Ackerson Addresses Bailout Issue with 4th District Voters
To my fellow residents of the 4th District,
The unprecedented events of the past week have led to a great deal of controversy and concern. Never in the history of our Nation has our Congress considered such sweeping, and to be quite frank such expensive, legislation in such a short time. As one of two candidates seeking your support this November, I am concerned. While events continue to unfold, I wanted you to know where I stand on this critical issue.
Last night President Bush addressed the Nation. In his speech he noted that “our entire economy is in danger” and used phrases such as “serious economic crisis”, “panic”, and warned of a “long and painful recession.” Like many of you, I am extremely frustrated to see yet another failure of our proud Nation. Too often in recent times we have seen government ineptness lead to painful, and on occasion tragic, outcomes.
It is no secret that the last few years have been fraught with turmoil, both abroad and now at here at home. As events this week have made clear, we are now faced with the painful results of numerous failures in the financial sector and failures by our government. In an economy already reeling from continued declines in the strength of the dollar, the massive explosion in the price of fuel, and ongoing foreclosures in home mortgages, our country is now facing a complete meltdown in the stock markets and the credit markets.
In response to the rapidly crumbling situation, this Wednesday I met here in Zionsville with several of my economic advisors, including Purdue faculty member Wally Tyner, a recognized expert in energy issues, and Tom Schelling, a Nobel Prize winning economist. What is clear from our conversation is that while this problem was created by the failings of a small group of entrenched legislators and wealthy financiers, it is likely that the impact will hurt us all.
While many are already suffering from declines in their retirement, the longer term consequences of this failure may be worse. When banks no longer offer credit, it is not the wealthy who suffer, but the middle class. This crisis will hurt Hoosiers who need mortgages to buy a home, who depend upon student loans to receive an education, or auto loans to afford a car, who will suddenly find banks unwilling or unable to offer assistance.
And yet the proposed $700 billion solution concerns me a great deal. This legislation represents one of the single biggest expansions of government in history. That amount represents a sudden and unexpected tax of approximately $2,500 per person in this country. And ultimately this fee must be paid for with increased taxes, more deficits, and further weakening the dollar, all of which hurt those who have been responsible in their personal finances and their savings.
The decision to pursue such a massive expense with no provisions for oversight represents a significant increase in government authority that is unprecedented. As a lifelong advocate who has dedicated his career to protecting the constitutional rights of private citizens, I am highly concerned by the radical proposal that runs rough shod over the traditions of this Nation. From what we have heard so far, the current proposal provides for little accountability, few assurances that tax payers will ever receive repayment, and little regard for the reality that it is we, the taxpayers, who are being asked to shoulder the price for the losing economic policies.
Given the severity of the crisis, we are now forced to consider drastic solutions that only a few months ago would have seemed inconceivable. Expensive solutions that fly in the face of the fiscal conservatism that I have always embraced, and that may prove to create as many problems over the long term as they solve in the near term.
When I began my campaign to be your representative in Congress over a year ago, I spoke frequently about my concern about the direction our government was taking. It seemed that our government no longer respected us. Instead they treated their roles with a sense of privilege and entitlement, and spent our tax dollars with a recklessness more appropriate to Las Vegas than to Main Street. Only a few weeks ago I travelled around the district presenting the Ackerson Pledge on the Economy, speaking directly to voters about the need for renewed fiscal discipline, greater government accountability, and more effective oversight by those whom we entrust to watch the soundness of our tax dollars, our banks, and our economy.
I want you to know that I take these issues very seriously. Our government has failed us, and now they are asking us to pay the price for their losing policies. It appears likely that regardless of what solution is adopted, it is we, the taxpayers, who will be held responsible. It is failures like this that led me to run for Congress.
We must change Congress. As your representative I will work tirelessly to ensure that Congress always respects their role as stewards of the taxpayers money. As a fiscal conservative, I understand that tax money is not government money. I will be accountable to you, and will fight for responsible government and effective oversight.
