Carnahan should follow Senator Kerry’s Lead and Pay Up

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 28, 2010 – Join Ed Martin for a press conference at the St. Louis landing of the Mississippi River across from the Arch. As word spreads of Senator John Kerry coming forward to pay [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Carnahan should follow Senator Kerry’s Lead and Pay Up

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 28, 2010 – Join Ed Martin for a press conference at the St. Louis landing of the Mississippi River across from the Arch. As word spreads of Senator John Kerry coming forward to pay taxes on his yacht moored in another state, Ed Martin calls on Congressman Russ Carnahan to step forward and pay his taxes too.

When: Today July 28, 2010 at 11:30am

Where: Top of the stairs near the Arch

Just like Senator Kerry avoided paying taxes on his 76-foot yacht mooring it in Rhode Island, Congressman Carnahan is avoiding paying personal property taxes on his 42-foot yacht by docking it in Alton, Illinois instead of his hometown.

Unlike Senator Kerry, who in a recent written statement said, “The payment is being made promptly,” Congressman Carnahan continues to dodge taxes and questions surrounding his yacht. Kerry came forward in a matter of days; Carnahan’s tax evasion was brought to light in April yet the Congressman is still trying to sweep it under the rug.

Carnahan’s scandal delves deeper than just tax evasion too. His boat, “Attractive Nuisance,” went unregistered for years according to the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange. And he neglected to disclose his LLC on his yacht for years too.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Special Project Launched to Help Fight Voter Fraud

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 26, 2010 – With Missouri’s primary election about a week away 3rd district congressional candidate Ed Martin is spearheading a special project aimed at fighting voter fraud. The Count Every Vote Unit is a team of people [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Special Project Launched to Help Fight Voter Fraud

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 26, 2010 – With Missouri’s primary election about a week away 3rd district congressional candidate Ed Martin is spearheading a special project aimed at fighting voter fraud. The Count Every Vote Unit is a team of people who will canvass area polling places to help ensure our area’s elections take place in a fair, honest and impartial manner. The Count Every Vote Unit is comprised of attorneys, poll watchers, and poll challengers. They will broadcast any problems they see via Twitter, Facebook, and our website edmartinforcongress.com. Anyone who suspects fraud or sees anything suspicious is reminded to call and report it to the Secretary of State’s office.

“As someone who has never run for office before, there is a lot to learn.  The problem of voter fraud and the need to fight every day to make every vote count is something that I know from my time working on the Election Board. I will be vigilant in my quest to ensure that every eligible person is able to vote and to make sure voter fraud is not an issue,” said Ed Martin.

As chairman of the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, Ed Martin was tasked with cleaning up city elections and he did just that. He stood strong and took on ACORN’s long standing attempts to corrupt our voting process. Ed Martin vows to continue to help empower voters.

Missouri’s Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan, has a cozy relationship with the former group ACORN, now called MORE or Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment. Robin’s former chief of staff and current campaign manager has direct ties to ACORN.

The Department of Justice pursued, for three years, a case against Missouri for failing to clean up the process. “When filed in 2005, one-third of Missouri counties had more registered voters than voting-age residents. What’s more, Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan,… contended that her office had no obligation to ensure individual counties were complying with the federal law mandating a cleanup of their voter rolls.” (Wall Street Journal, John Fund, July 8, 2010)

One obvious way to help cut down on fraud is to require voters to present photo ID, something both Robin and Russ Carnahan oppose. Congressman Russ Carnahan said “No” to requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

A Staggering 11.1% Unemployment Rate in St. Louis City

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 24, 2010 – As families start checking their list of school supplies needed many must face the fact they simply can’t afford the notebooks, pencils, clothes, and shoes their children need. Missouri currently has a [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

A Staggering 11.1% Unemployment Rate in St. Louis City

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 24, 2010 – As families start checking their list of school supplies needed many must face the fact they simply can’t afford the notebooks, pencils, clothes, and shoes their children need. Missouri currently has a 9.1% unemployment rate but delve deeper into the statistics and you will see that parts of Missouri’s 3rd district are even higher. Jefferson County holds a 9.6% unemployment rate and St. Louis City holds a staggering 11.1%. St. Louis County and Sainte Genevieve Counties are 8.6% and 8.4% respectively.

The lack of family sustaining jobs in the area has taken its toll on families. Too many must make the sacrifice of sending their children back to school unequipped with the needed tools for them to learn properly. The excitement of shopping for new school clothes, typically seen this time of year, will for many be drowned out by the simple need of trying to survive in these tough times.

“It is heartbreaking to see our children continue to be burdened by a recession. And it is disheartening to know our government’s answer to the problem is to continue to spend and pile the burden of debt onto them as well. We must stop the wasteful spending and concentrate on jobs. Our children’s future depends on it. I’m so grateful to know that there are at least organizations like our local National Council of Jewish Women to lend a helping hand in such a time of need,” said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

The St. Louis National Council of Jewish Women will hold its 10 annual “Back to School Store” Sunday July 25th. This year, to meet the growing need, it will welcome 1,000 students. The children will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper as they pick out brand new clothes, coats, toiletries and school supplies.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 23, 2010 – Today, the political world is wondering about the stalled fundraising of Congressman Russ Carnahan as his opponent Ed Martin continues to surge.  In the final report before the primary, Carnahan reports raising just over $9,000, [...]]]> Final Fundraising Report before Primary Shows Cash on Hand Gap Closing

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 23, 2010 – Today, the political world is wondering about the stalled fundraising of Congressman Russ Carnahan as his opponent Ed Martin continues to surge.  In the final report before the primary, Carnahan reports raising just over $9,000, while Ed Martin nearly doubled this with more than $18,000.

More troubling for Democrat watchers is Carnahan’s big spending.  The FEC reports show Carnahan spent quite a bit more than he actually brought in. He only raised $9,375 yet he spent $12,432. A portion of his expenses went to relocating even more staff to help with his campaign. Carnahan now employs two Capitol Hill politicos as his top staffers Angela Barranco from Whip Crowley’s office and Angela Guyadeen from Marion Berry’s office, not to mention another staffer brought in from Louisiana.

Meanwhile Ed Martin continues to show steady growth and common sense spending as he quickly closes in on Carnahan regarding his campaign’s cash on hand. Ed Martin raised $18,207 yet only spent $6,805.

“Even in fundraising Congressman Carnahan serves as a prime example of the wasteful spending that is currently so rampant in Washington. The people of Missouri’s 3^rd district don’t want someone who would throw away money on hiring Washington-insiders to help them do their bidding. They want a representative who uses common sense when it comes to money – someone who will take spending seriously. Carnahan’s spending is on track with the deficit problems plaguing our country and mortgaging our children’s future,’ said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

Ed Martin’s fundraising speaks volumes as to what the people want. In these last days before the primary, candidates are required to report contributions over $1,000 within 48 hours.  Ed Martin just received two of these from Missourians who are worried about the future. Carnahan has reported none.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Calls Ed Martin the “Real Deal”

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 22, 2010 – Nationally syndicated columnist and author David Limbaugh is publicly supporting Ed Martin for Congress in Missouri’s 3rd district. You can find video of Limbaugh saying he is “whole heartedly for Ed Martin.” He continues on calling [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Calls Ed Martin the “Real Deal”

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 22, 2010 – Nationally syndicated columnist and author David Limbaugh is publicly supporting Ed Martin for Congress in Missouri’s 3rd district. You can find video of Limbaugh saying he is “whole heartedly for Ed Martin.” He continues on calling Ed Martin a, “very impressive guy, true authentic conservative unlike so many who are running and who are already in office. So please do everything you can to support Ed Martin.”

