EXPOSED IN NEW AD: “FISHY” RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COLEMAN, INDICTED SENATOR, CONVICTED OIL EXECUTIVES
"Political Contests"08/21/2008
With Coleman Already On The Hook For Under-The-Table Apartment Deal, And Federal Investigation Reeling In Stevens And VECO Execs, New Franken Spot Set To Make A Splash
Campaign Urges Minnesotans To Throw Back Special Interest Senator
Ad Promises More Revelations To Come
Saint Paul [08/21/08] - The Al Franken for U.S. Senate campaign today released a new television ad, "Who Does Norm Work For? (Vol. 2)," the latest in a series of spots discussing the ethics problems of Senator Norm Coleman (R - Big Oil).
The new spot, running statewide, exposes connections between Coleman, indicted Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, and executives from the disgraced oil company VECO Corp. who have been convicted of bribing public officials and made improper gifts to Stevens.
Coleman is already under fire for his own improper-gift-related scandal, having recently admitted that he failed to pay utilities at the million-dollar townhouse where he lives, paying just $600/month (optional) to landlord and DC insider Jeff Larson.
Communications Director Andy Barr:
"Norm Coleman's already on the hook for his under-the-table 'arrangement' with DC insider Jeff Larson. Now we're finding out about his free luxury fishing trips with Big Oil executives - one of whom was convicted of bribery - paid for by indicted Senator Ted Stevens. The more you know about Norm Coleman's history with corrupt special interests, the worse it smells. It's time for Minnesotans to throw the Special Interest Senator back."
Coleman has refused to give back thousands of dollars from Stevens and the convicted VECO executives, claiming that he can't return money given during previous cycles. But Coleman has already given back money from previous cycles "after the books were closed," returning contributions made by clients of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
You can watch the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4RfT7J0_5Y.
SCRIPT: "Who Does Norm Work For? (Vol. 2)"
Al Franken: "I'm Al Franken and I approve this message."
Fish: "Over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota but where does Norm Coleman go fishing? Alaska! Indicted Alaska Senator Ted Stevens flew him up. And got big oil honchos to give thousands just to fish with Norm. Now, one of the oil guys Norm went fishing with has been convicted of bribery. And Norm refuses to return the money. Something smells fishy - and it ain't just me! Stay tuned for more."