Over the coming days I will be actively monitoring the current crisis, meeting with advisors and voters, and discussing the likely outcome with legislators here in Indiana and in Washington. As always, I will be listening to the people of this district, and welcome your thoughts as we continue through this difficult situation.
We need change in Washington. It is clear that the current policies are not successful. But America is a great Nation. We have overcome great challenges before, and we will overcome this crisis. Together we can, and we will, get our country back on the right track.
Yours for a new Congress,
Nels Ackerson
Nels is running for Congress to bring much-needed change and bipartisan leadership to Washington on behalf of Hoosiers in the Fourth District. From his childhood years on the family farm in Eagletown to a decades-long legal career representing the “little guy” against powerful governments and corporations, Nels has always stayed true to his Hoosier values. He is a champion of individual rights and economic opportunity who believes there is nothing we can’t accomplish by working together. Nels and his wife, Sharon, live in Zionsville. They have four grown children and a granddaughter. Learn more at www.nels4congress.com.
Excerpted from Lafayette’s Journal & Courier | September 14, 2008
Commenting on the Journal & Courier’s survey results, McCann said he found the results in the District 4 contest between Republican Congressman Steve Buyer and Democratic challenger Nels Ackerson to be the most surprising.
Of 1,338 respondents who answered the question, 38 percent chose Buyer, 36 percent chose Ackerson, and 26 percent said they were undecided.
“I would have expected a bigger gap,” he said. In the 2006 election, Buyer garnered 53 percent of the Tippecanoe vote compared with 47 percent for his nearest rival. Districtwide Buyer won by a 62-38 margin.
“It’s a rough year to run as an incumbent Republican, and Ackerson has more resources than some of the earlier challengers to Buyer,” McCann said.
Clarks Hill resident Sharron Parker said she’s voted for Buyer in the past but thinks it might be time for a change.
“I think most people in the United States are thinking that,” she said.
Ackerson Decries Culture of Entitlement and Corruption In Congress and the Energy Industry
Zionsville, Ind - Nels Ackerson, Candidate for the 4th Congressional District, today called for stronger enforcement of criminal laws and more effective Congressional oversight in the wake of yet another ethics scandal in Washington. “Our government continues to betray our trust by tolerating corruption and waste of taxpayers’ money.”
“We are literally losing billions of dollars every year because of government employees who chase perks from oil, gas, mineral and energy companies in exchange for one-sided contracts and underpriced leases. The conduct by employees of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is outrageous,” stated Ackerson.
The MMS scandal follows on the heels of the April criminal conviction of high-powered Congressional lobbyist Jack Abramoff for trading expensive gifts, meals and sports trips in exchange for political favors. Ackerson noted that this behavior should have been stopped years ago. “Legislation to stop government employees from taking gifts from lobbyists and contractors should not have waited so long. It is terrible that stronger versions of this law were blocked by members of Congress, allowing corruption that costs taxpayers billions.”
Ackerson specifically criticized 16 year incumbent Steve Buyer, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, for not only failing to fight the corruption, but instead showing a consistent tolerance of lax ethics in the Energy industry and encouraging the lobbyists from oil, gas, and energy companies that he oversees. “The incumbent Steve Buyer has shown his loyalty to oil industry executives and corporate PACs who have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund his campaigns. Since taking office 16 years ago Steve Buyer has taken over $160,000 from energy companies, and voted repeatedly to stop reforms that might reduce his fundraising perks.”
“It is clear that there is a culture of corruption and entitlement in Washington that is being tolerated throughout the government,” said Ackerson. As published in the Wall Street Journal, the report from the Inspectors Generals’ office uncovered corruption at every level of the MMS, including a former department head. Investigators found that government employees responsible for managing more than $4.3 billion dollars in taxpayer money have been regularly engaging in acts of sexual behavior, drug abuse, and bribery with the very people they regulate.
