And it appears, I’m not alone. Fellow legislators call on her to clean up her act!
Legislators Call on Rep. Roys to End False Attacks
Madison, Wisc. – Today, State Representatives Terese Berceau and Andy Jorgensen called on candidate Kelda Helen Roys to end her false, negative attacks against colleague, fellow Democrat and competitor in the 2nd District race, State Rep. Mark Pocan.
“Once Representative Roys began to attack Mark’s integrity, we felt the need to stand up to these far-fetched attacks,” stated Rep Andy Jorgensen (D-Fort Atkinson).
Both Jorgensen and Berceau noted that Mark Pocan serves as a “tireless and effective advocate for corporate accountability” since he was elected in 1998.
“To try to tie Mark Pocan to Governor Walker or the Koch brothers is totally inaccurate and over the line,” said Jorgensen. “But more than that, it’s a distraction from the records of these candidates, and you need to be able to run on your record.”
Previously, Roys declined to sign the clean campaign pledge Pocan circulated amongst the Democratic candidates.
“It’s unfortunate that Rep. Roys declined to sign a clean campaign pledge and indeed has resorted to distortions and dishonest claims about her colleague, Mark Pocan in order to win,” stated Berceau (D-Madison). “Voters in this district recognize and abhor the Republican playbook of repeating a falsehood until people believe it’s true. It is not the Democratic way.”
Pocan led the enactment of a ban in the Assembly on fundraising that continues today – to end the influence of special interests during the budget process. He also helped pass a bill to publicly fund judicial elections and introduced the first bill mandating 100 percent public financing of elections.
“If Representative Roys cannot run on her own record and merit, she should not have gotten in this race,” said Berceau. “Choosing to distort her Democratic colleague’s record, and sully his reputation, after all his years in elected office, shows a lack of the integrity Rep. Roys claims to hold for herself.”
Pocan is currently at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference in Salt Lake City, joining a national coalition to expose ALEC’s plans for new corporate-sponsored legislation.
“Mark Pocan can truly talk about what he’s done to bring progressive values to the way we do business,” Berceau stated. “It’s time for Rep. Roys to do the same.”
Andy Jorgensen and Terese Berceau are genuinely nice people. But to watch you circle the wagons and stamp your feet like children is disappointing at the very least. Roys is calling out Pocan on the only things these two really differ on — integrity and backbone. Mark’s a nice guy, too. But I don’t need nice guys selling me out behind closed doors right now. I want someone I can count on. Grow up and get a spine.
I was also a bit disappointed that Roys went negative as well, but I’m also wondering why Pocan didn’t address the allegation head on? Has he been taking corporate PAC money? Is this common practice? Also, what was it about the clean campaign pledge that made Roys avoid signing it?
Facts on this Rove attack
2011 January Special Session AB 4: Expanded Business Development in Wisconsin Tax Credit – Expanded a tax credit program that gives tax credits to companies that can retain or add jobs that must be above minimum wage (150 percent of minimum wage). This expansion was valued at $25 million.
Some background
– In 2009, this program was created with a total value of $103.2 million – It was a Democratic initiative, it was voted for by 48-2 among the Democrats – Kelda Roys voted to create the tax credit program – According to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation it added 6,000 jobs and helped over 70 businesses by the time of the 2011 vote to expand it, which Mark voted for and Kelda voted against – The vote to expand the program was widely bipartisan, it was voted for 82-11 in the assembly, 25-13 among Democrats
I have no issue with negative when it is based on fact. What she is using and I find unappealing is “sassy”. It comes off as “I still think I am cute so I can be sassy” And her make up makes me sick it’s contrived, it is not to enhance and it’s what 20 somethings wear for show as they find themselves. I don’t like women who think being “sassy” is a reason to be taken seriously. I like committed to the issues.