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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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OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN ANDRÉ CARSON
2455 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
 
CARSON: BUSH ADMINISTRATION SHOULD ADHERE TO BERNANKE'S CALL FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
 
October 20, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Micah Ragland - 202.225.4011 or 202.841.4065
 
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congressman André Carson released the following statement after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before the House Budget Committee that Congress should look at passing a new economic stimulus package to jump start the sagging U.S. economy:
 
"President Bush has rapidly responded to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's advice of having some of our nation's leading financial institutions bailed out in their time of need.  However, now that it is Main Street and not Wall Street who needs the help, the President has been slow to answer the call in supporting an urgently needed economic stimulus package for working Americans.
 
"Time is of the essence and the American people can't afford to wait any longer for a much needed and long overdue economic stimulus package that will boost our economy and create jobs.  President Bush responded to Wall Street's call for help, now it is time that he does the same for Main Street."
 
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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.

OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN ANDRÉ CARSON
2455 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
 
BUSH ADMINISTRATION FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE OBVIOUS: PARTS OF COUNTRY ARE IN AN ECONOMIC RECESSION
 
October 20, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Micah Ragland - 202.225.4011 or 202.841.4065
 
WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement today after Edward Lazear, Chairman of President Bush's White House Council of Economic Advisers, acknowledged that parts of the U.S. are experiencing an economic recession:
 
"Yesterday, a senior Bush Administration official finally acknowledged that certain sections of our country are suffering through a recession.  However, despite the Bush Administration's tardy admission of the obvious, President Bush continues to voice his strong opposition to an economic stimulus package that will help working Americans.
 
"When Wall Street needed help, the President hastily demanded that Congress act swiftly in providing that industry relief.  Unfortunately, he has lacked the same fortitude and initiative when it comes to helping working families who are struggling to navigate through these tough economic times.
 
"With our economy receding and our housing market plummeting, now is the time for the Bush Administration to work with Congressional Democrats in supporting an economic stimulus package that will create jobs, provide tax relief to middle-income Americans, and invest in our aging transportation infrastructure."
 
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Mary Etta Ruley for Congress (Indiana Fifth Congressional District)
Grant Co. HQ: 1420 W. Kem Road Marion, IN. 46952; Hamilton Co. HQ: 802 Mulberry Street, Noblesville
MaryEttaRuley.com     ruleyforcongress@yahoo.com

PRESS RELEASE

Endorsements keep coming in for Fifth District Congressional Candidate Mary Etta Ruley; Burton still won't debate

For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Barta, (317) 517-3127; media@MaryEttaRuley.com
Interviews and photos available

October 20, 2008

MARION, IN - The National Committee for an Effective Congress (NCEC) has endorsed Congressional candidate Mary Etta Ruley (IN-05), adding to the growing list of organizations and individuals who have endorsed Ruley instead of opponent and incumbent Congressman Dan Burton.

The NCEC "supports the best and most electable candidates." They determined the Indiana fifth district congressional race between Democrat Mary Etta Ruley and Republican Dan Burton to be close enough to warrant their endorsement.

The Indiana State AFL-CIO, representing union members and their families belonging to over 700 Local Unions and 15 Central Labor Councils in the State, endorsed Ruley for Congress "for your responses and commitment to the issues of concern to Hoosier working families."

The National Farmers Union has endorsed Mary Etta Ruley's candidacy for United States Congress. In a letter of support, they explained their criteria; "committed to ensuring that the public policy needs of family farmers, ranchers and the communities in which they live are addressed. You have demonstrated that commitment, and we thank you."

Other endorsements include Central Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council, UAW, IBEW, the United Steelworkers, and Hoosier Heartland Wabash Co. C.O.P.E..

Indiana Democratic Party Chair, Dan Parker replied when asked about the attraction of Ruley, "Hoosiers today are struggling under the failed Bush-Burton economy, and they are desperate for a change in leadership.  Mary Etta Ruley represents the change that the voters of the Fifth District so desperately need."

"Mary Etta Ruley has a real chance to unseat Burton. The district is excited to have her on the ticket," J.D. Lux, Fifth District Democratic Chair, said.

Ruley has 30 years of experience in Washington, D.C.  She is degreed in Economics from the University of Maryland.  She worked as a congressional staffer for former Fifth District Democratic Congressman J. Edward Roush and on the National Security subcommittee.  She was an analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses, which led to an Executive appointment on the President's Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force, where she worked with major economists Alan Greenspan and Milton Friedman.  She was president of two large Washington consulting firms, and she led a manufacturing company from bankruptcy, saving and creating jobs.  Upon her return to the Fifth District in 1999, she led high technology economic development efforts.  She currently owns two small businesses in the district.

Burton continues to refuse to face Mary Etta Ruley in either a debate or town hall meeting. "The Burton campaign has been contacted, but they feel they don't have to debate Mary Etta. Without the debate, Burton doesn't have to face voters, who are his constituents, and deal with how they are feeling about the state the country is in and his role in bringing us there," Greg Purvis, Ruley campaign spokesperson commented. "Burton has disconnected from the district and Indiana, and he doesn't seem to care. I've even heard of Republicans for Ruley groups popping up, much like they are for Obama."

Purvis added, "If people want to know who Mary Etta Ruley is, they only have to check out her website, MaryEttaRuley.com, or meet her at an event or when she is walking the district. She is very accessible, and is committed to staying accessible to her district after she is elected."

Former work associates have volunteered their support through Letters to the Editor in papers around Indiana. Warren Buhler, Potomac, Md., wrote to the Chronicle-Tribune just before the primary, "I am a Republican urging support for Mary Etta Ruley for the Democratic nomination for the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana.

