Below are the dates and times and location maps for this weekend’s debates between Congressman Russ Carnahan and Ed Martin.

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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 [...]]]> 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

YOU CAN HELP: Between now and the primary in Missouri on August [...]]]>

August 3rd is your chance to let congress know how you feel and protect Missourians from the worst provisions of Big Government Health Care. We cannot take the vote for granted. The Missouri Hospital Association is spending $200,000 to defeat the measure.

YOU CAN HELP: Between now and the primary in Missouri on August 3rd volunteers are needed to help with phone banking for passage of Prop C. Even if you only have a couple of hours to spare your help would be greatly appreciated. Hours are very flexible. For more information contact Bev at 314-608-0168.

LOCATION:
Pillar in the Valley
229 Chesterfield Business Parkway
Chesterfield, MO 63005 – Map

Prop C Phone Bank Schedule – Call Bev 314-608-0168

Ed Martin for Congress  6037 Hampton Avenue [...]]]>

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

Ed is a fearless seasoned pro-life, pro-family advocate who will take liberal Russ Carnahan head on

Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women Political Action Committee (CWPAC) [...]]]> Concerned Women Political Action Committee Endorses Community Activist and Former Gubernatorial Chief of Staff, Ed Martin for Congress in Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District

Ed is a fearless seasoned pro-life, pro-family advocate who will take liberal Russ Carnahan head on

Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women Political Action Committee (CWPAC) announces its endorsement of Ed Martin for Congress in Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District.

“Ed Martin is a man of strong convictions. He is unafraid to protect the unborn and families and will vigorously fight destructive government policies,” said Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women Political Action Committee.

“We strongly endorse Ed Martin in this race for the simple reason that he is right on the issues for Missouri families and for our country. He isn’t afraid to expose Russ Carnahan’s liberal voting record and lock-step obedience to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her liberal agenda.

“I am convinced that Ed Martin has the strong grassroots support as well as the financial backing he needs to win this race for conservatives.”

Concerned Women PAC, established in 2002 by Mrs. Beverly LaHaye, is affiliated with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with more than 500,000 grassroots members nationwide.

The incumbent congressman from Missouri’s third Congressional District is Russ Carnahan. Congressman Carnahan will be running for his fourth term in 2010. Mr. Carnahan’s rating with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is poor, having voted against the CWALAC position nearly 40 times in a three term career.

• Rep. Carnahan voted for the monstrous government take-over of America’s health care which will fund abortion, ration health care, cause doctors to leave the profession, increase insurance premiums and cripple the country with massive debt.
• Rep. Carnahan voted against the Stupak Amendment which would have prohibited government coverage for abortions in the health care bill.
• Rep. Carnahan voted in favor of the omnibus bill which included an increase of $10 million for Title X funding with the bulk of those taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S.  The omnibus bill also gave $103 million to international “family planning” organizations, in effect forcing American taxpayers to indirectly promote and fund abortions abroad.

Mrs. Penny Nance and Concerned Women Political Action Committee’s mission is to elect solid pro-family, pro-life conservatives to Congress.  Concerned Women PAC sends out a monthly letter to members encouraging them to financially support candidates like Ed Martin.  For more information on this race or to set up an interview with Mrs. Nance, please contact Mike Mears at 202-408-4941.

As Rep. Carnahan touts health care; MO families brace for more layoffs

***Ed Martin available for interviews at 2:00***

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 20, 2010 –In just one week the disastrous effects of Obamacare are rippling across the nation. Speaker Pelosi told the National Association of Counties, “We have to [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

As Rep. Carnahan touts health care; MO families brace for more layoffs

***Ed Martin available for interviews at 2:00***

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 20, 2010 –In just one week the disastrous effects of Obamacare are rippling across the nation. Speaker Pelosi told the National Association of Counties, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.” Well people are quickly finding out just what it entails –an even more uncertain future for themselves and their families as more job loss seems eminent.

Today Rep. Russ Carnahan left his cozy confines of Washington to visit his constituents, who since the beginning have opposed the overhaul of health care. Since he rubberstamped Obama and Pelosi’s bill he is now trying to convince voters it’s for the best. Even if Carnahan can’t read the fine print, constituents of the 3rd district know the bottom line –more taxes, less economic growth, more job cuts.

