Ed Martin For Congress » ethics

FEC Complaint Filed Against Congressman Carnahan

Webmaster — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:43:46 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Carnahan tries to distract voters from real issues with smear campaign

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Oct. 29, 2010 – Ed Martin has filed an FEC complaint against Congressman Russ Carnahan’s campaign in regards to its recent Anti-Catholic smear tactic.The overwhelming evidence is presented in the complaint and subsequent attachments. Congressman Carnahan’s attempt to deceive potential voters and evade proper federal disclosures is a major violation of federal election laws. These are laws Carnahan is acutely aware of given his 2004 campaign against Jeff Smith.

While Congressman Carnahan’s actions are shameful and disheartening, to say the least, the most egregious act he may have committed is trying to rob constituents the chance to focus on the real issues. Ed Martin has worked tirelessly to meet with the people of Missouri’s 3^rddistrict, to hear their concerns in this economically trying time, and to pledge to them actions he plans to take to lessen their burdens and get them back to work.

Congressman Carnahan may choose not to talk about his record voting on a failed stimulus, a government takeover of health care, and bailouts, to name a few, but to covertly try to distract voters by conjuring up a hatchet job on Ed Martin is unacceptable. And the bottom line is – it’s a federal violation.

“People are really hurting in our district. It’s a shame Congressman Carnahan isn’t paying attention to them but instead feels the need to lash out with such a blatantly false personal accusation. And to reopen the wounds of a victim, like he has, purely as a political power play – is heartless. I will not simply stand by and allow it to happen. I am taking a stand for the people of this district. I have proven I will fight for their concerns. I will take a stand and not allow our jobs to be shipped overseas. I will fight to bring shovel ready jobs to the people. I will fight to repeal the government takeover of health care and I will stand with them when they say ‘No’ to more out-of-control government spending. There are real issues troubling the people of our district and I am addressing them. I’ll let our legal system address Congressman Carnahan,” 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

Freedom Week Countdown – My Pledge to YOU – No Frivolous Trips

Webmaster — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:10:19 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

I Pledge No More Tax Dollars for Frivolous Trips

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Oct. 29, 2010 – People are tired of hearing about taxpayer funded trips for Congress and their spouses to travel to Antarctica and Hawaii, staying in posh $2,000 a night hotels in Italy, and the list goes on. Ed Martin actually agrees with Robin Carnahan in calling out her brother Congressman Russ Carnahan. She said, “(we) need in Washington someone who is going to stand up to these folks not somebody who is in bed with them or somebody who’s taken a lot of money from these big corporate lobbyists…,” said Robin Carnahan. (Allman in the Morning. KFTK, Feb. 12, 2010.)

Ed Martin’s pledge today is: “I pledge to stop using tax dollars for boondoggle travel.” – Ed Martin

Congressman Russ Carnahan was even called out by the New York Times as being a leader (#3 in the country) in taking privately funded Congressional trips estimated at costing taxpayers $86,000. His world wide travels were also documented by the Wall Street Journaland The Hill highlighted his $2,000 a night hotel in Italy for he and his wife. As Congressman Carnahan and his wife traveled from Australia to Italy on taxpayer money more and more jobs were and continue to be lost in Missouri’s 3rd district. Ed Martin refuses to stand by and watch as thousands of electricians, carpenters, auto workers, health care workers and more continue to be laid off. He pledges to stand up and fight for the people.

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

Brother’s Wind Farm Pays “Thank You”

Webmaster — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:05:41 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Carnahan’s campaign windfall from Wind Capital Group

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Oct. 18, 2010 –It seems Congressman Carnahan is being rewarded for his stimulus vote that awarded his brother’s wind farm $107 Million in stimulus funding. TheCenter for Responsive Politics shows top executives from Wind Capital Group slid more than just a few thousand dollars into Carnahan’s campaign coffers. The biggest contributions came just after Wind Capital Group was awarded $107 million in-lieu-of-tax-credits in July. Reports show close to $10,000 came pouring in from the wind farm in August and September. Was it stimulus money, taxpayer dollars, in which they used to “thank” Congressman Carnahan?

“There’s a saying that if you want to get to the bottom of things you just need to follow the money trail. Congressman Carnahan voted to approve a stimulus that didn’t create jobs yet funneled $107 Million cash to his brother’s wind farm. And a month later top executives there dump thousands into his campaign. Was it a payoff? Well let’s say this -if there was a ‘smell test’ – this stinks,” said Ed Martin. “This is the very worst of Washington when one Carnahan pays off another – using other people’s hard earned tax dollars.”

No wonder Congressman Carnahan tried his best to keep reports from the media and constantly denied money was filtered to his family. As Pelosi said he is one of those who, “come to Congress prepared to help with the heavy lifting” – that is lifting of money between the Carnahan family anyway.

Pelosi gave her favorite puppet Carnahan her own reward for being as she says “not a high maintenance type.” Pelosi’s PAC, “PAC to the Future”, donated $5,000 to Congressman Carnahan’s campaign.

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

Russ Carnahan On Defensive over 107 Million Windfall for Brother

Webmaster — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:33:05 +0000

Chris Wallace reports from Fox News

Call on Carnahan Family to Forfeit Stimulus Funds

Webmaster — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:30:10 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Former Chrysler Workers Deserve Better Treatment

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Sept. 20, 2010 – Today, Ed Martin sent a letter to Congressman Russ Carnahan requesting he ask his brother, Tom Carnahan, to forfeit the $107 Million he received from the Stimulus bill for windmills.

“We should use the $107 million for job re-training here in St. Louis or to help small business startups instead of funding Carnahan family windmills.” said Ed Martin. “This is the very worst of Washington when one Carnahan pays off another – using other people’s hard earned tax dollars.”

It seems Congressman Carnahan was even more generous than his brother expected too. Tom Carnahan requested $90 Million but a report released Friday states he received $107 Million. (Stltoday.com, Bill Lambrecht, Sept. 17, 2010) Congressman Carnahan tried his best to keep reports from the media and constantly denied money was filtered to his family. However, right from the start Tom Carnahan was touting his good fortune – sending out a press release announcing the loan. The Democratic Policy Committee even reported Tom Carnahan’s windfall from the Stimulus bill. “Wind Capital also said it is receiving a $90 million grant for the project through the federal stimulus package.” In an interview Oct. 29, 2009 (which can be seen here) Tom Carnahan explained how the stimulus secured him a $240 Million loan.

“We went to the banks that finance wind projects and they said they were closed. We love your project. This is the kind of stuff that we would have done in a heartbeat six months ago, but, I’m sorry, we’re not lending money.” Tom Carnahan went on to say, “Luckily, the stimulus passed, that gave us the confidence to go forward and culminated actually last week with us securing a $240 million loan on the project. And so that happened last Thursday and we’re very pleased to announce that.”

Now we discover Congressman Carnahan came through with even more money for his family. The $107 Million grant-in-lieu-of tax credit was given to Tom Carnahan in July for a wind farm. It’s money that could be well spent right here in the Congressman’s own district. Yet a bridge, used by his constituents, didn’t even receive one-fourth the money his brother did. The Eads Bridge was only allocated $25 million to make safety improvements – and the project is creating 875 jobs for local folks (as opposed to 300 out of district jobs at the wind farm). It’s about time Congressman Carnahan focuses on jobs in Missouri’s 3^rd district and stops profiting from his position in Washington. It’s not right that as local families struggle, the Carnahans make money.

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

Ed Martin Joins Robin Carnahan’s Call for Transparency

Webmaster — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:16:31 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Russ Carnahan Failed to Obey Open Public Records Law; Faces New Questions

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) September 7, 2010 – The Ed Martin for Congress campaign has filed a Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, request for Congressman Russ Carnahan’s travel and calendar – in light of questions regarding FOIA raised by Robin Carnahan.

