Today, the differences between Andrew Rice and his opponent, Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe, became even clearer.
The Oklahoma Democratic Party just issued a release, demanding that Sen. Jim Inhofe return the thousands of dollars in campaign contributions he’s received from indicted Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK).
More from their release below the fold.
From their press release:
"Senator Stevens has been very generous to his good friend Jim Inhofe, whom we know is also close to big oil companies. Now we know that the money may be tainted and I believe our Senator needs to come clean" [said Dr. Ivan Holmes, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman.]
Northern Lights Political Action Committee was formed by Stevens to raise money and help his fellow Republican colleagues stay elected. The Stevens PAC contributed the maximum of $10,000 to Inhofe’s 2008 re-election committee, according to Federal Election Commission reports. He contributed another $2000 to Inhofe for his 2002 campaign.
The Stevens indictment today adds to the growing distrust of our leaders in Washington that so many Americans are feeling. By accepting and keeping donations from Sen. Stevens, Sen. Inhofe is sending Oklahomans a message that he’s part of the problem.
Sen. Inhofe has held elected office for 40 years, and his votes and statements on veterans’ issues, health care, and energy policy show that he’s grown more and more out of touch with the needs of Oklahomans. Accepting and keeping donations from a colleague whose financial corruption has led to a seven-count indictment does little to reassure Oklahomans that Jim Inhofe is a leader they can trust to represent them.
Today’s primary election will solidify the choice Oklahoma voters will have in November, and the choice between Jim Inhofe and Andrew Rice could not be clearer.
Karina Henderson
Rice for US Senate
PS – I’ll be liveblogging here tonight from the watch party with updates on today's primary election and on some new features we’re adding to the website. Check back here for updates!