Congressional records show that Buyer has consistently voted against restricting the influence of lobbyists and against legislation that would forbid Congressman like himself from receiving gifts. Among the positions Buyer has supported are:
Voting against the investigation into Jack Abramoff’s illegal lobbying activities (3/30/06, RC#76);
Voting against stronger reporting requirements for lobbyists involved in fundraising for candidates (5/24/07, RC#420);
Voting against repealing weak House ethics rules (4/27/05, RC# 145); and
Voting for allowing groups to pay for a Congressperson’s travel, and lobbyists to cater dinners to their offices (1/7/03, RC#4);
“This incestuous relationship between corporate money and the Congressmen who oversee them is costing taxpayers billions. It forces voters to question who their representatives are actually representing, the voters or the lobbyists that shower Congress with perks and money. Congress has not upheld the trust of the people they represent to prevent these illegal activities, and instead Congress has been auctioning off that trust for their own enrichment,” said Nels. “I know that I am not the only American who is tired of it. I want our government returned to us and I want an explanation from Steve Buyer for standing in the way of accountability, voting to protect Abramoff and his cronies, and for his acceptance of so much money from companies that he oversees.”
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson, candidate for Congress in Indiana’s 4th District, today announced his endorsement for broad-based, bipartisan energy legislation to bring an end to partisan bickering on the subject. He specifically mentioned two energy proposals that are supported by coalitions including both Democrats and Republicans. House bill H.R. 6709, co-sponsored by 36 Democrats and 95 Republicans, and the Senate’s “Gang of Ten” energy legislation , co-sponsored by 8 Democrats and 8 Republicans.
Ackerson said, “These bills represent real solutions that have a chance of getting passed and of solving the energy crisis that Congress has gotten us into. We’ve had enough of Washington’s blame game. Let’s get on with bipartisan solutions that are long overdue. Hoosiers want solutions from Congress, not political posturing or threats to shut down the government. They want statesmanship and smart solutions, not stale arguments about who’s to blame.”
In his only debate with Ackerson, 16-year incumbent Steve Buyer stated that he was proud to be a partisan in Congress. Buyer argued that he preferred contention and even “combat” in Congress, instead of cooperation. Ackerson strongly disagreed, saying that the national interest has to be put ahead of partisan party concerns. Said Ackerson, “Congress has failed, and we’re suffering because of it. We need someone in Congress who will fight for this district and create real legislative solutions to our energy problems, not someone who deliberately picks fights and promotes symbolic legislation.”
This past spring Buyer joined with 20 other Republican members of Congress in proposing an energy bill that has no co-sponsors from the other party. It was his first substantial legislation on the Energy issue in 16 years. Buyer has held news conferences in Indiana roundly criticizing Democrats for not scheduling a vote on the bill. While several other bills have been developed with bipartisan support, Buyer’s bill has yet had a hearing and has not been seriously considered by the committees on which Buyer serves.
Ackerson said, “True to form, it seems that Steve Buyer would rather pick a fight than to do the spadework necessary to fix a problem. After 16 years of inactivity, Steve Buyer proposes this bill 90 days before the coming election, with no effort to go through committee, or to get involvement from both parties. Perhaps that’s why Buyers bill has been largely ineffective. I’ve worked on the Hill under Birch Bayh, and I know how to get things done. And that’s not it. I encourage Steve to rise above that level, reach across the aisle, make some compromises if necessary, and help get something done.”
Only one debate for a congressional district covering more than 4,000 square miles is just plain wrong. But that’s what incumbent Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, is insisting upon for the 4th Congressional District of Indiana.
Earlier in the campaign, Buyer had been reticent about debating his challenger, Democrat Nels Ackerson.
Buyer and Ackerson, an attorney who lives in Zionsville, did agree to a debate. The event, which took place at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville, drew an audience of about 100 people on Thursday night.
Ackerson has pushed for more dialogue between the candidates. Specifically, he has asked Buyer to debate in each of the 12 counties the wide-ranging district encompasses.