Robin is right, FOIA should be stronger. Russ should disclose his earmarks, his travel (and explain exactly how he used his per diem from travel), and also explain all of the missing records from his State service.

It’s public record that Congressman Carnahan missed most votes in his time as a State Representative, and while he was referred to as “comically complacent”, it is absurd to think there are absolutely no records at all from his time in office. Requests last year for documents from Carnahan’s State House service found no records existed (see doc).

And while Carnahan’s love of travel, as a U.S. Congressman, is no secret his constituents deserve to know the details on his trips paid for by lobbyists, non-profits or any other entity including tax payer funded trips. His sister Robin Carnahan agrees. She went on a radio talk show in February talking about lobbyists and how Washington needs to be fixed. “That’s what we need in Washington someone who is going to stand up to these folks not somebody who is in bed with them or somebody who’s taken a lot of money from these big corporate lobbyists…,” said Robin Carnahan. (Allman in the Morning. KFTK, Feb. 12, 2010.)

“Pursuant to FOIA, and with his sister Robin’s stated support, we request Congressman Carnahan offer constituents some true transparency. We have seen that Congressman Carnahan hides from the people of this district and refuses to face their questions but they deserve to know just how he is ‘representing’ them,” said Theresa Petry, spokeswoman for the Ed Martin for Congress campaign. “Carnahan can’t simply ignore people’s inquiries. With a record that seems to indicate the destruction of public records; we feel it is important to request his records now and under federal law.” (see FOIA request)

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

Labor Day, 2010

Webmaster — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:06:49 +0000

Labor day is a day first established to celebrate ”the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” Today all of America’s workers enjoy the holiday, both those who are and are not organized. The interests of both categories of workers have converged and in most ways we are all in the same boat. As we enjoy the lovely weather and take the day off from our labors, I think it is important to look at where we are when work resumes on Tuesday.

Too many Missourians are out of work. Recessions are part of the cyclical life of an economy. I have lived through at least three, depending on how you count them, and while it is frustrating and worrisome, America has always bounced back, stronger than before.

This recession has enjoyed a great deal of “help” from the Federal government, or at least what has happened has been billed as help. As the various schemes to “help” the average worker have unfolded, we find the only folks helped were the politically connected.

Consider the Chrysler bailout, ostensibly to help stabilize the job situation for auto workers. First, the deal shut-down hundreds of dealerships. Sales staff were laid off at these firms, along with union service workers, disproportionately in areas away from an urban center. The decisions to shut down one dealership over another had nothing to do with the long-term economic health of the company, but rather was done under an airy rubric of “shared sacrifice.” In reality, the closures brought no measurable improvement to Chrysler’s bottom line, and may be a long-term detriment as buyers switch to other makes that have a local presence.

Fenton workers certainly shared in the “sacrifice” as they watched their tools, equipment and jobs packed up and shipped to Mexico and Canada. Their children and grandchildren will be paying the taxes that cover the cost of Chrysler’s bailout with no job to show for it. The Chrysler bailout fiasco is an unfortunate example of this congress’s incompetence.

The stimulus, another attempt by Congress to borrow enormous sums of money to shore up the economy is proving to be a colossal failure. Among the few types of projects we can all agree create jobs that benefit us all are “infrastructure” projects. How many times did we hear “shovel ready” jobs. The River Des Peres was built during the Great Depression era and benefits St. Louis to this day. However, in nearly a trillion dollars of borrowed money that we will have to pay back, only about 5% is going toward those sort of long-term infrastructure jobs. What of the other 95%? Did Russ Carnahan tell us only 5% will be going toward “shovel ready jobs? Who do we blame for this bald-faced lie?

