ORLANDO - On August 17, 2010, Dan Fanelli, candidate for Congress in the 8th District of Florida, held a Press Conference outside downtown Orlando City Hall and demanded the resignation of Congressman Alan Grayson for ethics violations stated in the “House Ethics Manual.”
When a Congressman communicates with the public, there is a certain level of trust, truth, and integrity that the public expects. Grayson has violated that trust when he sent out a campaign fundraising email “money bomb” that went beyond the standard “negative” political ad.
As per the “House Ethics Manual”: “A Member...of the House shall conduct himself at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.” [House Rule 23, clause 1] and “the ethical precepts set forth in this code represent continuing traditional standards of ethical conduct to be observed by members of the House at all times.”
Grayson’s email made false statements presented as fact of what Dan Fanelli said and about Fanelli’s core beliefs. Grayson’s statements were blatant and outright lies and not befitting that of a Congressman. Grayson’s negative comments are even more ridiculous because they come just weeks after candidate Dan Fanelli held the “Rally to End Racism” on the steps of Orlando City Hall in association with the National Association for the Advancement of Conservatives of All Colors (NAACPC). The event was supported by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) with a letter from CORE’s National Spokesman, Niger Innis, which was read at the event.
This past January, Dan Fanelli attended CORE’s 25th Anniversary Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where he met with the founder, the Honorable Roy Innis. Fanelli has a lifelong record of promoting racial equality going back to his days as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, which has continued throughout his life.
As a result of Alan Grayson’s verbal assault and continuing outrageous comments made against Dan Fanelli, Dan has filed a formal complaint with the Congressional “Committee of Standards of Official Conduct”. Fanelli cites three statements from the “House Ethics Manual” that Congressman Grayson has violated:
(excerpt 1) email subject line: “Subject: My Opponent is a Racist ... and Proud of It!”
(excerpt 2) “My opponent, Dan Fanelli, thinks that only brown people should have to pass through security at the airports. Because all terrorists are brown people.”
(excerpt 3) “What Fanelli and his Republican bigot friends are saying is that American citizenship comes in two versions: white and nonwhite.... Because they want to degrade and put down everyone who isn't just like them.”
Alan Grayson’s final plea in his fundraising email closed with the statement, “Defeat Dan Fanelli. Contribute $25 now”. This is again, an example of Alan Grayson’s deceitful pleas for money. Grayson’s statements are total fabrication and without merit.
Since former major league baseball pitcher, Roger Clemens, could face 30 years in prison if convicted for lying to a Congressional committee; then, shouldn't Alan Grayson, a Congressman and who should be held to a higher standard, face a similar penalty, if convicted of fabricating lies about a citizen?
Dan Fanelli awaits the determination from the Congressional “Committee of Standards of Official Conduct” for Congressman Grayson’s ethics violations. Fanelli is currently running to win the 8th Congressional District Republican Primary this August 24, the winner of which will face Alan Grayson in the General Election.
Please visit www.electdan2010.com for more information.
Contact:
Ken Crawford/ Media Contact
Kenccrawford9@yahoo.com
407-234-2010