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Press Release/Position Statement
-From the desk of the Candidate-
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A front-page story in last Sunday's Asheville Citizen-Times
revealed that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians spent over $100,000 last
year to influence members of Congress, including $4,600 to North Carolina
Congressman Heath Shuler. Yet, due to special exemptions, Indian tribes are not
required to publicly disclose those contributions – as must other pressure
groups like unions, political action committees, and corporations.
None of this comes as any surprise to 11th District
Republican candidate Carl Mumpower, who last October criticized the tribe as
having become a "corrupted special interest" at odds with the
"common interests of the taxpaying citizens of Western North Carolina."
"Add the Federal handouts and entitlements to the fact
that their lobbyists aren't bound by the same campaign finance laws as everyone
else...it all just stinks," said Mumpower. “The Cherokee dole out their
cash to elected officials for the same reason as any other lobbyist does: to
buy influence, plain and simple. Remember, Mr. Shuler sits on the congressional
committee that oversees Indian Affairs. Just follow the money...it looks to me
like Mr. Shuler's influence is an attractive purchase for the Cherokee."
Mumpower
has previously announced that he will accept no campaign funds from unions,
businesses, political action committees or other influence groups during his
run for the seat currently held by Shuler. "Of course, money is a part of
any serious campaign," said Mumpower, "but ultimately, our success
will come from consistent and principled positions and the support of the
voters. My focus on the common good and the needs of ordinary folks cannot
be bought through the shady dealings of influence peddlers with deep
pockets...no matter what the color of their skin or sense of entitlement."
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