Any reasonable person would see spending 300 million dollars in our district to make 561 jobs as an insulting waste of resources America simply does not have, but that’s what we have done here in Missouri’s 3^rd District. Millions of dollars have evaporated into the pockets of the politically astute. Congressman Carnahan’s brother Tom is in line to receive $90 million stimulus dollars for his wind farm, one example among thousands of insiders getting their “fair share” at our expense, with no accountability whatsoever, and no jobs as promised.

America’s workers are the most productive in the world, and we love to work. Our government has been overtaken by nannies bent on regulating every aspect of our lives and greedy politicians who cloy and grasp at every dollar they can send to their friends who in return send pennies on the dollar in campaign contributions for favored treatment. 55% of Russ Carnahan’s campaign war chest comes from political action committees who want to keep their place at the trough he fills with borrowed money.

The private sector is being strangled with red tape and robbed with high taxes, wrecking jobs that exist and preventing job growth that would normally occur naturally after an economic correction. It is Congressmen like Russ Carnahan tightening the collar.

These days, what we need in Congress are men and women with a conscience. One of my ancestors is James P. Mitchell (my grandmother’s father’s cousin, though we called him our “great uncle”) who served as Eisenhower’s Labor Secretary. Secretary Mitchell was well-regarded by both labor and business owners for his fairness and obvious concern for the workers of America. As I have come to understand my uncle’s career and approach, I see a man who knew that business owners and their employees need each other to succeed. This congress is punishing business owners without regard to the effect on the tens of thousands who are being thrown out of work, or kept off payrolls all over the country. I will work to be a leader like Secretary Mitchell, who provided commonsense leadership and put the needs of the people first.

No more wealth redistribution, giveaways to family members and campaign donors. Stop the takeover of health care, energy, and finance. Congress needs to change direction and chip away at the taxes and regulation that are creating uncertainty in the business community and destroying growth.

No more bailouts. No more regulatory burdens and stifling taxes for small business. I mean to go to congress and get the IRS and the bureaucracy off the neck of small business. From this new, free environment will flow jobs, jobs, jobs. Congress just needs to get out of the way.

Carnahan, a Hospital Lobbyist, Kept Taking Pay from Client While Serving in Office

Webmaster — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:14:03 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Potentially Over $200k in Pay for “Not Lobbying” and No Record of Carnahan Recusal for Conflict of Interest

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) July 29, 2010 –A new revelation of unreported payments to Congressman Russ Carnahan threatens to shape his race for re-election. Based on Carnahan’s 2004 federal personal financial disclosure, he may have received more than $200,000 from his sole former lobbying client, BJC, while he served in the Missouri legislature from 2001-2004. Although nothing bars a sitting member of the Missouri legislature from getting paid while serving, the amount of payment and Carnahan’s role as BJC’s top lobbyist (a.k.a. government affairs director) suggests an ongoing relationship that may have skirted Missouri Ethics laws and, at a minimum, wreaks of politics at its worst.

Here are the facts:

From 1997-2000, Carnahan was a registered lobbyist on behalf of BJC. In 2000, as Carnahan ran for state office, he continued to lobby, but he terminated his lobbying later that year after he won election to the state legislature. While in the state legislature, Carnahan continued to disclose BJC as his employer, but it is unclear what he did to deserve the pay, which appears to have been $88,000/yr. based on his 2004 federal personal financial disclosure. In recent years, the state legislature has been roiled by questions regarding what kind of payments sitting legislatures can receive. It now appears that Carnahan was ahead of his time in taking money from a client with an interest before the legislature and for whom he had lobbied.

“Getting paid $88,000/yr. by a former lobbying client while serving in the legislature is the kind of insider trading that Americans have come to despise in their elected officials” said Ed Martin. “We want men and women to represent us not career politicians who milk the system. I call upon Congressman Carnahan to publicly address this glaring conflict of interest, and I will request the appropriate authorities examine this unseemly relationship.”

