having recently declined to respond to yet another invitation to participate in a debate.  The invitation is the most recent in a long list of proposals that the Buyer Campaign has ignored or refused to schedule.

In response Nels Ackerson has issued a broad challenge: He will debate Steve Buyer in each of the twelve counties in the 4^th District.  "Steve Buyer is choosing to play Washington spin games to avoid facing the people and discussing the facts of his voting record," said Ackerson.  "We have constituents regularly calling us and asking us to debate and we have accepted all of their invitations.  We have agreed to just about any format, any date, and any location.  But Steve Buyer refuses to commit to any specific public debates.  He says one thing, and does nothing.  I think it's time he offered the people of this district more than photo ops.  Steve Buyer has five weeks of vacation away from Washington this August that could be used to meet with constituents for debates."

The organizations that have offered to host debates and are still waiting for a confirmation from Steve Buyer include:

• WILO Frankfort
• Frankfort Chamber of Commerce
• Frankfort Times
• The Purdue University Student Government
• Veterans of Foreign Wars, Crawfordsville
• Hendricks County Farm Bureau
• Disabled American Veterans, Lafayette

Issuing his broad challenge, Ackerson noted that accountability and communication are fundamental to democracy, and that voters have a right to a representative who listens to them and keeps them informed of what he's been doing in Washington.  "There are a lot of conflicting stories about his performance and his votes, particularly on veterans' benefits.  There are a lot of questions about the facts. Given his record on the declining economy, the 16 year absence of any cohesive energy policy, and his proposed veterans' tax, I think it's critical that we discuss the issues with our constituents."

Nels is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. From his childhood years on the family farm in Eagletown to a decades-long legal career representing the "little guy" against powerful governments and corporations, Nels has always stayed true to his Hoosier values. He is a champion of individual rights and economic opportunity who believes there is nothing we can't accomplish by working together. Nels and his wife, Sharon, live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

Press Release - Nels Ackerson Announces "Ackerson Pledge" on Veterans Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2008


ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson believes that the 4th District deserves a Congressman who will fight for Veterans rights.  Today he announced the "Ackerson Pledge to Veterans", a series of concrete initiatives to honor America's commitments to Veterans.  

"My opponent, Steve Buyer, has been in Congress for 16 years.  While claiming to support our serviceman and women, he has consistently voted against the interests of Veterans.  Whether cutting promised Healthcare budgets, alienating Veterans organizations, or trying to institute a Veterans Tax, Buyer has not been the advocate that our veterans need.  That is why I am announcing the Ackerson Pledge to Veterans.  I want the voters in the 4th district to know exactly what I stand for and exactly what I will do in Congress.  It's a matter of principle, of integrity, and of accountability."

As part of the "Ackerson Pledge to Veterans" Nels has publicly committed to taking action on four initiatives when he becomes Congressman:

·         Nels will keep our promises to protect Veterans benefits

·         Nels will support the families of soldiers and Veterans

·         Nels will fight to provide better job transition and assistance for returning veterans

·         Nels will work to protect and honor the American flag

Ackerson was accompanied by members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled Veterans of America at campaign stops in Zionsville, Lafayette, and Crawfordsville.  At each location Ackerson committed himself to four initiatives on behalf of America's soldiers and veterans.  "The Ackerson Pledge is my pledge to the people of the 4th district and to our soldiers and veterans that we will honor their service by delivering on our promises," said Ackerson.

Nels further added that he is committed to being a champion of Veterans and is opposed to the Veterans Tax proposed by Steve Buyer.  Said Ackerson, "Our veterans have given us their best, and they deserve to be treated honestly and to receive the benefits they were promised.  And when I am in congress, that is exactly what I intend to do."

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EDITORIAL: Lake County needs a permanent hiring freeze, not just a mere frost

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EACS eye property taxes for help

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More fire mergers are on the docket

COLUMN: Crime in Indy has a worthy opponent

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Adviser touts Obama's economic plans

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No raise this year

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METS exhausts fuel budget, but no plans to cut routes, boost fares

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Jeff tries to soften action by EPA

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State Gas Tax Guzzlers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2008

Contact: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468

Individual donors contribute more to Ackerson than to Buyer
Congressman raised majority of second quarter funds from special interests

Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson received more contributions from individuals than his opponent, Congressman Steve Buyer, who raised roughly 65 percent of his campaign funds from political action committees and other special interests. Ackerson has raised more money from individuals every quarter since he entered the race.

Individual donors contributed more money to Ackerson than Buyer, and 85 percent of Ackerson's campaign funds came from individuals. Buyer, on the other hand, raised most of his second quarter funds from political action committees and other special interests.

"Fourth District residents need to take a hard look at who's shelling out big bucks to keep Steve Buyer in Congress," Ackerson said. "I'm grateful that I have so much support from Hoosiers who believe we need to return bipartisan leadership to Congress and break away from the culture of corruption that has taken over Washington."

