Fallon Calls on Boswell to Stop Negative Campaigning

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Contact: Lynn Heuss, Campaign Manager (515) 201-9405 (office)

(March 20, 2008) - Today, Ed Fallon questioned campaign tactics Leonard Boswell is using and asked him to stop. Most recently, Fallon was alerted by constituents in the Third District that Boswell sent an email fundraising letter to voters containing negative personal statements and mischaracterizations about Fallon. Along with that, voters are being called and asked to participate in a phone survey, which is really a negative push poll. Finally, at nearly every public event over the course of the last three weeks, the Boswell campaign sent someone to videotape, including a non-campaign event in which Fallon held a discussion on Faith and Politics at a senior center. Fallon believes voters are tired of these tactics and he asks Boswell to instead focus on the issues and their respective voting records.

Recently on Iowa Press, Boswell said, “Well, I think we just look at our records. You look at his record, look at mine and there is quite a contrast, a big contrast. Go up to the state legislature, Kay, you know a lot of people up there, and see what they have to tell you about working with Mr. Fallon or not working with him I might say. And his reputation up there is speakers talk to me, the majority leader of both houses, the caucuses and so someone that they never got any support out of and if there was one red light on the board it would likely be his and the different things that he didn't support.”

Fallon noted his long list of accomplishments, despite 14 years in the minority, and referred Boswell and others to his website at www.fallonforcongress.com.

In last week’s email, Boswell stated, “Ed was a State Representative for 14 years… [and] has no major legislative accomplishment to show for his time in office. He is not someone who works with others.”

Many of Fallon’s former colleagues, from both political parties, disagree with Boswell’s assessment of Fallon (see addendum to this release).

In last week’s fundraising email, Boswell also stated that, “He [Fallon] thinks the fact that I have voted with Democrats 96% of the time last year in Congress makes me unfit to serve and he's running against me.” Fallon insists he’s never said nor implied that Boswell is unfit to serve. Instead, Fallon goes out of his way to compliment Boswell on his years of service and hard work for veterans. Yet, he questions Boswell’s voting record and thinks the Congressman has voted too often with Bush on key Democratic priorities.

“A good many votes in the U.S. House are unanimous or close to it. I don’t question all the times Rep. Boswell has voted with the Democratic Party on a non-controversial bills renaming post offices and other federal buildings, or commending successful athletes and their teams,” Fallon said. “But I do object to the many, many times Boswell has broken ranks with his fellow House Democrats and voted with Bush – for the Iraq War and its continued funding, for the PATRIOT Act and its reauthorization, for warrantless wiretapping, and for giving George Bush the authority to determine what ‘torture’ is. I also oppose Boswell’s vote for billions of dollars in tax breaks to oil and gas companies, for so-called “free trade” agreements, for ending a 25-year moratorium on offshore drilling, for voting against higher CAFE standards for cars and light trucks, and his numerous anti-environmental votes that have resulted in Boswell earning a lifetime voting record of 57% from the League of Conservation Voters.”

Fallon says, “There are many critical issues bearing down on Iowans, including the failing economy, sky-rocketing health care costs and global climate change. Let’s focus on the issues and debate our respective positions.”

Fallon notes he’s already received many requests for debate appearances and is eager to participate. “I hope Congressman Boswell will agree to debate me as many times as people in our district would like. With at least 7 requests already, the voters are eager to learn about each of us in order to make an informed choice. They deserve a series of debates on the issues and I hope Congressman Boswell will join me in saying yes to many such opportunities,” said Fallon.

Addendum to 3-18-07 Fallon Press Release

State Representative Mark Kuhn, a Democrat from Charles City, said, “I enjoyed working with Ed on the House Agriculture Committee. He brought fresh insight to many of the issues facing Iowa agriculture. On a personal note, Ed Fallon was the first to call and offer help following a farm injury that left me temporarily disabled in a wheelchair. He gave up his seat in the back row of the House chamber so I could perform my duties. This is but one example of how Ed makes the needs of others his priority, whether for a colleague or one of his constituents."

Senator Mary Lundby, a Republican from Marion, says, “I have known Ed Fallon for many years and have admired his thoughtfulness and hard work. During our time working together he included all groups in discussions of important legislation. I specifically remember our work on land use policy. He brought a wide range of interest groups to the table, including the Farm Bureau and the Sierra Club.”

Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, a life-long Republican from Wilton and 7^th generation Iowa livestock farmer had this to say about Fallon, “Ed Fallon was a rock during the historic property rights legislation of 2006. We worked together to better protect Iowa landowners from government intrusion under the often misused powers of eminent domain. Ed understands both rural and urban citizens and their unique situations. I leaned on him for insight into the situations facing our middle class and poor homeowners in Des Moines and other cities in Iowa.

“Ed and I are often on different sides in issue debates, but Ed also has an ability to find common ground and build bridges. Together we have found strong common ground on the property rights issue, and he continues to be a consistent and passionate advocate for Iowa landowners. I proudly stand with him for those that need help to fight the power of eminent domain. He is passionate, tenacious, and intelligent in this fight. We have much more work to do and I look forward to standing with him and other colleagues as long as government and economic developers turn our citizens’ lives upside down in their hunger for our citizens’ property.”