This endorsement from such a prominent conservative, motivational speaker, columnist and author speaks volumes as to where Ed Martin stands on the issues.

“David Limbaugh and I have become great friends in recent years. We have served as a sounding board for one another as we both take a stand against the atrocities of our current Congress and government. He knows I will do everything in my power to stop the wasteful spending of Washington and stop them from their attempts to take away our freedoms. I am grateful for his support,” said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Robin Calls for PAC Reform – Requiring Russ Return Funds

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 21, 2010 – Missouri Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan is on tour touting her ideas for campaign finance reform. Among her calls for action is a ban on leadership political action committees. Leadership [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Robin Calls for PAC Reform – Requiring Russ Return Funds

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 21, 2010 – Missouri Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan is on tour touting her ideas for campaign finance reform. Among her calls for action is a ban on leadership political action committees. Leadership PAC committees allow members of Congress to raise money separately from their campaign committees for causes or candidates. In her brother’s case, Congressman Russ Carnahan, his leadership PAC raised money for his own campaign coffers. Congressman Carnahan’s Arch Leadership PAC has so far raised and donated some $230,000 to his campaign.

Robin Carnahan, yesterday, referred to leadership PACs as, “little more than private slush funds.” (KC Star, Steve Kraske July 20, 2010) She went on to call them a, “backdoor way lobbyists can put more money into incumbents in Washington.” (AP, David Lieb, July 20, 2010) Hard to believe but we may have a Carnahan telling the truth this time. However Robin’s words don’t bode well for her baby brother Russ. His FEC reports show he relies heavily on PAC money whether it is from his own Arch Leadership PAC or from lobbyists. Congressman Carnahan has a habit of having half of his campaign funds come from Washington-insiders.

“To use Robin’s own words, ‘we need leaders who are fighting for us instead of hiding behind closed doors and cutting secret deals for corporate special interests in Washington.’ I couldn’t agree more! It’s ironic though to hear those words spoken by a Carnahan – a family dynasty with long-time Washington ties and an open hand in the lobbyist world. Congressman Carnahan has so many different donors to his PAC and so many lobbyists pilfering money to his campaign it’s easy to see where his interests lay. There is a reason he’s earned the nickname Rubberstamp Russ,” said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Money on Hand Grows Due to Grassroots

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 15, 2010 – The campaign for congressional candidate Ed Martin continues to grow by leaps and bounds both in volunteers and donations. In the most recent report, the July Quarterly, Ed Martin reports his most outstanding [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Money on Hand Grows Due to Grassroots

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 15, 2010 – The campaign for congressional candidate Ed Martin continues to grow by leaps and bounds both in volunteers and donations. In the most recent report, the July Quarterly, Ed Martin reports his most outstanding quarter yet raising $234,328. This impressive total brings his campaign’s all important tally of cash on hand to $570,947. The success of Martin’s fundraising is attributed to grassroots support while incumbent Rep. Russ Carnahan must rely on Washington-insiders. In fact, once again, almost half of Carnahan’s quarterly money comes from political action committees. Martin’s record breaking quarter and continued upward momentum serves as a sign that people want someone in Congress who will give a voice to the voters.

“These latest fundraising numbers show people are tired of not being heard by Congressman Carnahan who instead takes orders from Pelosi. These hard working people are sacrificing what wages they can afford and donating to our campaign. I have vowed to work hard for them and fight for their rights including putting an end to this greedy government of wasteful spenders,” said Ed Martin. “Its people, like our supporters, a real grassroots effort, who will bring about the change in Congress we need, not the special interest groups that line Carnahan’s campaign coffers.”

