03/03/10

In response to calls for him to return the campaign contributions from Congressman Charlie Rangel, Congressman Steve Kagen issued the following response: “I’m working hard to bring jobs back to Wisconsin and responsibility back to Washington, and if that means leadership in the House of Representatives must change – so be it.”

Congressman Kagen does not address the campaign contributions nor does he say if he believes Rangel should remain as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. In response to Kagen’s statement, State Representative Roger Roth, who previously called on Kagen to return donations from Rangel, issued the following statement:

“Congressman Kagen’s non-response to calls to return the $21,000 he’s received from scandal-plagued Congressman Charlie Rangel is exactly why people in Northeast Wisconsin are so frustrated with Kagen and all of Washington. People are hungry for straight talk and honest answers, and they are sick and tired of politics as usual. They are tired of politicians like Steve Kagen saying he’s working to reduce government spending the same time he votes to increase the national debt to a record high. They are tired of politicians like Steve Kagen saying he wants to reform Washington but voting for special-interest earmarks. They are tired of politicians like Steve Kagen who can’t even answer a simple question.”

“Elect me as your congressman and I can’t promise you’ll always agree with me, but I can promise you’ll know where I stand and my door will always be open.”

“Congressman Kagen should tell us if he plans on keeping Rangel’s contributions and he should tell us if he thinks Rangel should be permanently stripped of his chairmanship of the most powerful committee in Congress. A simple yes or no answer would suffice.”