WASHINGTON-
According to an article in the Patriot-News, Democrats
in Pennsylvania are mounting a taxpayer-funded campaign aimed at
derailing Gov. Tom Ridge's chances of becoming the Republican vice
presidential nominee. While
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) does not endorse any candidate for
vice president, or any office, it is appalled at the use of taxpayer
funds for political purposes.
The
article (March 4th, 2000) reports that the House Democratic Caucus,
which is funded by general fund appropriations, paid for direct
mail packages costing $3.20 each.
In each package are 90 pages of editorials, news articles
and columns critical of Ridge and a statement from the House Minority
leader H. William De Weese (D-Greene) and Minority Whip Mike Veon
(D-Beaver). Specifically
they allege, "His abysmal lack of leadership should be thoroughly
investigated before any pundit decides that our governor should
be a heartbeat away from running this great country." In conclusion they state, "We do not share the view that Tom
Ridge is vice presidential material."
They also warn that these mailings are just the beginning,
they plan to evaluate its effectiveness based on media inquiries.
"This
is illegal and should be prosecuted by the appropriate legal authority,"
said Damon B. Ansell, vice president for policy at ATR. "Politicians using taxpayer dollars to send packages to newsrooms
around the country attacking people should be expelled from office
at the very least," concluded Ansell.
"Democrats
continue to harp that this country needs campaign finance reform,
while at the same time they violate existing laws and hope nobody
notices," said Grover G. Norquist, president of ATR.
"I think they should adhere to current laws before lamenting
that we need reform," Norquist added.
ATR has concluded that these two politicians, H. William
De Weese (D-Greene) and Minority Whip Mike Veon (D-Beaver) have
earned the dubious distinction of winning the monthly "Enemy of
the Taxpayer Award."
