Press Releases

10/2/2008 MUSGRAVE TAKES WALL STREET MONEY, VOTES AGAINST FINANCIAL REFORM
9/24/2008 MUSGRAVE VOTED AGAINST INCREASED REGULATION OF FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC IN 2005
9/10/2008  MARKEY RELEASES NEW TV AD
8/21/2008  MARKEY RELEASES FIRST TV AD
8/18/2008  MARKEY AND SALAZAR TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING ON ENERGY
8/18/2008  MARKEY STANDS UP FOR COLORADO'S WATER
7/30/2008  MARKEY RAISES $110k FOR MONTH OF JULY
7/29/2008   LATEST ROTHENBERG POLITICAL REPORT FAVORS MARKEY IN CO-04
7/16/2008 - MARKEY OUTRAISES MUSGRAVE BY $110,000
7/15/2008 - MARKEY REACHES $1 MILLION RAISED
5/21/2008 - MARKEY LEADS MARILYN MUSGRAVE 43% TO 36%
5/15/2008 - MARKEY TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING IN FORT COLLINS TO HEARD RESIDENTS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMY
5/02/2008 - MARKEY HOLDING GREELEY TOWN HALL MEETING TO HEAR RESIDENTS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMY
4/29/2008 - MARKEY RELEASES ECONOMIC PLAN TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS AND THE MIDDLE CLASS PROSPER
4/24/2008 - MUSGRAVE VOTES TO SLASH FEDERAL MEDICAID FUNDING TO COLORADO
4/17/2008 -  MUSGRAVE SAYS ONE THING ... DOES ANOTHER ON EARMARKS
4/15/2008 - MARKEY BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORDS;
3/18/2008 -  MUSGRAVE COMES CLEAN ABOUT CAMPAIGN'S FINANCIAL SITUATION
3/07/2008 - MUSGRAVE CAMPAIGN ACCUSES MARKEY OF NOT USING ENOUGH EARLY NEGATIVE ATTACKS
2/13/2008 - MARKEY OPENING HEADQUARTERS IN FORT COLLINS
1/28/2008 - MARKEY RESPONDS TO THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
1/16/2008 - MARKEY SETS RECORD FOR 4TH CD FUNDRAISING
12/20/2007 - MARKEY TO MEET WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO DISCUSS THE FARM BILL
12/10/2007 - GOVERNOR RITTER BACKS MARKEY FOR CONGRESS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Tuesday October 2, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

MUSGRAVE TAKES WALL STREET MONEY, VOTES AGAINST FINANCIAL REFORM
Former GOP Congressman Slams Members Who Opposed 2005 Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Records show that in the days and weeks leading up to and immediately following a critical 2005 vote on a bill aimed to help regulate failed home mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Marilyn Musgrave took thousands of dollars from Wall Street interests and went on to oppose the legislation.

The 2005 Federal Housing Finance Reform Act was highlighted by former Republican Financial Services Committee Chairman Michael Oxley in a recent interview with the Financial Times.  Records show that Musgrave took $44,500 from Wall Street interests in the 10 months leading up to the bill’s consideration, and then pocketed $8,500 in campaign cash in the two months that followed her no vote.  Musgrave has taken more than $100,000 from Wall Street firms and banks during her time in Congress.

Oxley told the Financial Times on September 9, 2008 that the 2005 bill could have prevented the current crisis and that lack of support from ideologues in Congress and in the White House prevented passage.  “We missed a golden opportunity that would have avoided a lot of the problems we’re facing now…,” Oxley noted in discussing the vote.

Musgrave was one of only 90 members of the House, and one of only 15 Republicans, to oppose the bill. 

“Marilyn Musgrave was one of just a few members of the House to vote against passage of critical legislation that would have brought more oversight to the financial industry,” said Betsy Markey Communications Director, Ben Marter.  “The fact that she stood in the minority to vote against this bill and then took almost $10,000 in campaign contributions from the financial services industry in the days immediately following that vote is something she needs to answer to her constituents about in light of the recent financial crisis.”

Supporting documents including spreadsheets with details about donations will be emailed upon request. Please email your request to  Documentation@Markeyforcongress.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Wednesday September 24, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

MUSGRAVE VOTED AGAINST INCREASED REGULATION OF FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC IN 2005

Congresswoman Was One of Only Fifteen House Republicans to Oppose Bill

WASHINGTON—Marilyn Musgrave was one of only fifteen House Republicans, and only ninety members overall, to oppose a 2005 bill that would have increased the oversight of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).  

The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005 (HR 1461) passed the House of Representatives on October 26, 2005 on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 331 to 90.

The bill specifically would have created an independent regulator to oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with authority to “ensure that regulated entities operate in a safe and sound manner.”  Additionally, it says the regulator can require “reports of fraudulent financial transactions.”

Congressional candidate Betsy Markey said, “I would have voted with the 209 Republicans and the 122 Democrats in 2005, 3 years before the current financial crisis was upon the American taxpayer, to create an independent regulator to provide new, more robust oversight for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.  One really has to wonder why Marilyn Musgrave would have been one of only 15 Republicans to oppose a bill that specifically states that it would work to ensure that these entities ‘operate in a safe and sound manner.’”

Since 2002, Musgrave has received over $300,000 in campaign contributions from the financial services industry. [politicalmoneyline.com, Center for Responsive Politics]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Wednesday September 10, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

BETSY MARKEY RELEASES NEW AD

FORT COLLINS—Today Betsy Markey, a small business owner and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, announced the release of her second 30-second TV ad.

The ad highlights the values of fiscal responsibility instilled in her when she was growing up, and her experience turning a small business into one of America’s fastest growing companies.

The 30-second spot also talks about Markey’s economic plan to cut government spending and restore fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C.

The ad will begin its run on network television tomorrow.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Thursday, August 21, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

BETSY MARKEY RELEASES FIRST TV AD

FORT COLLINS— Today Betsy Markey, a small business owner and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, announced the release of her first television ad.

The ad highlights her background turning a small business into one of America’s fastest growing companies, traveling all over Northern and Eastern Colorado for Sen. Ken Salazar, helping small businesses cut through red tape, and working with senior citizens and military veterans to get the benefits they deserve.

The 30-second spot also notes Markey’s economic plan to cut government spending and restore fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C.

“I’m really excited about this first ad,” said Markey. “It’s important for voters in the district to know about my experience both as a small business owner as well as helping Coloradans cut through the Washington bureaucracy to get things done.”

For more information on Betsy’s economic plan, visit www.markeyforcongress.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Monday, August 18, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

BETSY MARKEY & SEN. KEN SALAZAR TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING ON ENERGY
 
WINDSOR—On Wednesday, August 20th, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-Colo) will join Betsy Markey, a small business owner and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, at a town hall meeting focusing on energy issues in Colorado.

WHAT	Town Hall Meeting on Energy
WHERE	Windsor Community Recreation Center 250 11th St Windsor, CO 80550
WHEN	Wednesday, August 20th from 2:30pm to 3:30pm
WHO	Sen. Ken Salazar Betsy Markey

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Monday, August 18, 2008
CONTACT BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

MARKEY STANDS UP FOR COLORADO’S WATER
 
Responds to Arizona Senator’s Call to Renegotiate
Western Water Compact
 
FORT COLLINS—Today Betsy Markey, a small business owner and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, released the following statement:  

“I strongly disagree with the comments made by Senator McCain to the Pueblo Chieftain on August 15th,” said Markey. “At a time when farmers and ranchers in Eastern Colorado are suffering drought conditions, the thought of opening up our water compact so that other states can try to drain more water out of Colorado is completely unacceptable.”

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      Thursday, July 31, 2008   
CONTACT  BEN MARTER  
303-718-9864

MARKEY RAISES $110k FOR MONTH OF JULY

Campaign Reports $87k Raised for 3 Week Pre-primary Filing Period

FORT COLLINS—Today Betsy Markey, a small business owner and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, reported that she had raised $87,992 for the three week pre-primary fundraising period from July 1st through July 23rd.

Markey announced that for the month of July more than $110,000 had been raised.

“Betsy’s strong fundraising is a direct result of her growing support among the voters here,” said Markey campaign manager Anne Caprara. “Our momentum continues to build as more and more citizens of the 4th Congressional District signal their desire for a new voice in Washington.”

Fundraising Facts:

Total raised for pre-primary period: $87,992.71
Number of contributions: 615
Average contribution: $143

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Tuesday, July 29, 2008  
CONTACT:   BEN MARTER
303-718-9864

LATEST ROTHENBERG POLITICAL REPORT FAVORS MARKEY IN CO-04

District a ‘Toss Up,’ now favoring the Democrat

FORT COLLINS—The Rothenberg Political Report, an independent non-partisan publication that analyzes American politics and elections, yesterday reported that although Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District is still a statistical ‘toss up,’ it has now shifted in favor of Democrats.

This is a change from a July 4th report that rated Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District a ‘toss up’ that ‘tilts Republican.’ Rothenberg Political Report writer Nathan Gonzales notes that, “Since her election in 2002, the Colorado congresswoman has seen a continuous downward slide in her reelection percentages.”

“The more data and analyses we see about Marilyn Musgrave’s performance, the clearer it becomes that the people of the 4th district are ready for a new voice in Congress,” said Markey spokesman Ben Marter. “These numbers tell us that Betsy Markey’s focus on pocketbook issues is really resonating with voters in this district.”

For the complete 2008 House Ratings from The Rothenberg Political Report, go to: http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/07/2008-house-ratings_29.html

For analysis from the Rothenberg Political Report, go to:
http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/07/2008-house-ratings_29.html

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 Press Release         Contact: Anne Caprara 
July 16, 2008                   970-397-3837

MARKEY OUTRAISES MUSGRAVE BY $110,000
Financial Reports Show Markey Outpaces Musgrave in Colorado Support

Fort Collins, CO - Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, raised $389,566 for the second quarter of 2008 and reported $580,059 cash on hand – breaking all previous fundraising records for Democrats running in this district.  As of July 15, Markey had crossed the $1 million raised mark.

Republican Marilyn Musgrave reported raising $279,629 for the 2nd quarter, meaning Markey outraised her opponent by just shy of $110,000.  Additionally, a close look at the numbers yields an important difference in support coming from Colorado.  Marilyn Musgrave reported 309 itemized donors from Colorado (donors who gave more than $200) and 336 itemized donors outside Colorado.  Betsy Markey reported 408 itemized Colorado donors and 71 donors outside Colorado.

Of the 15 Democratic challengers across the country who outraised their Republican incumbent opponents for the second quarter of 2008, Markey’s $110,000 margin over Musgrave is the fourth highest.  Additionally, the cash on hand difference between Markey and Musgrave is the lowest it has ever been for any of Musgrave’s Democratic challengers at this point in the election cycle.

“Financial reports are just a small snapshot of a congressional race,” noted Markey campaign manager, Anne Caprara.  “We fully expect to be outspent going into the homestretch.  But we take enormous pride in the number of small dollar donations we received and the increase in support we saw across the 4th district.  It is the people who are giving $5 and $25 contributions that are the key to electoral success here.”

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 Press Release                                 Contact: Anne Caprara    
July 15, 2008                                              970-397-3837

MARKEY REACHES $1 MILLION RAISED
Reports Nearly $600,000 Cash on Hand

Fort Collins, CO - Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, raised $389,566 for the second quarter of 2008 and will report $580,059 cash on hand – breaking all previous fundraising records for Democrats running in this district.  As of July 15, Markey had crossed the $1 million raised mark.

The previous record for Democratic fundraising in the 4th congressional district was set in July 2006 by Angie Paccione, who raised $301,652 for the second quarter of 2006 and reported $382,103 cash on hand at the end of June 2006.  Paccione had raised $700,236 overall for the cycle at the end of the second quarter of 2006.

Furthermore, Markey’s support came from donors of all income groups, every county in the district and all political persuasions.  Of the over 2000 people who donated to the Markey campaign in the second quarter, 779 donors gave $25 or less – and 100 of them gave $5 or less.  Markey received donations from citizens of all 18 counties in the district.  

“I’ve been honored by the outpouring of support for the campaign over the last three months,” said Markey.  “This unprecedented level of financial support for my campaign indicates that our message of positive change is really resonating with voters in the district.  I am particularly touched that nearly 800 people gave $25 or less for this quarter alone.”

The Markey campaign added 1,234 new donors this quarter, with 3,377 donors overall for the cycle.  Of the contributions given this quarter, 79% of them were from in state and the average contribution was around $60.  

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For Immediate Release:                         Contact:     Anne Caprara   
May 21, 2008                                                970-397-3837

MARKEY LEADS MARILYN MUSGRAVE 43%  to 36%
Fort Collins, CO – In a recent poll conducted for the campaign of Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, Markey is leading Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave in the initial head to head matchup 43% to 36%. 

The poll was conducted by Bennett, Petts & Normington, a respected national polling firm, with a sample size of 400 likely voters in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District.  A polling memo outlining the results is attached to this press release.

“What this poll tells us is that Betsy’s message of middle class economic relief, and specifically her plan for the economy, is really resonating with voters,” said Markey campaign manager, Anne Caprara.  “People in this district are ready to elect someone who pays attention to their concerns and pursues an agenda of fiscal responsibility, investment in renewable energy and real healthcare reform.  And it is clear from this poll that Betsy is the candidate they believe will do those things.”

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MEDIA ADVISORY                             Contact: Anne Caprara   
May 15, 2008                                            970-397-3837

MARKEY TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING IN FORT COLLINS TO HEARD RESIDENTS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMY
Fort Collins, CO – Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, is holding a town hall meeting in Fort Collins this Wednesday, May 21, 2008 to hear from residents about their concerns regarding the economy and to discuss the release of her new economic plan. 

This is Markey’s second town hall meeting on the economy this month.  She held a town hall meeting last week in Greeley to meet with Weld County residents.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the cafeteria at Boltz Junior High, 720 Boltz Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. 

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MEDIA ADVISORY                             Contact: Anne Caprara   
May 2, 2008                                            970-397-3837

MARKEY HOLDING GREELEY TOWN HALL MEETING TO HEAR RESIDENTS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMY
Greeley, CO –Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, is holding a town hall meeting in Greeley this Wednesday, May 7, 2008 to hear from residents about their concerns regarding the economy and to discuss the release of her new economic plan.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the cafeteria at Health Middle School, 2223 16th Street, Greeley. 

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
April 29, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MARKEY RELEASES ECONOMIC PLAN TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS AND THE MIDDLE CLASS PROSPER

Fort Collins, CO – On a conference call with reporters today, Betsy Markey, Democratic candidate for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, released an economic plan that focuses on concrete ways to cut government waste and to work to provide assistance to the country’s middle class.

The Markey economic plan, entitled “Finding a Middle Road”, focuses on several key ways to reduce government spending, provide immediate relief to taxpayers during the current economic crisis, restore middle class wealth in America, encourage investment in business, and take definitive steps to stay in touch with the district after she is elected.

“As a small business owner and as a mother, I am worried that nothing is being done in Washington to secure our economic future and make sure our children are not going to inherit a government mired in debt,” said Markey.  “This plan is the beginning of the conversation I intend to have with the residents of the fourth district about what we can do together to clean up the mess in Washington, DC.”

The Markey economic plan proposes ways to make college more affordable by extending current tax law to create tuition credit for college costs up to $10,000, looks to help alleviate the current mortgage crisis by providing incentives to homeowners to switch from variable rate to fixed rate mortgages, and proposes ten concrete steps to cut current government waste.

The plan can be read online at http://www.markeyforcongress.com/drupal/plan.  Additionally, any district resident can have the plan mailed to them by calling headquarters at 970-221-1473 and requesting a copy.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
April 24, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MUSGRAVE VOTES TO SLASH FEDERAL MEDICAID FUNDING TO COLORADO
Vote is the latest example of Musgrave saying Yes to President Bush …
and No to Colorado

Fort Collins, CO – Despite her recent claims of bipartisanship, Marilyn Musgrave voted yesterday with the President and just a sliver of Congressional Republicans to strip needed Medicaid funds from the state of Colorado and the rest of the country.  All 50 of the nation’s governors – Republicans and Democrats – as well as state Medicaid directors and 349 members of the U.S. House of Representatives supported the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 (HR 5613), which prevents the federal government from shirking its responsibility to contribute to Medicaid funding and instead pass those costs on to the states.

