Gillespie Statement on Kerry's Use of POW Issue To Raise Campaign Cash And Score Political Points

Republican National Committee ^ | May 10, 2004

[RWR8189]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: RNC Press
202-863-8614

WASHINGTON - RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie today responded to the politicalization of the Iraqi POW treatment by the Kerry Campaign to raise campaign cash.

"The prison images from Baghdad are clearly disgusting, but it's harder to find words to describe those whose first instinct upon seeing them is to raise campaign cash with them. The words and actions of the Kerry Campaign over the past 48 hours show that in times that call for positive answers, they can only offer political attacks. In a situation that requires firm leadership, they put forward fundraising appeals."

Over the weekend, fundraising pitches were made by Kerry Campaign Manager Mary Beth Cahill to send money to the Kerry Campaign as a way to show support for the Kerry-called resignation of Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. In the letter, Cahill states:

“George Bush must fire Don Rumsfeld. But that is only the first step towards in taking responsibility for his Administration’s failures in Iraq. John Kerry has called on Don Rumsfeld to resign, and today we are asking you to support him by adding your name to call for Rumsfeld to resign here.”

On today’s edition of NBC’s Meet The Press, Kerry surrogate and retired General Wesley Clark stated, "There's a failure of leadership that goes right to the top.” Meanwhile, yesterday Clark ended the weekly Democratic radio address by stating, “My fellow Americans. This is an election year. It is our duty to use the power of the vote and hold accountable our President. We need new leadership in America to keep us safe at home, and to regain respect for America abroad.” (Wesley Clark, Democratic Radio Address, 5/8/04)

[talleyman]

Bump!

[pghkevin]

Now he needs to hit every talk show known to man. Make his own name as common as his counterpart. It is time for him to be a saleman on his statement.