Schmidt fires AGAIN at Wulsin ad

For the second time in two days, Rep. Jean Schmidt criticized Democrat Victoria Wulsin for airing a campaign ad that shows a red, white and blue-clad Schmidt shouting that “cowards cut and run, Marines never do” on the House floor.

Yesterday, Schmidt accused Wulsin of breaking House rules by using the broadcast of House proceedings in a political ad. But when it was pointed out that Wulsin is not a member of the House, and thus, not subject to its rules, Schmidt switched strategies.

Her latest release – e-mailed to reporters at 6:13 p.m. – pulls out the stops. Not only does Schmidt accuse Wulsin of being a “liberal” and of breaking a campaign pledge not to use the House floor “for political gain,” but she threatens action.

“I was disappointed to see that you decided to flout the rules under which you are so desperate to serve,” Schmidt wrote in her second letter to Wulsin.

“I would like to give you the opportunity to withdraw the advertisement until it conforms to the rules surrounding political advertisements before I take this matter to the next level and file a complaint with the Speaker of the House,” the letter said.

Wulsin campaign spokesman Ady Barkan responded: “Please don't do it! That would be a disaster because the only thing worse than this letter would be to have this story in the press for another four days. REALLY. We do NOT want people to watch this ad and so we would hope Schmidt would STOP drawing attention to it!”

Seriously?

“They are being ridiculous,” Barkan said. “If they want to file a complaint, then we’d be happy to defend Vic.”

Unfortunately for Schmidt, the House is on recess, and thus unable to pursue an ethics complaint, until after the Nov. 7 election.

Btw, if you want to watch that ad, click HERE.

A few things to note: Schmidt blasts Wulsin in her letter for “personal attacks, name calling, and blatant cheap shots” even though Schmidt’s first campaign ad in this year’s general election could also be characterized as a personal attack. Also, in her second letter, Schmidt identifies herself as a “Member of Congress.” Maybe she thinks Wulsin doesn’t know who she’s dealing with? And, finally, we have to ask, why are all these Schmidt releases coming out SO LATE IN THE DAY?!?! Yesterday's release came in at 5:11 p.m.

Keep scrolling for text of the latest Schmidt release along with the latest Schmidt letter.

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For Immediate Release
October 26, 2006

Wulsin Breaks Campaign Promise

Cincinnati, OH-- With only 12 days to go before Election Day, liberal democrat Victoria Wulsin has already broken a campaign pledge to the residents of Southwestern Ohio while at the same time, violating House Rules.

On multiple occasions, Wulsin promised the people of Ohio’s Second Congressional District that she would never use the floor of the House of Representatives for political gain. Recently, she tossed that promise right out the window by airing a campaign advertisement that uses footage of Floor Proceedings of the House of Representatives to disparage Congresswoman Schmidt. Using footage of House Proceedings for campaign advertisements is a violation of House Rules.

“Dr. Vicky either doesn’t realize that she’s broken a promise, or is intentionally misleading voters,” said Matt Perin, Schmidt Campaign Manager. “She’s broken one, how can anybody trust that she’s going to keep any of her other promises or not blatantly violate House Rules again?”

Wulsin claims that since she’s not a Member of the House of Representatives, the rules do not apply to her. “It’s disturbing that Dr. Vicky refuses to abide by the rules of the body she wishes to join,” said Perin.

“Since she is seeking public office, Ms. Wulsin ought to know that it is dangerous when political figures decide for themselves which rules and laws they will honor. After all, democracy hinges on all of us living under the same set of rules,” said Perin.

Today, Congresswoman Schmidt sent a second letter to Ms. Wulsin reminding her that her campaign’s advertisement is in violation of House Rules.

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Attachment: Letter to Wulsin 2

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Dear Victoria:

I’m sure that you’re aware of the letter I sent you yesterday, October 25, 2006, regarding the current television advertisement that is being run by your campaign. In that letter, I alerted you that the use of footage from official proceedings of the House of Representatives is forbidden in political ads. I was disappointed to see that you decided to flout the rules under which you are so desperate to serve.

I have not personally heard from you or your campaign regarding this matter. I would like to give you the opportunity to withdraw the advertisement until it conforms to the rules surrounding political advertisements before I take this matter to the next level and file a complaint with the Speaker of the House.

I am saddened by these recent developments and your unwillingness to make this campaign about issues rather than personal attacks, name calling, and blatant cheap shots.

I await your action. Please keep in mind that it is a dangerous thing when political figures decide for themselves which rules and laws they will honor. After all, democracy hinges on all of us living under the same set of rules.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Jean Schmidt
Member of Congress