In past cycles, Buyer has raised tens of thousands of dollars from Big Oil and drug company executives. In 2006, he raised almost $100,000 from the Big Pharma lobby after opposing efforts to reduce drug prices for seniors.

"How can Steve Buyer say he's looking out for us when it looks like his campaign is bought and paid for by these lobbying groups that push policies that aren't in our best interest?" Ackerson asked.

"I'm running for Congress because I am a bipartisan leader who can reach across the aisle and build consensus on the issues that matter most to Hoosiers," Ackerson continued. "The only group I'll be beholden to in Congress are the residents of Indiana's Fourth District."

Ackerson raised $104,000 in the second quarter of 2008. Congressional campaign reports were due today for that period.

Nels is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. From his childhood years on the family farm in Eagletown to a decades-long legal career representing the "little guy" against powerful governments and corporations, Nels has always stayed true to his Hoosier values. He is a champion of individual rights and economic opportunity who believes there is nothing we can't accomplish by working together. Nels and his wife, Sharon, live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2008

For more information: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468

Ackerson responds to Big Pharma's record lobbying year

Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson responded today to a Center for Public Integrity report that the pharmaceutical industry spent a record $168 million lobbying the federal government last year.

According to campaign finance records, Fourth District Congressman Steve Buyer received more money - almost $100,000 - from Big Pharma and the health products industry than any other group in the 2006 campaign cycle. He has received $38,000 from the industry in this cycle.

"Why do we keep sending someone to Washington who's more interested in representing the special interests than the people who elected him?" Ackerson asked. "Our Congressman should be standing up for the people of the Fourth District, not the special interests."

More than 90 percent of Ackerson's campaign contributions have come from individual donors.

Buyer has supported legislation aimed at preventing the importation of drugs from other countries. Big Pharma opposes the importation of drugs because they are often cheaper than drugs purchased in this country.

Buyer also opposed a proposal last year to require drug companies to negotiate lower prices for the millions of Americans who participate in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program.

Ackerson said that Buyer has spent too long in Washington doing the bidding of special interests.

"I bring a different approach," Ackerson said. "For the past 16 years, while my opponent has been in Congress, I've been fighting for the little guy, protecting their rights and opportunities, and taking on governments and big corporations when they abuse their power and influence to take advantage of others. Hard-working Hoosiers are looking for that kind of leadership to represent them in Washington, and that's why I'm running for Congress."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008

Contact: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468

Ackerson calls for investigation into drug testing on war veterans
Challenger says Buyer made no effort to stop government experiments

Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson today called for an investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs' practice of testing dangerous experimental drugs on war veterans in exchange for small cash payments.

"Congress stood idly by while our government experimented on the men and women who've fought for our country and our freedom," Ackerson said. "It's an absolute outrage."

A recent Washington Times investigation revealed that hundreds of veterans participated in a government program that paid them a small monthly stipend in exchange for taking drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior.

At least one of the experiments specifically targeted veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. One veteran involved in that experiment referred to himself as "a lab rat for $30 per month."

Ackerson said he was appalled and expressed disappointment that Congressman Steve Buyer, the ranking Republican on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, did nothing to oppose the experimental testing.

"The brave Hoosiers returning to the Fourth District look to their Congressman for leadership and protection," Ackerson said. "Steve Buyer has been in office for 16 years and claims to have veterans' interests at heart, but he didn't exercise the oversight available to him."

According to federal campaign finance records, the pharmaceutical and health products industry was Buyer's top contributor in the 2006 election cycle. He already has received $38,000 from the industry this election cycle.

"We need to elect people to Congress who will stand up for the little guy, not bow to the special interests," Ackerson said. "I've spent the last two decades taking on government and big corporations in the courtroom, and I'll bring that same spirit and dedication to Congress."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2008

ACKERSON: BUYER RIGHT TO BLAME CONGRESS

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - In a radio interview today Rep. Steve Buyer put the blame for high fuel costs on the "ineptness of Congress." Nels Ackerson agrees.

"Mr. Buyer is right to blame Congress for high gas prices but does he expect Hoosiers to forget that he's been there for 16 years and is part of the problem? It's not helpful to blame someone else for this problem when you've done nothing."

A spokesman for the Ackerson campaign questioned Rep. Buyer's timing, "Sixteen years in Congress and it seems the energy crisis has just gotten his attention. He had countless opportunities over his eight terms to address this problem but chose to stay focused on subsidies for big oil. One wonders if it is only the political value of the energy issue that has suddenly made it a priority for him."

Mr. Ackerson's energy policy will be a continuation of the work he started thirty years ago and will emphasize the need to continue the development of alternative energy sources in addition to oil, such as wind, solar, biomass fuels, safe nuclear, and clean coal with carbon sequestration, rather than an exclusive focus on more drilling.

"Some of the best minds and greatest resources on the planet are right here in Indiana's 4th District. It is time to unleash America's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Indiana can lead the way. We can find the new solutions we desperately need."