"She won my respect when we worked together in the House of Representatives. She knew the issues and concerns of Indiana and was able to contribute most effectively to the legislative process.

"She naturally has a no-nonsense political style of solid analyses and a willingness to put together coalitions, including with Republicans, and is more than able to deal effectively with the critical policy issues of today like jobs, education, health care, foreign policy and bringing the budget under control."

Similar letters of support from others, who knew her in Washington, or on one of the many community initiatives, have appeared in Indiana newspapers.  Vickie Hess, now in Hadley, Mass., met Ruley when they both worked to develop a science museum in Grant County. "I have known Mary Etta as a woman of vision, integrity and intelligence - and incredible energy. She is forthright - what you see is what you get. She has deep roots in Grant County. Her devotion to the county has caused her to remain and seek opportunities to support its growth and development."

This year the voters of the fifth congressional district have a choice when voting for the person to represent them in the U.S. Congress, and therefore the country. Mary Etta Ruley has attracted the support and endorsements that could influence the district voters to decide to make a fresh start and vote for her. An Internet poll at Topix.com, on the Dan Burton page, indicates voters are choosing Mary Etta Ruley. With the momentum created by the Obama campaign for change, those winds might blow through Indiana's fifth congressional district?

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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.

Contact:  Kevin Pastore For Immediate Release
Telephone:  317.694.2173 October 7, 2008
Email:  kevin.pastore@campoforcongress.com
 
 
CAMPO SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BAIL OUT AND PORK

7th District Republican Candidate Calls for Transparency in Legislation
INDIANAPOLIS--Gabrielle Campo, 7th Congressional District Candidate, released
the following statement after Andre Carson flip-flopped on his vote on the economic
"rescue" bill passed by Congress last week:
 
"As evident by the markets' historic lows, the corporate bailout and political pork did
not quench the financial fears that so many in our district face. Uncertainty within the
markets has made lenders afraid to lend money, underscoring the price paid by
Hoosiers because of politics as usual. Congressman Andre Carson folded under
political pressure when he flipped his vote on the second draft of the bail
out. (Carson also reportedly had accepted more than $137,400 from the financial
industry.) The second bill will likely lead to purchase of assets above market value,
putting taxpayers on the line for the difference. To make this decision easier for
politicians, the bill was pumped with pork.   
 
I believe it was irresponsible for my opponent to have voted for a
$700,000,000,000.000 bill sold to the American taxpayer as a financial bail-out in order to add on many ingredients that had nothing to do with helping those affected
by the financial crisis. These ingredients include tax credits for makers of wooden
arrows, provisions for rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and a
seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports racing track facility. The politics as
usual recipe calls for mixing together add-on elements to sweeten the taste of
$700,000,0000,000.00 taxpayer bill to be paid for corporate mistakes. 
 
Our district cannot afford to pay for recipes from the same politics as usual
cookbook. If a bill is supposed to address bailing out companies, then let it plainly
address the situation. Our financial turmoil needed action; it did not need added
pork.  It needed capital injection, regulations, and people taking responsibility. 
 
If the bill is supposed to give tax credits for makers of wooden arrows, let it do just
that. You and I should know how much government we are paying for and we should
know exactly what our representatives are supporting.  When they add on other
issues to sweeten the deal we do not have a clear view of the legislation. Americans
expect transparency and fairness.  This is what I stand for; this is what we deserve. It
is time to change our political recipes. We deserve a healthy House."
 
 
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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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OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN ANDRÉ CARSON
2455 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
 
CARSON SUPPORTS AMERICA'S DISPLACED WORKERS
 
October 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Micah Ragland - 202.225.4011 or 202.841.4065
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement after he cast his vote in support of H.R. 6867, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008:
 
"With job losses hitting a five year high and with over 760,000 American jobs having been lost this year, the American worker is in need of immediate and urgent assistance.  The American worker is the centerpiece of our nation's economy and in order to secure both our nation's immediate and long-term economic productivity it is essential that we secure the fates of working Americans.
 
"By voting to extend the unemployment benefits of our nation's displaced workers, I am seeking to help those most in need.  When our economy underperforms, it is working Americans who bear the heaviest burdens.  By voting in support of this legislation, I am voting to help working families and to revive our sagging economy."
 
 
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OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN ANDRÉ CARSON
2455 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
 
CARSON SUPPORTS REVISED & IMPROVED EMERGENCY RESCUE PACKAGE  
 
October 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Micah Ragland - 202.225.4011 or 202.841.4065
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement today after he cast his vote in support of H.R. 1424, the revised Emergency Economic Stabilization Package:
 
"The people of the 7th Congressional District of Indiana elected me to put their interests first and to properly prioritize their needs.  They also elected me to exercise my judgment and to cast votes in Congress that help them and their dependent loved ones.
 
"By voting in favor of the revised and improved Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, I am voting to put the interests of those working Americans in my district first.  In supporting this revised legislation I am seeking to aid the thousands of small businesses in my district that rely on the free flow of credit to operate and remain financially solvent.
 
"While this legislation is far from perfect, it is much better than the original 3 page proposal offered by the Bush Administration and the incomplete measure that failed in the House on Monday.  However, this substantively more inclusive bill that I voted in favor of today will prevent over 30,000 Indianapolis residents from receiving a considerable tax increase.  In addition, I successfully fought for the inclusion of provisions in this bill that will grant property tax relief to residents of Marion County by allowing them to take advantage of a new $1,000 per couple property tax deduction for non-itemizers.
 
"Much more needs to be done and I will continue to fight to make sure that more is done to help those working Americans fighting to avoid foreclosure and avoid bankruptcy.  I will also continue to use my position in Congress to aggressively fight for the passage of more legislation that helps Americans stay in their homes and protect their retirement savings."