Ed Martin has already held some 180 “Ask Ed Anything” meet and greets around Missouri’s 3rd district. He is sure to have many more and continue his roundtables with his Agricultural Advisory Group, Veteran’s Advisory Group and Shop Local-Hire Local meetings along with additional town halls leading up to the primary election and of course the general election in November.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Invites Carnahan, Local Officials to Pledge Support for HCFA

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 15, 2010 – Ed Martin visited with hundreds of seniors this week talking to them about Missouri’s Health Care Freedom Act, or Proposition “C” at several assisted and independent living senior centers in Missouri’s [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Invites Carnahan, Local Officials to Pledge Support for HCFA

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 15, 2010 – Ed Martin visited with hundreds of seniors this week talking to them about Missouri’s Health Care Freedom Act, or Proposition “C” at several assisted and independent living senior centers in Missouri’s 3rd district. Pelosi and Congressman Carnahan’s “pass the health care bill –then find out what it entails” attitude has left seniors, the largest group of health care users, in the dark regarding their future care. It has been months since the government takeover of health care and seniors are still at a loss for how it impacts them. What seniors do know and what they’ve expressed to Ed is; they want their voices heard and they want the right to choose. They do not want the government to come between them and their doctors – possibly risking their health care.

A similar message echoed throughout a health care forum titled “Obamacare’s Impact on Seniors…And Where We Go From Here.” Tuesday some 460 seniors attended the forum in St. Louis where Ed Martin was asked to speak. He spoke as not only a congressional candidate but also as a bioethicist and an attorney whose law focus was health care ethics.

Ed Martin told the crowd of seniors that one common sense approach to health care is to vote “Yes” on Proposition C, Missouri’s Health Care Freedom Act, August 3rd. Missouri is the first state to stand up and allow voters to speak out on the national debate of Obamacare. Ed Martin sent a letter to elected officials in the area asking them to pledge their support, as he has, to vote “Yes” on Prop C and return the right of health care back to the people of Missouri.

“I support a common-sense health care fix that cuts costs, does not cut care and provides more choices for every American. Health care costs are simply too high and the current system needs to work better. However, the Pelosi/Reid/Carnahan government takeover of health care is not the answer to our health care needs. Congressman Carnahan’s vote for the government takeover of health care raises taxes on every American, rations health care and cuts Medicare for our seniors. We need to start over and pass a new plan that will actually cut costs without cutting care, increase competition among providers and insurance companies, provide more choices for Americans and mandates coverage for pre-existing conditions,” said Ed Martin.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Press Conference on Congressman Carnahan pocketing campaign “rent” and illegal contributions

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 12, 2010 –

The truth surrounding Congressman Russ Carnahan’s Rezko-like sweetheart land deal, the so-called “Castle Ballroom LLC,” is slowly coming to light. For example, an examination of Congressman Carnahan’s campaign finance reports from [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Press Conference on Congressman Carnahan pocketing campaign “rent” and illegal contributions

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 12, 2010 –

The truth surrounding Congressman Russ Carnahan’s Rezko-like sweetheart land deal, the so-called “Castle Ballroom LLC,” is slowly coming to light. For example, an examination of Congressman Carnahan’s campaign finance reports from 2003 and 2004 show that on 5 separate occasions the Carnahan campaign paid rent to the so-called Castle Ballroom LLC, an LLC which owned a property outside of the district. The checks totaling $10,400 were all sent to Congressman Russ Carnahan’s home address. These payments, some of which appear to be incorrectly filed with the federal government, seem to be the conversion of campaign funds to personal use.

In addition to this apparent conversion of campaign funds to his personal benefit, Congressman Carnahan also likely broke another federal law or regulation by having the same Castle Ballroom LLC contribute to the Carnahan in Congress campaign. Contributions from corporations are illegal under the law. Today, the Ed Martin for Congress campaign filed an FEC complaint regarding these issues.

