Erwin calls on Wilson to cancel DeLay fundraiser

PRESS RELEASE
August 18, 2005


August 18, 2005
News Release - For Immediate Release
Contact: Lachlan McIntosh (803) 799-7798

Facing possible indictment at any time on numerous charges, Tom DeLay is still scheduled to be the special guest of US Congressman Joe Wilson tomorrow at a fundraising golf tournament in Hilton Head. Today, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Joe Erwin called on Wilson to cancel the fundraiser out of respect for his South Carolina constituents.

“South Carolinians value hard work and honesty. Tom DeLay doesn’t share those values and frankly, I'm disappointed to see Joe Wilson ignoring that for his own financial gain,” Erwin said. “Tom DeLay represents the big money, special interest corruption that is poisoning Washington, DC.”

Recently, DeLay fundraiser and close associate Jack Abramoff was indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud and corruption charges. DeLay describes Abramoff as one of his "closest and dearest friends." DeLay is currently being investigated in Texas for similar charges and is being investigated by the US House Ethics Committee. A recent Harris Poll revealed that only 28% of Americans have a positive view of DeLay, while 55% have a negative one.

Wilson told the Hilton Head Island Packet on Wednesday that: “I know Tom DeLay is a person of integrity. He has epitomized to me what a public official could be." Wilson has contributed $5,000 to DeLay’s legal defense fund.

“If Tom DeLay has really ‘epitomized what a public official could be’ for Joe Wilson, then South Carolina needs a new congressman from the second district. If Joe Wilson thinks it's more appropriate to go golfing with corrupt politicians rather than speaking up against them, I'd say he's already been in Washington too long,” Erwin said.

“Joe Wilson should think about the hard working people he represents who play by the rules and expect their elected officials to do the same. He needs to call this fundraiser off and start working for the people of South Carolina,” Erwin said.