Michaud Chooses Campaigning Over Veterans 'Stolen Valor Act'
- Login to post comments
For Immediate Release, September 14, 2012
Contact: David Sorensen, Communications Director
Phone: (207) 622-6247
Michaud Skips Vote for Veterans
Spends day on what he dubiously claims was not a campaign stop
AUGUSTA – Congressman Mike Michaud showed up late for work yesterday. As other members of Congress took a break from the campaign trail to vote on important bills, Michaud paid a visit to the New Balance factory that he insisted was not a campaign stop, but related to congressional work.
“If Michaud was truly ‘on the job,’ he would have been at work,” said Maine Republican Party spokesman David Sorensen.
One of the votes Michaud missed was passage of the Stolen Valor Act. The Act cracks down on fraudulent misrepresentation of military status to gain benefits, providing a narrower alternative to the law of the same name that was stuck down this summer by the U.S. Supreme Court as a violation of free speech rights. The bill received overwhelming support from numerous servicemember associations, including the American Legion.
“That Michaud would miss such an important vote for our veterans in order to make what is effectively a campaign stop says that his priorities are in the wrong place,” continued Sorensen.
At least he was likely not missed by his colleagues. Michaud has been named a member of Roll Call’s “obscure caucus” for his lack of a prominent voice in the Capitol.
“Mainers expect real leadership in Washington. Kevin Raye won’t just show up, he’ll make his voice heard,” added Sorensen.
There were people (although whether on AMG or not, I don't know) who criticized Cynthia Dill for teaching her class at SMCC last week rather than attending the debate inconveniently scheduled for the same time.
So, which is preferable? Go to work or campaign?
Charlie Summers (R) campaigned. Cynthia Dill (D) went to work. CD criticized.
Mike Michaud (D) campaigned (sort of). MM criticized.
It makes my head spin.
Yeah I think the press release was a bit of "crying wolf" once too often.
I suspect that most politicians would have chosen to host the trade representative and I think Rep. Michaud did the right thing.
Nancy most of your posts make our heads spin.
Gerald do not eat the Wheaties someone has done real bad things on them!!!
I think Rep. Michaud did the right thing.
So do it. Besides, the bill passed 410-3.
- Login to post comments
From Over the AMG Transom....
Scott:
You started this thread:
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/michaud-chooses-campaigning-over-vete...
Well, let’s see how much valor YOU have – my guess is that in this regard, none.
You know how things work – how difficult it is to schedule a high level official to come to Maine. Such visits are often made months in advance, like the one that Rep. Mike Michaud arranged to try to save the last athletic shoe mill in the US:
http://michaud.house.gov/press-release/us-trade-rep-accepts-michaud%E2%8...
Way back in July. We both know that Rep. Kirk is a busy man, and for him to come to our little state is a big f’n deal. Such a big deal, in fact – and those jobs – that it may mean that Rep. Michaud can’t get back to D.C. to cast a vote for a bill that he actually supports.
Here’s where the valor part comes in Scott. Will you actually post a comment to the thread you started explaining all this? Or will you be a partisan election hack and bury the facts that you know to be true?
My guess is that you’ll swallow hard and sit on your hands. Fortunately, I don’t have to listen to your inner conversation as to how you justify it – but I do hope it causes you a fitful night’s sleep.
Principles are meant to be broken when the cause is just, no? Or, the end justifies the means.
Cheers
Gerald Weinand