Friday, September 15, 2006

Sen. Champion Speaks; Claims Outrage over McCaskill Comment

Republican Sen. Norma Champion issued what appears to be the first press release from her campaign Thursday, claiming she is "outraged" at the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate's recent rhetoric about Missouri lawmakers.

"Today State Senator Norma Champion said she was outraged at Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Claire McCaskill's negative campaign rhetoric," reads the release. "Champion vowed not to respond in a similar manner. Instead, Champion remains focused on issues important to our Springfield families."

Ironically, Champion and/or her campaign has yet to respond to repeated interview requests to talk about a wide range of issues.

In this instance, Champion is responding to McCaskill's comments about the Missouri Senate as a whole, by "referring to the legislative body as 'Neanderthals.' According to the release issued by campaign aide Mike Barnett, McCaskill also branded Champion as a "woman who really is just an abysmal senator."

"While I am outraged that Claire McCaskill would make such a pointless personal attack, I am more disappointed that she is diverting from critical issues affecting our state. I vow not to respond in-kind, but instead to focus on making health care more accessible for Missouri families and talking about the thousands of new jobs we have created and the millions of new dollars for education that I have helped secure during my time in the Missouri Senate," Champion said in the release.

"I should say, however, that Claire McCaskill's remarks should give hard-working people in southwest Missouri reason to question whether she has the temperament necessary to serve respectably in the United States Senate," Champion added.

I agree with Sen. Champion that candidates should remain focused on issues. That's why I hope we can arrange a time to speak with Springfield's Senator about many of the critical ballot initiatives and other issues facing Missourians right now. Unfortunately it hasn't happened yet, but we will continue to try.

1 comment:

The Libertarian Guy said...

Will 417 hold ALL politicians to the same standard?

Personally, I have as much respect for Cheney as I do for Ted Kennedy - none whatsoever. But Leahy deserved a good verbal thrashing.