Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) is one of those characters who is known for saying well, crazy things. But on July 2, Huelskamp and his primary opponent held a dueling press conference debate. That is to say, they both gave 5 minute pitches to the same audience one after the other without taking questions or addressing each others issues.
While the event had a few surprises in it (like Hueldskamp saying he would 'never' debate) one story didn't really get to the press or anyone until weeks later. Now, the CEO of Conestoga, a renewable energy company has come forward and claimed that Tim Huelskamp basically threatened his business post the event.
Tom Willis, CEO for Conestoga Energy Partners, said he approached Huelskamp, R-Fowler, following the debate to voice concerns one-on-one about some of Huelskamp's recent votes. He expected a political answer, but claims he got something else.
Willis, of Liberal, has submitted a letter to the editor to The Telegram about the incident.
"Congressman Huelskamp lost his temper with me. He threatened me and my business by saying, 'I will make you pay when I get back to D.C.,'" Willis wrote. "He swore to 'remember me for not supporting his candidacy' in Washington."¬
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http://gctelegram.com/...
Wait, it gets better.
Huelskamp, upon hearing this resonse, fired back through his aides and the local press:
Couture-Lovelady also said that during the post-debate conversation, Willis promised to contribute to Huelskamp if Huelskamp would change his position to support special preferences for Conestoga.
"Tim Huelskamp is not going to be bullied by anyone or any special interest group, no matter how big their checkbook," Couture-Lovelady said. "His only special interest is the people of Kansas and the principles which we believe."
Willis called Huelskamp's assertion implying some sort of bribe a lie.
"I flatly deny what Congressman Huelskamp is accusing me of," Willis said. "That did not happen, whatsoever."
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http://gctelegram.com/...
That's right. Huelskamp is now in a war of words with a CEO and real job creator in western Kansas, accusing them of potentially trying to bribe them while the CEO claims that Huelskamp is, well, nuts.
Huelskamp is at a point where he has now officially lost the endorsement of the Agriculture boards (as Tim represents the first Kansan 1st district to not be on the agriculture committee, as KS-1 is the largest producer of US ag per district anywhere in the country), the Farm Bureau, and others.
Who benefits? While it is possible that this ad spends helps LaPolice, a more moderate Republican in the primary, the likelihood of a LaPolice victory at this point is minimal.
Jim Sherow, the Democrat running in the race is receiving a nice little boost as LaPolice and the Now or Never PAC assemble a firewall that sours the milk for voters of Tim Huelskamp. This large pre-primary spend as well as the exodus of the business community from Huelskamp gives Sherow a unique opportunity - more Republicans are actively considering the idea of the fact that they know Sherow - a professor at Kansas State University for years - and as a former mayor of Manhattan, KS plus a member of the Western Kansas advisory boards for the state, his work on the ag, farm and water issues are well known and respected.
More importantly, business Republicans are actively pitching the idea that if it boils down to Sherow Vs. Huelskamp (the likely outcome) a Sherow win would not only benefit District 1, but 'clean house' for a conservative candidate in 2016 who would better represent their views.
Huelskamp's public battle with employers and PACs in Western Kansas opens up a great opportunity for democrats - the question is whether or not we are willing to take advantage of that opportunity.
So, here is my voluntary link to Sherow's Act Blue. This is a unique district with a shifting demographic and people who are upset with Huelskamp. Sometimes, you just have to strike while the iron is hot.
To contribute to the Sherow campaign, where SMALL MONEY can make a real difference: https://secure.actblue.com/...