NY-26: Wojtaszek Calls On Jon Powers To Return Tainted Rangel Cash
by Matt at Jul 18th, 2008
Today, Henry Wojtaszek, the Niagara County Republican Committee Chairman called on Jon Powers to return contributions from Congressman Charlie Rangel, who was recently revealed to have received sweetheart rent deals and accused of violating campaign finance laws. Rangel has donated $9,000 to Powers, and they are to appear a fundraiser together in August.
”Powers isn’t leading by example; he’s following the model of a typical politician. His ties to career politicians like Rangel, his illegal use of campaign funds, and his questionable acceptance of contributions from outside our district are indicative of the corruption and dishonesty of D.C. insiders,” said Niagara County Republican Committee Chairman, Henry Wojtaszek. “The voters of Western New York deserve a candidate who will bring real leadership and real change, not more of the same Washington politics. It’s time for Jon Powers to come clean, and give Western New Yorkers an answer about his fundraiser and contributions.”
Wojtaszek was also critical of Power’s fundraising and spending:
In addition to Powers’ questionable ties to Rangel, Powers recent fundraising report shows that nearly half of his reported contributions came from outside New York State. Powers filing shows large contributions from San Francisco, Massachusetts, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Additionally, Powers spent more than $15,000 on travel to places other than Western New York.
Wojtaszek said, “Powers has claimed to have a lot of ‘grassroots’ support from the district, but his contribution filings show otherwise. It’s another example of Powers’ hypocrisy by example. It’s been a week of silence since Powers was asked about his contributions from Rangel and his fundraiser with Rangel. It’s time for an answer and for Powers to give back the money and cancel his fundraiser.”
I’m not holding my breath on that one. While Jon Powers has said constantly that he would lead by example he never said that it would be a good example.
