NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday January 24, 2008
Arizona Democrats call on Shadegg to remain 'above reproach'
Rep. John Shadegg is playing fast and loose with a vow to remain above reproach, and his promise to return $10,000 in campaign contributions is hollow, Democrats said today.
“John Shadegg is playing a shell game with his campaign finances,” said Emily Bittner, spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Party. “This is a pattern of behavior with the Congressman, and certainly not the first time he’s gotten in hot water for his shady fundraising.”
Shadegg has already had to return $7,000 from Jack Abramoff. (Arizona Republic 1/12/06) In addition, he’s raised nearly $24,000 from convicted campaign money launderer Thomas Stewart and organizations associated with Stewart. Even Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani has returned campaign contributions from Stewart and his wife. (For links to Stewart’s contributions, see below.)
In returning $10,000 his political action committee funneled to his campaign, Shadegg told the media on Wednesday that he wants “to remain above reproach in the handling of my campaign finances and to dispel even the potential appearance of improper conduct relating to these funds.” (Arizona Republic 1/24/08)
“If that’s his standard for himself, we suggest that he also return the $24,000 he’s received from Thomas Stewart, a convicted campaign money launderer,” Bittner said. “Shadegg is having trouble learning that he can’t raise dirty money. Maybe the third time will be the charm.”
In addition, Democrats called on Shadegg to return the $10,000 directly to his contributors, not to his PAC, to avoid all impropriety.
Democrats also reiterated their call for Shadegg to apologize to voters for returning the contributions only when they were brought to light by the Democratic Party, and to fire the individuals responsible for the shady accounting.
Background:
Information on contributions from the Stewart family and associated PAC: