News from
THE MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jason Moon
517-371-5410                                                          
August 7, 2007                                                                                  

Knollenberg Just Like Bush on Iraq War and Outsourcing

MDP Chair criticizes Knollenberg for past votes and statements on critical issues for voters in the 9th Congressional District

LANSING – Today Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair Mark Brewer strongly criticized Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg’s record of supporting President Bush’s failed Iraq and outsourcing policies . Brewer specifically criticized Knollenberg’s vote in support of Bush’s escalation of the war in Iraq, Knollenberg’s statement that outsourcing is ‘natural’ and Knollenberg’s record of voting for Bush’s policies 94% of the time.

“Knollenberg has been and always will be a consistent rubber stamp of Bush’s escalation of the Iraq war,” said Brewer. “No matter how many lives are lost and how many billions of taxpayer’s dollars are wasted, Knollenberg will always be lock step with Bush’s failed Iraq policies.”

Knollenberg has always been a strong supporter of President Bush’s failed Iraq war policies and has continued to support President Bush’s escalation of the Iraq War.  In 2004, the Detroit Free Press reported that “on the issue of Iraq, Knollenberg said: ‘I believe the president is doing the right thing.’” In June 2006, US Fed News reported that Knollenberg issued a statement saying “we must stay the course.” In 2007, Knollenberg voted in support of Bush’s plan to escalate the war in Iraq.   

According to the Detroit Free Press in 2004, “Knollenberg said outsourcing of American jobs is a natural progression to technological advancements.” Knollenberg has also been a consistent supporter of unfair trade policies such as NAFTA and CAFTA that have led to the loss of Michigan manufacturing jobs.

“Knollenberg’s view that outsourcing is ‘natural’ is unacceptable and out of touch,” continued Brewer. “The 9th District’s thousands of manufacturing workers need a Member of Congress who will fight outsourcing and stand up to unfair trade policies. Knollenberg’s dismissal of outsourcing as a problem and his continuous support of unfair trade policies is a blow to those workers.”

The MDP and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) have already been campaigning hard against Knollenberg. The MDP has been sending weekly issue emails to local activists and has released literature regarding Knollenberg’s record. The MDP has created an online petition against Knollenberg’s support of the escalation of the Iraq War. Brewer also addressed the Knollenberg race in a Youtube video. In July, the DCCC aired a radio ad regarding Knollenberg’s vote against giving Iraq war veterans a $1500 bonus despite voting himself a raise.

“Knollenberg has been just like Bush on Iraq and outsourcing – that’s why the 9th District is in desperate need of a new voice in Washington,” concluded Brewer. “The MDP will continue to campaign hard to ensure the 9th  District gets the new leadership it needs.”

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              Paid for by the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee, 606 Townsend St.,
              Lansing, MI  48933. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee