When will Walden hold himself accountable?
Democratic Party of Oregon
232 NE 9th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
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www.oregondemocrats.org
For Immediate Release: Contact: Marc Siegel
Monday, January 12, 2009
When will Walden hold himself accountable?
Walden was responsible for protecting the NRCC’s finances, yet he allowed hundreds of thousands of dollars to be stolen right under his nose. What does it say about the NRCC’s talent pool when Walden is chosen to hold others accountable?
Portland – Republican U.S. Congressman Greg Walden must be joking.
Although the second district congressman served as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s auditing panel while the NRCC’s treasurer was stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars right under Walden’s nose, Walden now says he’s the right person to hold other elected officials accountable.
Walden made his declaration to Politico, right after his selection as second in command for the NRCC.
“He also hinted at a strategy the committee planned to embrace in the months to come.
‘Democrats own everything — the House, the Senate and the presidency,’ said Walden. ‘And so they’re going to be responsible for everything, and we’re going to hold them accountable.”
(Politico, 1-12-09)
“Congressman Walden may have lost the NRCC up to $1 million dollars, but he hasn’t lost his sense of humor,” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel said. “While serving as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee's auditing panel from 2003 to 2006, hundreds of thousands of dollars were stolen from the NRCC. During that whole time, Walden, the chair of the auditing panel, stood by as the NRCC’s coffers were illegally drained. But, soon into his successor’s tenure, the plot was found out and foiled. Before Walden boasts about holding his colleagues accountable, he needs to take responsibility for his failure of oversight.”
Walden’s fiscal negligence led to a media firestorm in 2008 when reports first surfaced of his lax oversight. Newspapers, statewide radio and blogs all reported on his feckless leadership – including a front page story in The Oregonian.
Despite his documented fiscal negligence, the NRCC must have had nobody else to promote to their number two slot.
“What does it say about the NRCC’s talent pool when the man who allowed hundreds of thousands of dollars to be stolen is their best choice to hold others accountable?” Siegel said. “So much for accountability and fiscal responsibility in the Republican Party.”
For a look back at Walden’s fiscal failure, click below:
Politicker OR’s Cartoon On Walden’s “Accountability”
Accounting Scandal Mars Walden's Gubernatorial Announcement
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232 NE 9th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
www.oregondemocrats.org