The following was received from the Otten Campaign late this afternoon. We welcome any comments or questions you may have after reading the statement.
There’s been some discussion lately about my past contributions to political candidates and I want to make sure everyone has all the facts.
By any measure, I’ve been the most generous of any of the declared Republican candidates for Governor in terms of working to raise money and financially supporting Republicans.
In the past 15 years alone I have donated over $50,000 to the Maine Republican Party and its candidates. I served on Governor Jock McKernan’s finance team - at the core of the group, along with Steve Dunlap, Bud Cianchette and Ken Burrill, that helped Governor McKernan gain Republican control of the State Senate.
I also hosted a fundraiser for President George W. Bush in the 2000 Presidential election at Sugarbush that brought in close to $100,000.
I’ve been in business in Maine for 37 years and you cannot create jobs in the business world - the real world - by being completely partisan.
Businessmen often contribute to different political campaigns to get the attention of all legislators because important legislation affecting our companies and our employees is created in a bipartisan manner.
As Governor, I will bring real world experience to reform Augusta. My priorities will be to create jobs, reform our tax system and reduce wasteful spending. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.
Authorized and paid for by Les Otten for Governor, P.O. Box 801, Bethel, ME 04217 Bruce Chalmers, Treasurer
I am so tired of hearing the term "create jobs" coming from the mouths of politicians. That is a discussion for another time though. On the topic of his donations. He definitely made it worse.
So, does "getting legislators attention" mean LOBBY? I think that's what it means, but I would welcome a direct answer from Mr. Otten himself. There is NOTHING he can say or do that would make up for donating to Rep. Pingree, short of changing his party affiliation to Democrat.
I am wondering who is advising him about what he responds to. He might want to think about finding someone else. He should have just let this one blow over. Lose-lose if you ask me.
Thank you Les for responding to the Blog'n that seems to go in all directions on this site. Your reply is helpful in understanding the contribution process which many blogers here don't understand. I have not made up my mind who I will vote for in the primary. It is many many months away. This contribution blog'n and your reply and esspecially this site will not sway me in any direction.
Thanks again Les.
I agree with the common consensus that in trying to explain it, he only made it worse. Now he sounds like a panderer and a guy who is willing to line the pockets of the opposition to get his way.
Very revealing!
I have to say, mr. Otten would have been better off leaving this be instead of trying to explain it. What I read from this is "Oooh look I gave to the Republicans too!!!"
If his contention is that we need pay politicians to work to create jobs well then is that not an indictment of the system?
I thank him for his "Real World" business lesson, I was completely unaware that the payoff system is acceptable now.
I'm sorry fellas, not up to par this evening... Les Otten will not get my vote nor a supporting voice from me. The whole deals smells of rotten fish and as my nose is rather delicate I like it not.
I can certainly understand and agree with the statement that one cannot be "completely partisan". That said, the only things I can take from this explanation are:
1. His statement that is is the most generous of declared candidates and the amount he has donated is impressive. But the rest of the press release calls into question the motive.
2. Contributing to "different political campaigns to get the attention of all legislators" sounds suspect at best. Is the best way to get the attention of legislators to give them money? Isn't that exactly what so many people are against in political campaigns? Giving someone money so they do your will means you either hire them or bribe them.
I'm sorry, to me the explanation is worse than the check...