Randy Demmer for Congress - Demmer for Congress Response to Quist Allegations

As many of you are aware, one of the other candidates in this Congressional campaign, Mr. Quist, has recently and falsely attacked me in a last-ditch effort to discredit my campaign. I cannot and will not let these trumped up and alarmist allegations by Mr. Quist go unanswered. From the day that I announced my intention to run for Congress, and in all of my campaigns for public office, I have sought to run positive and issues-based campaigns. There is no place in our First District Republican politics for these intentional attempts to mislead delegates regarding a candidate’s integrity and honesty. It is indeed sad that someone seeking office at this level would stoop to such tactics.

I have never attempted to disguise the loans I made to my campaign. It has been accurately disclosed in my reports since the money was lent in 2007 and 2008. The fact that I loaned money to my own campaign is not of itself noteworthy; for example, Brian Davis loaned himself nearly twice as much during the last campaign cycle. I, Brian, and other candidates that make such loans are doing so to make sure our campaigns have all the resources needed to be successful in November. Contributors, just as lenders to a business, are encouraged by and may even look for this personal commitment as they contemplate their own investment in the campaign.

Quarterly reports to the Federal Election Commission are regularly updated and changed through an amendment process that is used routinely and frequently by candidates and party organizations from both sides of the aisle. Since 2008 I understand that Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann has made 22 such amendments, and Congressman Walz has made 35. The idea that the Democrats could use this as part of a damaging negative campaign is farfetched and unrealistic.

I hope that this letter, along with my previous statement on this issue (available on my web site and on the FEC’s site) will clear up any uncertainties and expose Mr. Quist’s accusations for what they truly are: desperate attempts to gain your endorsement through misinformation and fear. Minnesotans deserve and expect much more from their elected leaders. If you have any questions regarding this or any other matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me. For my part, I will continue to run a positive, fact-based campaign with the openness and integrity that we would expect from our next Congressman.

Sincerely,

Randy Demmer