Timeline:

1997 – Russ Carnahan registers as a lobbyist for BJC
1997-2000 – Carnahan lobbies Missouri lawmakers on behalf of BJC
2000 – Carnahan files to run for the state legislature but continues lobbying through the November election.
2000, December – Carnahan terminates his lobbying just weeks before his swearing-in
2001-2004 – Carnahan discloses continued work for BJC in his annual state level personal financial disclosures, but no monetary amount is given
2004 – Carnahan runs for Congress and discloses his $88,000/yr. pay from BJC in his federal level personal financial disclosure.

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

Call on Carnahan to Pay Yacht Taxes

Webmaster — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:53:36 +0000

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

Russ Carnahan – Mini Rangel?

Webmaster — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:19:07 +0000

Representative Charlie Rangel, after years of foot-dragging by The Most Honest, Most Open and Most Ethical Congress in History™, has actually been charged by the House with ethical lapses, and actually faces an investigation.

Why did it take so long for The Most Honest, Most Open and Most Ethical Congress in History™ to get around to looking into what are clear and egregious violations? To quote the Beatles, Congressman Rangel got by with a little help from his friends.

One of his friends was Congressman Russ Carnahan. In his time in office, Russ Carnahan repeatedly voted to keep investigators out of the powerful Ways and Means Committee chairman’s affairs. At least five times, Russ Carnahan was part of the ad hoc “Save Charlie Caucus”. You can imagine how appreciative Charlie Rangel must have been. Considering the comparison below between Russ Carnahan and Charlie Rangel, you can imagine how much Russ Carnahan would appreciate the precedent.


Russ Carnahan	Charles Rangel
Voted for tax increases, but avoided Missouri personal property taxes by parking yacht accross the river in Illinois	Voted for tax increases, but simply did not pay his taxes
Used his position to get 90 million in stimulus funds for his brother Tom Carnahan’s company, Wind Capital Group	Used his positions to get tax breaks for donors to a library named after him.
“Forgot” to disclose ownership in two corporations, one that owned his yacht, the other used in a sweetheart real estate deal with two campaign donors.	“Forgot” to pay taxes on rental property in the Dominican Republic.
Paid himself “rent” for office space out of campaign contributions, though his corporation did not appear to own office space.	Using rent controlled apartments for office space

Charlie Rangel is a lifelong liberal, clearly I disagree with him vigorously on issues. He is also a wounded veteran, having served his nation honorably. I find it tragic that over the decades his career rotted out – an argument for term limits I believe. Russ Carnahan’s lapses are a miniature version, different largely in degree, not by type. Russ and Charlie have parallel voting records, and in less than a decade, Russ has carved out a similar path toward the worst precincts of Washington.

I am running my campaign like I want Washington to run – lean and thrifty. I am proud of how the campaign staff squeezes every drop of benefit from contributions. You can count on your contribution of any amount – $10, $30, $50 or $100 beign used wisely.

In just a few days, the primary will be over. Some of you have the means to give the maximum prior to the election. Your total contribution of $2400 before August 3rd will helpo us win in November.

Contribute Monthly	Contribute by Mail	Contribute Today
	Ed Martin for Congress 6037 Hampton Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63109

Ed Martin For Congress » ethics

FEC Complaint Filed Against Congressman Carnahan

Freedom Week Countdown – My Pledge to YOU – No Frivolous Trips

Brother’s Wind Farm Pays “Thank You”

Russ Carnahan On Defensive over 107 Million Windfall for Brother

Call on Carnahan Family to Forfeit Stimulus Funds

Ed Martin Joins Robin Carnahan’s Call for Transparency

Labor Day, 2010

Carnahan, a Hospital Lobbyist, Kept Taking Pay from Client While Serving in Office

Call on Carnahan to Pay Yacht Taxes

Russ Carnahan – Mini Rangel?

Russ Carnahan

Charles Rangel

Contribute Monthly

Contribute by Mail

Contribute Today