Ackerson Issues Debate Challenge

Press Release – Nels Ackerson Issues Debate Challenge to Steve Buyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2008

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – Nels Ackerson believes that voters in the 4^th district have a right to know how their representative stands on the issues that affect their lives. Sixteen year incumbent Steve Buyer believes he can continue to avoid any debates, having recently declined to respond to yet another invitation to participate in a debate. The most recent invitation is the sixth request that the Buyer Campaign has ignored or refused to schedule.

In response Nels Ackerson has issued a broad challenge: He wants to debate Steve Buyer in each of the twelve counties in the 4^th District. “Steve Buyer is choosing to play Washington spin games to avoid facing the people and discussing the facts of his voting record,” said Ackerson. “We have constituents regularly calling us and we have accepted every invitation to debate. We have agreed to just about any format, any date, and any location. But Steve Buyer refuses to commit to any specific public debates. I think it’s time he offered the people of this district more than photo ops. Steve Buyer has five weeks of vacation away from Washington this August that could be used to meet with constituents for debates.”

The organizations that have offered to host debates and are awaiting confirmation from Steve Buyer include:

• WILO Frankfort
• Frankfort Chamber of Commerce
• Frankfort Times
• The Purdue University Student Government
• Veterans of Foreign Wars, Crawfordsville
• Hendricks County Farm Bureau
• Disabled American Veterans, Lafayette

Issuing his broad challenge, Ackerson noted that accountability and communication are fundamental to democracy, and that voters have a right to a representative who is willing to listen to them and to keep them informed of what he’s been doing in Washington. “There are a lot of conflicting stories about his record, particularly on veterans’ benefits. There are a lot of questions about the facts. Given his record on the declining economy, the 16 year absence of any cohesive energy policy, and his proposed veterans’ tax, I think it’s critical that we discuss the issues with our constituents.”

Ackerson, Buyer spat about VA

From the Bedford Times-Mail

Ackerson, Buyer spat about VA

By BOB BRIDGE bob@tmnews.com
July 31, 2008

BEDFORD — A small group of city officials, media representatives and Nels Ackerson supporters shared umbrellas Wednesday afternoon outside the Lawrence County Courthouse as the Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 4th District Congressional seat addressed issues associated with military veterans.

Speaking in front of the limestone monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers, Ackerson criticized GOP incumbent Steve Buyer for his failure to serve America’s veterans and offered a four-point pledge to treat veterans fairly if elected to Congress in November.

“I will keep our promises to protect veterans,” he said. “I will support the families of soldiers and veterans. I will fight to provide better job transition and assistance for returning veterans, and I will work to protect and honor the American flag.”

Ackerson’s words did not fall on deaf ears. While several citizens applauded his 15-minute address, Buyer’s camp quickly responded to the criticism via a press release.

Buyer spokesman Jon Clark described Ackerson’s claims as absurd.

“It is unfortunate that he is using veterans’ issues for political gain,” he said. “Mr. Buyer’s opponent has no record of service to veterans. Today, he rolled into town and attacked one of the nation’s leading advocates for the military, veterans, military families, and survivors.

“Congressman Buyer helped stop the Veterans Administration clinic from moving off the grounds of the Soldiers Home in Lafayette, and he is committed to working with the VA and Gov. Mitch Daniels to expand and improve the health care services being provided at the Soldiers Home.”

Clark said under Buyer’s chairmanship of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, the VA’s budget increased by more than $8.3 billion, approximately a 10 percent increase. He claimed Buyer improved life insurance protections, transition services for service members, and access to health care services for rural veterans, among other benefit improvements.

Clark also noted Buyer recently voted in favor of a historic increase for veterans education benefits via the new GI bill.

Ackerson argued Buyer had not been a friend to veterans and his rhetoric didn’t match his actions. He said veteran organizations will confirm that reality.

“It’s time veterans in Indiana had an honest advocate,” he said. “I think people are tired of political leaders who say one thing when they’re at home and then vote a different way when they go to Washington. People want accountability. They’re tired of double talk.”

Ackerson claimed Buyer was appointed chairman of the VA committee only after he pledged to cut benefits.

“He repeatedly voted to limit benefits, even voting in the minority of his own party,” Ackerson said. “He denied service organizations from presenting their legislative agenda during House-Senate hearings, a move that was blasted by the American Legion and other service organizations.

“Under his oversight, the VA experienced repeated scandals, financial mismanagement, and unauthorized medical testing of Gulf War veterans.”

Ackerson reiterated his plea for a face-to-face discussion of the topic.

“We obviously disagree,” he said. “Let’s have a debate. Let’s have a clear airing of these views. Let’s see who is right, and who is wrong.

“We’ve been invited to six debates throughout this district, and we have accepted them all. He has not. I welcome a debate.”

Ackerson said party politics should not play into the issue of veteran affairs.

“Our men and women in service did not go to war to fight for us as Republicans or Democrats,” he explained. “They did so as Americans. I’m not speaking today as a Democrat, though I’m proud to be a Democrat. I’m speaking as an American with a personal pledge to the people I plan to represent.”

Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis, an independent, greeted Buyer when he came to Bedford to detail his energy plan. She also introduced Ackerson to Wednesday’s gathering.

“I want to welcome Nels Ackerson to our community,” she said. “It’s good for us to hear what all the candidates have to say.

“We have a lot of veterans in our community and a lot of folks who are currently serving in the military.”

Times-Mail Staff Writer Bob Bridge welcomes comments at 277-7282 or by e-mail at bob@tmnews.com.

