NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday March 6, 2008

Democrats call on Shadegg to repay taxpayers for office

Republican Rep. John Shadegg just can’t seem to follow the rules.

According to Roll Call newspaper, Shadegg’s Congressional District office has been located outside his Congressional District for six years. (http://www.rollcall.com/issues/53_102/hoh/22359-1.html – Subscription Needed)

Congressional offices must be inside the district, according to the Members’ Handbook. Shadegg hasn’t said that he applied for an exemption from the rule, or that he was granted one. (“http://gop.cha.house.gov/services/memberhandbook.htm#85’:http://gop.cha.house.gov/services/memberhandbook.htm#85)

“John Shadegg clearly thinks he’s above the rules,”said Emily Bittner, spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Party. “He’s been very careless with taxpayer money, using an office that his staff knows doesn’t meet the rules. Taxpayers have carried this burden for far too long, and he needs to repay the U.S. Treasury. Not only that, he should find an office in the district.”

Shadegg will be held personally liable for the $250,000 in lease expenses for the office, according to the rules in the handbook and lease records. (link)

“This is a troubling pattern of behavior,” Bittner said. “He just had to return $10,000 in sketchy campaign contributions in January. He accepts money from a convicted campaign money launderer. And now we learn he’s been breaking this rule for six years. When will John Shadegg realize he has to follow the rules like the rest of us?”

News of the out-of-district congressional office comes on the heels of Shadegg’s flip-flopping and waffling on retirement. First he was out, then he wasn’t sure, then the Washington politicians and special interests talked him back in. (http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0212shadeggmain0212.html)

“The people of the Third deserve a representative who is excited to be their voice in Washington every single day – and a representative who will follow the rules,” Bittner said. “Shadegg fails the voters on both counts. John Shadegg is out of touch, outside the district, outside of the rules – and soon to be out of office.”