Walz: Checks and Balances

02/17/2008

Dear Friends,

February 14 was a sad day in the history of our country.

The United States House of Representatives took a significant and dramatic step toward holding the Bush Administration accountable. After two top White House aides illegally ignored subpoenas compelling them to disclose evidence in an official Congressional investigation, the United States House passed a resolution citing White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten with contempt of Congress.

In 2006, you sent me to Washington with an order to change the way Washington works. You sent me to Washington to demand accountability. You sent me to Washington to restore the checks and balances of our government.

In a move that baffled Republicans, Democrats and some of the top legal experts in the country, both Miers and Bolten refused to comply with the Congressional Subpoenas. Even worse, in a clear and blatant abuse of power, Miers and Bolten completely ignored them. Legal experts say it is unprecedented for an Executive Branch official to flatly refuse a Congressional subpoena. Miers and Bolten wouldn’t even show up and plead the Fifth Amendment.

No one is above the law. Not even those who work in this rogue White House.

The contempt of Congress citations we passed yesterday are exactly the type of accountability you and I demanded in 2006. This change frightens the National Republican Party. No longer will the Bush Administration get away with a blatant abuse of power.

They want to take back the First Congressional District and we are not going to let them.

Now, more than ever, I need your help to continue changing the way Washington works. Please consider making a contribution of any amount - from $5 to $2,300- to my campaign for re-election. History shows the toughest election is on the horizon and your support today will ensure we are ready.

Today, the United States House of Representatives stood with the people of the United States and upheld our nation’s laws and constitution. Now, I must ask you to once again stand with me and ready our campaign for a tough re-election fight.

Laws matter. Your donation today is a clear signal to Republicans that the American public will stand with those in the Democratic Party who respect the law and are willing to hold this administration accountable.


Sincerely,
Congressman Tim Walz