Ackerson Announces Pledge to Veterans

Nels Ackerson Announces “Ackerson Pledge” on Veterans Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2008

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – Nels Ackerson believes that the 4^th District deserves a Congressman who will fight for Veterans rights.  Today he announced the “Ackerson Pledge to Veterans”, a series of concrete initiatives to honor America’s commitments to Veterans.

“My opponent, Steve Buyer, has been in Congress for 16 years.  While claiming to support our serviceman and women, he has consistently voted against the interests of Veterans.  Whether cutting promised Healthcare budgets, alienating Veterans organizations, or trying to institute a Veterans Tax, Buyer has not been the advocate that our veterans need.  That is why I am announcing the Ackerson Pledge to Veterans.  I want the voters in the 4^th district to know exactly what I stand for and exactly what I will do in Congress.  It’s a matter of principle, of integrity, and of accountability.”

As part of the “Ackerson Pledge to Veterans” Nels has publicly committed to taking action on four initiatives when he becomes Congressman:

· Nels will keep our promises to protect Veterans benefits

· Nels will support the families of soldiers and Veterans

· Nels will fight to provide better job transition and assistance for returning veterans

· Nels will work to protect and honor the American flag

Ackerson was accompanied by members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled Veterans of America at campaign stops in Zionsville, Lafayette, and Crawfordsville.  At each location Ackerson committed himself to four initiatives on behalf of America’s soldiers and veterans.  “The Ackerson Pledge is my pledge to the people of the 4^th district and to our soldiers and veterans that we will honor their service by delivering on our promises,” said Ackerson.

Nels further added that he is committed to being a champion of Veterans and is opposed to the Veterans Tax proposed by Steve Buyer.  Said Ackerson, “Our veterans have given us their best, and they deserve to be treated honestly and to receive the benefits they were promised.  And when I am in congress, that is exactly what I intend to do.”

“Ackerson Ready To Debate, Buyer Not So Eager”

Nels is ready and willing to debate Steve Buyer, but Steve Buyer isn’t so sure. In this Frankfort Times article, the 16-year incumbent makes it clear that he’s far from eager to meet his challenger in public:

Halfway home.

The Times’ joint effort to sponsor a debate within Clinton County between U.S. Congressman Steve Buyer (R IN-4) and his Democratic challenger, Nels Ackerson, has one of the candidates ready to participate.

“I am in favor of multiple debates and I know the people are in favor of multiple debates,” said Ackerson, during a break from touring the Clinton County and 4-H Fair on Thursday. “There are too many important issues to just allow people to send out press releases and tell their own story.

“That’s important, but it’s also important to be submitting to questions, and going back-and-forth with persons having differing views.”

Buyer, however, has yet to commit to participating in a debate within Clinton County, an area solely represented in U.S. Congress by the eight-term incumbent.

The Times sent a letter to Buyer’s Monticello office in June, requesting his participation in a debate.

After no answer, an e-mail was sent on Wednesday, and a phone call made on Thursday to Buyer’s Communication Director, Anjulen Anderson.

“As the Congressman thinks the invitation for a debate is worthy of consideration, the Congressman has always discussed debates amongst the campaigns in the fall,” Anderson wrote in an e-mail response to a Times’ request to speak to Buyer about a possible debate.

“Ackerson lining up for run to November”

Nels made the front page of today’s Lafayette Journal and Courier with a great story about his campaign efforts. Check it out!

Steve Buyer is the first to admit that having a cash advantage is one of the most important elements in a campaign.

But according to first quarter financial filings on www.opensecrets.org, the challenger to the eight-term U.S. congressman representing Indiana’s 4th District is raising money faster.

Through April 16, Buyer had raised $301,129 — compared to $308,602 raised by Democrat Nels Ackerson, a lawyer who hails from Boone County.

“I’ll still be able to maintain a three-to-one cash advantage to him” in the total election cycle, Buyer said.

But Ackerson, who campaigned Thursday in Lafayette, continues raising funds and putting in long days on the campaign trail. He plans to defeat Buyer in November.

“I don’t underestimate the challenge,” Ackerson said, referring to Buyer’s years in office.

“But (the race) is not just about incumbency but being well-known. I’ve been working hard for a year and I have a lot more to do.”

After speaking at a Rotary meeting Thursday morning, Ackerson visited a downtown coffee shop to shake hands and pass out campaign literature. He’s canvassing the district to talk about issues and build name recognition.

Ackerson hopes to capitalize on a growing attitude he says voters have to reform government and eliminate partisanship. He’s counting on support from the “independent-thinking” residents in the 4th District — which includes Tippecanoe County and spans a section of west-central Indiana.

“Ackerson fishes for votes”

You won’t want to miss this article in the Bedford Times-Mail about Nels hitting the campaign trail, listening to and chatting with Fourth District residents in Lawrence County:

WILLIAMS — Chirping crickets provided background music as Nels Ackerson, standing in front of an assortment of fishing tackle, addressed a small but attentive gathering of citizens Tuesday morning at White River Bait & Tackle.

Ackerson, candidate for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District seat, was casting for votes. How many the Zionsville Democrat lands is yet to be determined, but he clearly garnered a few nibbles of interest.

During several stops throughout the county, he detailed the differences between him and incumbent Steve Buyer.

The most obvious, he claimed, is on the issue of veteran benefits.

“Our government has simply dishonored a sacred contract with our veterans,” Ackerson said. “There is no difference in this election greater between me and Steve Buyer than on that issue.

“He claims to be supporting our veterans. He claims to be supporting our troops. But he led the effort to reduce veteran benefits.

“I look forward to the day I can stand with him in a debate and he tries to justify that decision.”

Asked if any debates have been scheduled, Ackerson said, “I’ve offered several invitations. He has yet to accept one.