Michaud Chooses Campaigning Over Veterans 'Stolen Valor Act'
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.