Congressman Carnahan’s Castle Ballroom LLC has been shrouded in mystery for many years until the last few months when Carnahan admitted its existence and amended his federal personal financial disclosures to indicate this. As the facts about the Castle Ballroom have come to light, Congressman Carnahan has been caught telling different stories about why he started the Castle Ballroom LLC and how he came to own the property at 2839-41 Olive St. For example, just recently after it was reported the Congressman more than doubled his investment in less than two years with no known improvements made to the ballroom, Carnahan told the media it was just a good real estate investment sold at “the height of the market.” (KMOX, Kevin Killeen, June 18, 2010.) Congressman Carnahan also told the St. Louis Beacon that the Castle Ballroom LLC was “used to purchase and sell a building in 2003 and 2004.” (St. Louis Beacon, June 17, 2010, Jo Mannies.) However, back in 2005 Carnahan was quoted by the Associated Press as being a connoisseur of historic buildings and that he wanted to renovate it. “He and his wife had purchased it with another couple and hoped to renovate it. ‘I have a soft spot in my heart for historic buildings and it was one that needed a champion,’ Carnahan said. With his new congressional career, he added, ‘I didn’t have the time to put in it.’ Carnahan reported a capital gain of $15,000 to $50,000 from the sale.” (The Associated Press, June 16, 2005)

“The truth appears to be that the Castle Ballroom was used by Congressman Carnahan purely to enrich himself” said Ed Martin for Congress spokeswoman Theresa Petry. “Congressman Carnahan set up and kept secret the Castle Ballroom LLC. He found multiple ways to turn this ownership into private gain including funneling money to his campaign and paying himself “ghost” rent too. This is the worst type of insider corruption that the people of Missouri’s 3rd district are tired of seeing. Hopefully the FEC is able to get to the bottom of all these secret money-making deals.”

Carnahan, in the past, acknowledged the importance of disclosures. On August 26th, 2009 Jake Wagman captured Carnahan on video publicly stating, “There is a reason for, uh, proper disclosures and accounting in campaigns…” Well we agree Congressman and would appreciate proper disclosure and transparency in your own accounting.

A copy of the FEC complaint and attached documents can be found in this document: FEC-Complaint-Castle-Ballroom-LLC.pdf.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Senior Member of Armed Services Committee to Attend

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 30, 2010 –As Congressman Russ Carnahan pointed out there seems to be “repeated problems” plaguing one of our local VA hospitals. Unlike Carnahan who sat idly by for six years not addressing the issue; congressional [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Senior Member of Armed Services Committee to Attend

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 30, 2010 –As Congressman Russ Carnahan pointed out there seems to be “repeated problems” plaguing one of our local VA hospitals. Unlike Carnahan who sat idly by for six years not addressing the issue; congressional candidate Ed Martin is taking action.

Ed Martin is hosting another town hall on Veterans’ Affairs Thursday July 8, 2010.Congressman Mac Thornberry of Texas, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, and Joe Frank, past National Commander of the American Legion will be in attendance to hear directly from our local Veterans. Martin has also extended an invite to Congressman Russ Carnahan.

What: Town Hall on Veterans’ Affairs

When: Thursday July 8, 2010   5-7 pm

Where: Two Hearts Banquet Center – 4532 South Lindbergh Boulevard  St Louis, MO 63127

Why: To address any concerns regarding our Veterans, specifically issues surrounding the recent health violations at John Cochran VA hospital

“For too long now the voices of our Veteran’s have fallen on deaf ears. I cannot sit by and watch as the very men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom are cast aside and mistreated. If there is a known enemy or obstacle putting our Veterans in harm’s way it should not be ignored but rather addressed immediately. I want to hear the concerns of our Veterans and, when elected, promise to work tirelessly to in return help fight for them,” said Ed Martin.

Ed Martin is honored to have Congressman Mac Thornberry on hand at the town hall to help immediately address any grievances and/or interests of our local Veterans.

Ed Martin, whose brother is a Marine, has a deep and personal concern for the treatment of our Veterans. He has requested, when elected, to be assigned to the Veteran’s Affairs Committee in order to oversee and help protect Veterans. At a town hall for Veterans this past March Ed Martin received a written endorsement from Joe Frank, the Past National Commander of the American Legion.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com