“The National Federation of Independent Business, which characterized the health care bill as “devastating” for small business owners, said its members are outraged that members of Congress didn’t vote against what it is calling a ‘job-killing’ bill.”… “NFIB officials say $6.7 billion of new taxes on insurance plans and pharmaceutical companies will ultimately be passed on to customers, including small business owners. They predict family premiums will rise at least $500…” (Fox News, Joshua Miller, March 23, 2010)

Jobs cuts are already a threat on the horizon for large companies –companies that employ a lot of Missouri families. Friday AT&T announced a $1 Billion charge against earningsbecause the bill does away with a deduction for providing drug benefits to their retirees.

“Moline, Illinois-based Deere, the world’s largest maker of farm machinery, said on March 25 that the new health-care law would increase its expenses by $150 million this fiscal year. Peoria, Illinois-based Caterpillar, the world’s largest maker of bulldozers and excavators, expects to record a charge of about $100 million in the first quarter of 2010, reflecting new tax liabilities on retiree drug benefits.” (Bloomberg, Justin Blum, March 29th, 2010)

Businesses aren’t the only ones that will see increases due to health care. Unions, despite efforts to “scale back” the bite of taxes, will be hit even harder and sooner than anticipated. The reconciliation bill, the president signs today, is supposed to lessen the levy on “Cadillac”health plans. But as with every part of Pelosi’s health care reform it will unwittingly wind up a premium cost instead.

According to the Joint Economic Committee, “Under the provisions of the proposed ‘fix’, the high cost plans tax will hit the average family plan five years earlier. The subsidized exchange “silver plan” premium would be subject to the tax eleven years earlier.” (The Foundry, March 30, 2010)

Third District Congressional candidate, Ed Martin has held countless meetings with small businesses, seniors, and Missouri families to discuss real and beneficial reform. “Rep. Carnahan and Pelosi are trying to convince hard working families that the bill just taxes the ‘rich’ but the reality is it takes aim at small businesses and those who create jobs. Unlike Carnahan some people have done the research. The Center for Data Analysis shows an average 690,000 jobs per year will be lost due to ‘taxing the wealthy’ meaning your average Missouri family. There’s no doubt the bill will have tumultuous effects at the expense of the American people –we’ve unfortunately already started seeing it happen,” said Ed Martin.

Ed Martin is available for interviews immediately following Rep. Carnahan’s press conference.

Ed Martin for Congress campaign headquarters are located just blocks away at 6037 Hampton.

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

Carnahan Votes Against Constituents

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 21, 2010 – Using dodgy maneuvers the President and Pelosi managed to manipulate the system using an Up or Down vote to narrowly ram through their health care “reform.” This historical and costly move to pass the bill comes despite the [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Carnahan Votes Against Constituents

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 21, 2010 – Using dodgy maneuvers the President and Pelosi managed to manipulate the system using an Up or Down vote to narrowly ram through their health care “reform.” This historical and costly move to pass the bill comes despite the will of the people.

Unlike some Democrats, Rep. Russ Carnahan’s yes vote didn’t require any persuading or prodding from Pelosi. He was quick to back the bill, but that’s no surprise. He has a record of voting with Pelosi 99% of the time. Rubberstamp Russ refused to listen to the majority of his constituents once again and now the 3rd district and all Americans will have to pay the price. And the price is costly!

The bill “increases taxpayer subsidies and lowers cost sharing for individuals receiving a federal subsidy to buy health coverage. This change adds to the overall cost of the bill, while depending on unproven savings and tax hikes to pay for it.” The bill would also “add millions of Americans to the already broken Medicaid program. Medicaid remains fiscally unsustainable (for state or federal taxpayers) and it is a notoriously poorly performing program for those who are forced to depend on it.” (The Heritage Foundation A First Look At The House Health Care Fix: More Bad News, March 18, 2010.)

“Congressman Carnahan got a good laugh when he tried to sell people on how this reform bill will create a surplus. You can’t expand services without paying a fee and the reality is we will all pay. If you don’t choose a government health plan –you’ll pay. If you use prescription drugs or any sort of medical device –you’ll pay higher taxes. If you’re a senior you’ll pay because ,while they don’t advertise it, there will be Medicare cuts. The list goes on and on. People have time after time told Carnahan they didn’t want it; but here we have it.Voters may not be able to repeal the bill today but they can repeal Carnahan and have already started that process,” said Congressional candidate Ed Martin.