But Buyer quickly quashed that notion early during the first debate, alluding to a rule infraction by the Ackerson camp.
For his part, Ackerson described the alleged infraction as a “mystery” and offered an apology.
Debate organizer Dave Wyeth told Journal & Courier reporter Dorothy Schneider that Buyer must have been referring to a news release from Ackerson that was distributed Wednesday.
Wyeth said there was no written rule about not sending out releases, but said Thursday’s debate was intended for only Farm Bureau members and the leadership.
Clearly, looking at the makeup of this district, there are a wide variety of important topics to the voters. The candidates touched on issues vital to their audience in Hendricks County.
But what about others in the district who want to hear directly from the candidates? As constituents, they have earned the right to hear the opinions from candidates vying to represent them.
What about those interested in learning the candidates’ views on higher education? Surely that’s an issue of great importance to members of a district covering West Lafayette and bounding the outskirts of Bloomington.
Or working families?
Or retirees?
Or veterans?
As of the 2000 census, there were more than 675,000 residents in the 4th District.
While it is not practical to create a series of debates to reach every single person, it is inexcusable to limit the forums to a single event for 100 people.
BUYER’S DENIALS ARE WRONG, 4TH DISTRICT NEXT TO LAST GETTING FEDERAL CONTRACTS
Zionsville, IN - September 1, 2008 Nels Ackerson Sunday presented official government records in response to incumbent congressman Steve Buyer’s denial that Indiana’s 4th District ranks next to last in the nation in getting federal contract money.
“Given how many resources we have for research, manufacturing, and technology, and how badly many people could use the jobs that we’re not getting, the fact that we rank 434th out of 435 districts in the nation is unacceptable.” Ackerson said. “Steve Buyer is not an effective advocate for the people or the economy of our district,” Ackerson said. “He’s been in Congress 16 years, and appears to have lost focus on what we have to offer and what we need in this district.”
In a news release issued Friday, Buyer defended his performance by claiming that the 4th District ranks 380th, not 434th. Ackerson responded that if the district had ranked 380th, it would be in the bottom 15 percent of the nation, which would be awful. But the truth is much worse.
“Buyer’s news release is contradicted by official government figures,” Ackerson said. “The people deserve to learn the truth from their congressman.” Ackerson provided data on the official United States government website, which provides information on federal contracts performed in each of the 435 congressional districts.
The official government website is www.usaspending.gov. It is accessible to the public, and for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District, it reports, “This Congressional District is ranked 434 among districts for this year.” The full list of contractors and transactions is available on the same government website. 245 contractors and 1,046 transactions are identified for the current fiscal year.
Ackerson’s news release said that he is sticking to the facts about 16 year incumbent Steve Buyer’s performance. “The people should be told the truth,” he said. “Steve Buyer’s claims are not correct. His record in this area and in other areas is not what he claims.”
Buyer’s release Friday shifted from claims about the facts Ackerson asserted to a personal attack against Ackerson. “Buyer’s pattern is to attack people who disagree with him. He makes outrageous claims and insults rather than face the facts and level with the voters. That’s why debates are so important.”
Ackerson said that in coming days he will respond to other faulty claims and misstated facts in the news release that Steve Buyer sent out Friday. “I will not be intimidated by insults, and when I am representing the people in this District in Congress, the people will not be bullied or given faulty information.”
“Let’s get on with the rest of the debates,” Ackerson concluded. “Let the people see for themselves who will address our problems honestly and solve them, and which one of us offers a new vision, rather than flawed claims and defenses.”
Ackerson and Buyer held their first debate last in Danville. Ackerson challenged Buyer to debates in each of the twelve counties in the district. Both candidates have been invited to six additional debates so far, including one at Purdue University and others by veterans groups, community organizations and media outlets. Buyer has said he may not agree to any more debates.
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For more information contact Peter Ackerson at 317-733-8468 or peter@nels4congress.com.
