Press Release: Nels Ackerson to Debate Steve Buyer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 26, 2008
NELS ACKERSON TO DEBATE STEVE BUYER
Zionsville, IND - On Thursday, August 28, at the Hendricks County 4H Complex Democratic challenger Nels Ackerson will debate Steve Buyer.
Nels Ackerson and Steve Buyer will meet for their first debate this coming Thursday night at the Hendricks County 4H Complex. The debate, sponsored by the Hendricks County Farm Bureau, will be held in the auditorium, Halls A & B. Doors open at 6PM with the debate scheduled to start at 7PM. The 4H Complex is located at 1900 East Main in Danville, IN.
“The Farm Bureau is doing a great service to the people in Hendricks County and all 12 counties of the Fourth District. Public dialogue about the issues is essential in helping voters make an informed decision in this election,” says Ackerson, “They deserve to hear what I intend to do on their behalf as well as to hear Steve Buyer defend his own voting record.”
Ackerson has challenged the incumbent to debates in each county of the 4th District. Ackerson has accepted debate invitations from veterans groups, Purdue University, a Chamber of Commerce, and the media, but this is the only debate that has been accepted by the Buyer campaign so far. Moderator for this debate will be Dave Russell of the Brownfield Network.
This is believed to be the first congressional debate in Indiana for this year’s general election. Seating is limited so people are encouraged to arrive early.
The 4th Congressional District includes the following counties: Marion, Hendricks, Johnson, Boone, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Montgomery, Fountain, Clinton, White and Tippecanoe.
For more information or to schedule interviews following the debate please contact the campaign office at 317-733-8468.
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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.
Ackerson Pledges Fiscal Responsibility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 20, 2008
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Nels Ackerson, Democratic candidate for Congress in Indiana’s 4th District, today pledged to adopt pay-as-you-go spending limits and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.
Ackerson is a fiscal conservative. His proposals are part of the “Ackerson Pledge for Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability.” Nels has publicly committed to taking action on four initiatives when he becomes Congressman:
- Require Pay-As-You-Go spending
- Fight wasteful earmarks, sole source contracts to political cronies, unjustified subsidies.
- Apply effective regulations to prevent taxpayer bailouts of huge companies
- Support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget
Appearing in Indianapolis and Lafayette, Ackerson said, “Congress has failed us by borrowing recklessly and spending beyond its means. The people we’ve sent to Washington are bankrupting our country. They are not being honest about the size of the loans they’re imposing on future generations. This reckless borrowing and spending is endangering critical funding obligations like Social Security and Veterans Healthcare. I want to change that immediately.”
“Congress has borrowed so much money that every baby born in America today inherits over $31,000,” Ackerson noted. “That’s $125,000 of national debt owed by every family of four. This borrow and spend approach is a cruel form of taxation without representation for our children and grandchildren. Even worse, we’re now borrowing from foreign rulers in China, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, hurting our independence and security.”
“It is time for us to change our government, to change the ‘borrow and spend’ mentality. It is time to establish new and better policies that ensure a better economy. And that is what I pledge to work for when I am elected to Congress.”
Ackerson was joined in Indianapolis by former United States Congressman Andy Jacobs, Jr., who proposed the first balanced budget constitutional amendment in Congress more than 30 years ago.
“Nels’ pledge is a solemn commitment to do what he says he will do,” Jacobs said. “That’s a courageous act and a refreshing change from politics as usual in Washington. It’s called accountability. He will be accountable to the voters and to his conscience.” Observed Jacobs, “Nels will be a great congressman for Indiana.”
Today’s pledge is the second in a series of pledges that Nels Ackerson will announce. The first pledge included four ways in which Ackerson pledges to support Veterans Rights.
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 4th 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 4th 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 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 4th 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 4th 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 4th 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 responds to Big Pharma’s record lobbying year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2008
For more information: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468
Ackerson responds to Big Pharma’s record lobbying year
Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson responded today to a Center for Public Integrity report that the pharmaceutical industry spent a record $168 million lobbying the federal government last year.
According to campaign finance records, Fourth District Congressman Steve Buyer received more money - almost $100,000 - from Big Pharma and the health products industry than any other group in the 2006 campaign cycle. He has received $38,000 from the industry in this cycle.
“Why do we keep sending someone to Washington who’s more interested in representing the special interests than the people who elected him?” Ackerson asked. “Our Congressman should be standing up for the people of the Fourth District, not the special interests.”
More than 90 percent of Ackerson’s campaign contributions have come from individual donors.
Buyer has supported legislation aimed at preventing the importation of drugs from other countries. Big Pharma opposes the importation of drugs because they are often cheaper than drugs purchased in this country.
Buyer also opposed a proposal last year to require drug companies to negotiate lower prices for the millions of Americans who participate in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
Ackerson said that Buyer has spent too long in Washington doing the bidding of special interests.
“I bring a different approach,” Ackerson said. “For the past 16 years, while my opponent has been in Congress, I’ve been fighting for the little guy, protecting their rights and opportunities, and taking on governments and big corporations when they abuse their power and influence to take advantage of others. Hard-working Hoosiers are looking for that kind of leadership to represent them in Washington, and that’s why I’m running for Congress.”
Ackerson calls for investigation into drug testing on war veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008
Contact: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468
Ackerson calls for investigation into drug testing on war veterans
Challenger says Buyer made no effort to stop government experiments
Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson today called for an investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs’ practice of testing dangerous experimental drugs on war veterans in exchange for small cash payments.
“Congress stood idly by while our government experimented on the men and women who’ve fought for our country and our freedom,” Ackerson said. “It’s an absolute outrage.”
A recent Washington Times investigation revealed that hundreds of veterans participated in a government program that paid them a small monthly stipend in exchange for taking drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior.
At least one of the experiments specifically targeted veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. One veteran involved in that experiment referred to himself as “a lab rat for $30 per month.”
Ackerson said he was appalled and expressed disappointment that Congressman Steve Buyer, the ranking Republican on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, did nothing to oppose the experimental testing.
“The brave Hoosiers returning to the Fourth District look to their Congressman for leadership and protection,” Ackerson said. “Steve Buyer has been in office for 16 years and claims to have veterans’ interests at heart, but he didn’t exercise the oversight available to him.”
According to federal campaign finance records, the pharmaceutical and health products industry was Buyer’s top contributor in the 2006 election cycle. He already has received $38,000 from the industry this election cycle.
“We need to elect people to Congress who will stand up for the little guy, not bow to the special interests,” Ackerson said. “I’ve spent the last two decades taking on government and big corporations in the courtroom, and I’ll bring that same spirit and dedication to Congress.”
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.
Press Release - Buyer Right To Blame Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – In a radio interview today Rep. Steve Buyer put the blame for high fuel costs on the “ineptness of Congress.” Nels Ackerson agrees.
“Mr. Buyer is right to blame Congress for high gas prices but does he expect Hoosiers to forget that he’s been there for 16 years and is part of the problem? It’s not helpful to blame someone else for this problem when you’ve done nothing.”
A spokesman for the Ackerson campaign questioned Rep. Buyer’s timing, “Sixteen years in Congress and it seems the energy crisis has just gotten his attention. He had countless opportunities over his eight terms to address this problem but chose to stay focused on subsidies for big oil. One wonders if it is only the political value of the energy issue that has suddenly made it a priority for him.”
Mr. Ackerson’s energy policy will be a continuation of the work he started thirty years ago and will emphasize the need to continue the development of alternative energy sources in addition to oil, such as wind, solar, biomass fuels, safe nuclear, and clean coal with carbon sequestration, rather than an exclusive focus on more drilling.
“Some of the best minds and greatest resources on the planet are right here in Indiana’s 4th District. It is time to unleash America’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Indiana can lead the way. We can find the new solutions we desperately need.”
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For more information contact Bill Bean.
Office: 317.733.8468 Email: bill.bean@nels4congress.com
Press Release - Ackerson Salutes Indiana Armed Forces
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ackerson Salutes Indiana Armed Forces
Nels Ackerson, candidate for United States Congress in Indiana’s 4th District, will be attending the Indiana Blue Star Salute on Saturday, May 17, at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Hendricks County. He made the following statement in recognition of Armed Forces Day.
Education is one of the benefits promised to our military veterans since World War II. With unemployment rates for veterans much higher than the rest of the population it is crucial to provide adequate education and job training to individuals as they transition from active duty back to the work force.
On Thursday the House passed a bill that would return the GI Bill education benefit to a level that honors the commitment we have made to our veterans. I trust that the Senate will also see the importance of keeping up our end of the contract with those who agreed to put their lives on the line for our freedom . ### For more information or to schedule an interview contact Bill Bean. Phone: 317.733.8468 Email: bill.bean@nels4congress.com |
Press Release Ackerson Calls Buyer Proposal A Gimmick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACKERSON CALLS BUYER PROPOSAL A GIMMICK
Zionsville, IN, May 14, 2008 — Nels Ackerson, candidate for Indiana’s 4th District congressional seat, says the incumbent congressman’s energy bill is too little, too late, too narrow in scope, and too politically motivated to have any effect on gas prices. Ackerson called the proposal an election year gimmick.
“Let’s be honest, this is a weak bill put forward at the last minute in an election year. Its current cosponsors are all members of his political party, and it has no chance of being passed,” Ackerson said. “Hoosiers are being hit hard with gas prices passing the $4 mark. Providing relief and reducing our dependence on foreign oil are too important for political gimmicks. They deserve serious, comprehensive energy proposals.
Ackerson began working on energy solutions thirty years ago, he explained, starting when he served on the U.S. Senate staff under then Senator Birch Bayh. “The bill I proposed decades ago, which was passed by Congress, was sponsored by Birch Bayh, Bob Dole, Richard Lugar and broad group of senators and congressmen from both parties.”
Commenting on Buyer’s bill, Ackerson said. “Mr. Buyer has been in Congress 16 years. Why was this bill so long in coming? Why does he continue to support subsidies and tax cuts to oil companies at a time of record profits?” Ackerson says he does not oppose drilling where oil can be recovered in an environmentally sound manner but does not believe a focus on increasing oil production is the answer to our problems. He says, “We need complete solutions, including wind, bio-fuels, solar, safe nuclear and clean coal technologies, as well as conservation.”
Ackerson says he looks forward to the opportunity to debate Buyer on this and other issues. According to the Indiana Secretary of State’s website, Ackerson received nearly twice as many votes as Buyer opponent.
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