Voters vow to remember Carnahan’s stamp of approval on this bill and will vote against him in November. In the meantime people are flocking to newly created domain repealrusscarnahan.com. Hundreds rallied outside of his district office yesterday and many more are eager to sign a pledge to repeal him.

Rep. Carnahan didn’t even take a stand on the abortion funding issue of this bill. During a teleconference town hall last week he told listeners he, “support(s) (a) strong provision in the bill to maintain current law thatprohibits federal funds from being used for abortion. So I think that will be in the final bill and I think it should be.” Of course there was no provision in the final bill and Carnahan unlike some of his Democratic colleagues, like Rep. Stupak (D-MI), didn’t even attempt to take a stand. Considering he “supports a strong provision” regarding abortion funding, he never once spoke out about it. At no time was his approval of this bill questioned. Rubberstamp Russ never wavered in his support of Pelosi or the President. Carnahan can now expect the same dedication from his constituents as they work to repeal him.

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

White House hints Carnahan is No-Show Due to Tough Re-Election

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 10, 2010 – President Obama’s sales pitch for health care reform in St. Louis was missing one key supporter, Rep. Russ Carnahan. Where was Rubberstamp Russ? One could contend the Congressman has spent so much time [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

White House hints Carnahan is No-Show Due to Tough Re-Election

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 10, 2010 – President Obama’s sales pitch for health care reform in St. Louis was missing one key supporter, Rep. Russ Carnahan. Where was Rubberstamp Russ? One could contend the Congressman has spent so much time in Washington he’s forgotten the way to his district. But there may be an even more telling reason why Carnahan didn’t bother to attend the speech in St. Charles. The National Journal, in regards to Democrats who didn’t show up for the speech in Pennsylvania, reported ”…incumbents who could face tough re-election fights, were not expected to attend the event, according to the WH.” (National Journal March 8, 2010) In a follow-up Wednesday it said. “It wouldn’t be unprecedented if Costello or potentially vulnerable Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) stayed away from the Obama event.” (National Journal March 10, 2010)

Carnahan has a habit of being a no-show in Missouri. He has turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the people ofthe 3rd district. He’s only held one town hall on the matter and attempted to orchestrate it by filling the seats with only select people he wanted to hear. The chaos and violence that ensued from Carnahan’s people is well documented.

Meanwhile Congressional candidate Ed Martin has held several town halls with nearly a thousand citizens participating. Carnahan was invited to each one but of course was a no-show. A town hall held in St. Charles Wednesday morning drew a crowd of some 2200. Ed Martin was there again listening to the people. “This is the Show-Me State and Rep. Carnahan is and has been a no-show in our district for too long now. People deserve someone who will represent them and you have to listen to the people to truly represent them. The people are saying loud and clear ‘No means No’ but Congressman Carnahan is out-of-touch with his constituents,” said Ed Martin.

Rubberstamp Russ has been all too happy to appease his puppet masters, the President and Pelosi. His voting record is proof. Yet Carnahan was nowhere to be seen at Obama’s speech and the fundraiser following was for Sen. Claire McCaskill who isn’t up for re-election until 2012. Considering Carnahan, according to the Cook report and a number of articles, is facing a “tough re-election” one would think such a loyal steward would be rewarded with his own fundraiser.

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

Paid for by “Ed Martin for Congress”
Randy McArthur, Treasurer

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

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

A reading of the Constitution through the original understanding of the Founders and Ratifiers makes it quite clear that any national health care plan, or national public option, is not something that was delegated by the People to the Federal Government in the Constitution.

However, the courts, politicians and many commentators have [...]]]> From the Tenth Amendment Center:

A reading of the Constitution through the original understanding of the Founders and Ratifiers makes it quite clear that any national health care plan, or national public option, is not something that was delegated by the People to the Federal Government in the Constitution.

However, the courts, politicians and many commentators have interpreted (and re-interpreted) the Commerce Clause, the general Welfare Clause and Necessary and Proper Clause in ways not intended by the Founders so as to justify such programs under the Constitution. They are most certainly wrong. A number of states are considering legislation to effectively nullify any future national health care plan.

Legend:

• Blue – Introduced.
• Yellow – Passed one or more houses.
• Green – Passed both houses. Red – Passed as Law.
• Black – Failed Vote or Stalled in Committee