Schmidt's "Dear Victoria" letter

THIS POST seems to be getting a lot of attention. See below for the full release from Rep. Jean Schmidt's campapign that started the story. Keep scrolling down to read Schmidt's cease and desist letter to Victoria Wulsin over the ad. Don't hold your breath for a Wulsin response.

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For Immediate Release
October 25, 2006

Wulsin Breaks House Rules

Cincinnati, OH-- Thirteen days before the election, Victoria Wulsin has already disgraced herself with her recently released television advertisement. In this ad, Wulsin falsely attacks Congresswoman Jean Schmidt accusing her of voting against veterans’ benefits and cutting Homeland Security funding.

In the advertisement, Wulsin uses footage of House Proceedings for political purposes, which is a direct violation of House Rule V 2 (c) 1 though 3. The House Committee on Official Standards and Conduct would on notice of a complaint, begin an immediate investigation and suggest a punishment for such violation.

“Wulsin is setting a new land speed record for corruption,” said Matt Perin, Schmidt Campaign Manager. “Ms. Wulsin has violated House Rules in a new record time-13 days before an election. She should be ashamed of this pathetic display. Her continued violation will land her in serious trouble with the House Ethics Committee.”

In addition, Wulsin cites votes to defend her claims against Congresswoman Schmidt. Wulsin’s interpretation of the votes are flat out embarrassing. Most of the votes cited are procedural votes that have no impact on the spending levels of anything. Wulsin cites a Budget Resolution, either not knowingly or intentionally misleading voters. Budget Resolutions are not appropriations, no money is ever spent in a budget resolution.

“I’m embarrassed for her,” continued Perin. “What she makes up about Congresswoman Schmidt’s voting record is almost as crazy as her policy positions. Clearly Ms. Wulsin campaign is being run by a bunch of amateurs and now she’s stooped to just making things up.”

Today, Congresswoman Schmidt sent a letter to Victoria Wulsin alerting Wulsin of her violation of House Rules and explaining what the votes Wulsin cites actually mean.

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Attached: Letter to Victoria Wulsin, House Rules Copy, Votes Cited

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Dear Victoria:

Throughout the campaign it has become very clear that your understanding of the Congress, the particulars of legislation, and the rules under which we operate are unfamiliar to you. The current advertisement being run by your campaign is flat out wrong on every vote you cite. The correct information is attached for your edification.

More important, the use of proceedings from the floor of the House of Representatives in political ads is forbidden. Hopefully, being made aware of the rules, you will choose to abide by them and withdraw the advertisement until it can be made to conform to the genuine facts and to the rules surrounding political advertising. When my campaign ran a television ad critical of your position on gay marriage, we quoted your words, verbatim. Further, we indicated that if anyone could find a single error of fact, we would withdraw the ad. Surely, you can agree this is the standard under which all of us ought to operate. Candidates cannot be allowed to simply make up the facts, or to create products, that violate the law.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Jean Schmidt