The Bush Administration’s plan, which was agreed to by only 62 Members of Congress, including Musgrave, would have cost the state of Colorado a whopping $787 million in critical health funding over five years. The bill even includes two offsets to ensure that its cost of $1.65 billion is fully paid for, including extending an electronic asset verification demonstration for Medicaid applicants and beneficiaries.
Betsy Markey, Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 4th district, said today that she would have voted differently.

“The more she claims to have changed, the more Marilyn Musgrave remains the same,” Markey said today.  “Slashing federal funds for Medicaid would not only have a devastating effect on many crucial public health programs, but would also put the state of Colorado in serious financial straits.  It is unconscionable that in these tough economic times anyone would try to shift the burden of funding a federal program like Medicaid to the state of Colorado.”
Tim Pawlenty, the Republican Governor of Minnesota and the chairman of the National Governors Association, pleaded with lawmakers to stop the President and his supporters in Congress from walking away from their federal responsibility to fund Medicaid.  Voting to put a moratorium on the President’s proposal is "critical to avert significant disruptions in coverage for vulnerable populations," he wrote earlier this month.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
April 17, 2008                                    970-397-3837

Musgrave Says One Thing…Does Another on Earmarks

Fort Collins, CO – In what appears to be a pattern for Marilyn Musgrave, the 3-term incumbent is once again displaying her tendency to say one thing to voters and do another thing in Washington, DC.  This time around, Musgrave’s congressional office is touting a conference call with reporters today with Congressman Udall to “take a bipartisan stand against earmarks.”

The problem is that Musgrave already had an opportunity to take a bipartisan stand against earmarks – and she voted “no.”  In January of 2007, Musgrave voted against HRS 6 – a House resolution to pass pay-as-you-go rules and earmark reform.  Specifically, the bill required offsets to any new entitlement spending or tax cuts.  It also required a legislator asking for an earmark to submit a written statement detailing the recipient of the earmark, its purpose, and certifying that the member or their spouse has no financial interest in the earmark.  Additionally, it prohibited any member from tying inclusion of an earmark to a member’s vote on other legislation.

The House voted 280 to 152 to approve HRS 6.  It drew the support of 48 Republicans – but Musgrave voted nay.  It seems that Marilyn Musgrave is only willing to lend bipartisan support to earmark reform with her rhetoric – not with her vote.

Additionally, just two short months ago, Musgrave was openly lobbying for a position on the influential House Appropriations Committee.  Her chief of staff, Guy Short, went so far as to tell the Coloradoan in an article dated February 13, 2008 that Musgrave was fighting for a position on the committee, not as a way of shoring up her re-election efforts but because she "would be in a better position to fight for Colorado and the 4th Congressional District on priorities in spending federal tax dollars."

It was only after she lost her fight to gain a seat on the Appropriations Committee that Musgrave announced a pledge to forgo requesting earmarks in the coming year.

“You can’t have it both ways,” noted Markey campaign manager Anne Caprara.  “Marilyn Musgrave had an opportunity to vote for earmark reform – to cross the political divide between Democrats and Republicans and actually support legislation that brought transparency and accountability to the process.  After so many years of voting with a Republican Congress who did nothing to bring sound fiscal discipline to Washington - a Congress that mortgaged away money that could have been used to help fix our healthcare crisis and provide relief to the middle class – Marilyn Musgrave can’t hide her record behind rhetoric and press stunts.”

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
April 15, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MARKEY BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORDS;
SURPASSES ALL PREVIOUS
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES IN 4th DISTRICT

Fort Collins, CO – Larimer County businesswoman and candidate for Congress Betsy Markey announced today that she has raised a total of $595,000 for the 2008 cycle – including more than $226,000 in the first three months of 2008 alone.  Markey had over $376,000 cash on hand at the end of March. 

To put the numbers in perspective, Markey has over $140,000 more cash on hand than any other past Democratic challenger for the seat at this point in the cycle.  Of the 22 Democratic challengers who beat Republican incumbents in 2006, Betsy Markey’s cash on hand is better than 60% of them.

Markey’s continued strong fundraising, combined with Marilyn Musgrave’s failure to match her 2006 fundraising totals and her admission that she will receive little to no financial support from the national Republican Party makes Markey the best-positioned challenger Musgrave has ever faced.

Markey’s fundraising has improved with each successive quarter.  In the first quarter of 2008 the campaign matched the fundraising of 3-term incumbent Marilyn Musgrave in the fourth quarter of 2007. In addition, Markey’s grassroots support has continued to grow, with close to 84% of Markey’s contributions coming from individuals and 82% from Coloradoans.   

“I am so proud of the groundswell of support we have received from this community,” said Markey.  “Just recently, our 550th volunteer signed on to work with the campaign, and our small donor base continues to grow with each successive quarter.  People in the 4th District are hungry for real change, and they know that’s what this campaign is about.”

“One would expect an incumbent like Marilyn Musgrave, who receives a large percentage of her money from political action committees that represent industries like oil and gas, to be far outpacing her opponent in fundraising,” said Markey campaign manager Anne Caprara.  “But looking at these numbers, several things become clear: we have more money going into an election year than any previous Democratic challenger, Musgrave’s cash on hand advantage is the lowest it has ever been against any Democratic opponent, and all the momentum in this race is on Betsy Markey’s side.”

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
March 18, 2008                                    970-397-3837

Musgrave Comes Clean About Campaign’s Financial Situation:
Admits she can expect “little or no help” from GOP

Fort Collins, CO – In a fundraising letter to supporters dated March 12, 2008, Marilyn Musgrave wrote:

“Top Republican officials in Washington have told me to expect little or no help from the party this year.  The National Republican Campaign Committee is falling further behind the Democrats every month.  And with the most expensive Presidential campaign in history looming, the Republican Party is just too tapped out to spend money on the “smaller races” like ours.”

The letter goes on to state: “But my last fundraising report showed less money raised than years past….”

The full letter accompanies this press release.

Musgrave’s statements in the March 12 letter are in direct contradiction to statements made on the record by her campaign.  In a February 19, 2008, article in the Coloradoan, Musgrave campaign manager Jason Thielman was quoted saying he was “confident that the NRCC [National Republican Campaign Committee] will come through.”  Furthermore, in a March 11 article in the Loveland Connection, Thielman told reporter Doug Crawl that NRCC funding is a “nonissue” and that there were “absolutely no concerns on our part.”

Musgrave’s assertion that she will be receiving no help from the NRCC in the coming election is critical as she received over $1.8 million in assistance from the committee in the 2006 election compared to the only $348,000 in assistance that Democrat Angie Paccione received from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.  Over $1.7 million of the NRCC’s money was spent attacking Paccione while over $70,000 was spent by the NRCC promoting Musgrave.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
March 7, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MUSGRAVE CAMPAIGN ACCUSES MARKEY OF NOT USING ENOUGH EARLY NEGATIVE ATTACKS

In Shocking Campaign Twist, Incumbent Begs for More Mudslinging

Fort Collins, CO – In an unusual twist to election year politics in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, a spokesman for Marilyn Musgrave’s campaign accused Democratic candidate Betsy Markey’s campaign of not going negative enough early in the race.

In an article written by Loveland Connection reporter Doug Crowl, Musgrave campaign manager Jason Thielman seemed to indicate that Markey’s preference for building her campaign and speaking to people in her district over releasing a barrage of weekly negative attacks early in the cycle was a sign of weakness.

“It is really sad that we have reached a point in our politics where maintaining a respectful tone and actually opting to spend time talking to voters rather than crafting weekly negative attacks in January and February is seen as a sign of weakness,” remarked Markey campaign manager, Anne Caprara.  “I know this comes as a surprise, given the kind of nasty campaigns the Congresswoman has run in the past in this district, but we just thought we would kick this whole thing off on a note of civility and respect.”

In the article, Thielman appeared to dismiss the notion that voters have been turned off by the increasingly negative tactics of recent political campaigns and are asking candidates to focus on real issues.

“I’m sorry the Musgrave campaign is disappointed with the tone of our campaign,” Caprara noted.  “But the truth is that the really serious issues our country is facing – rising gas prices, mortgage foreclosures, a struggling job market – need to be dealt with in a serious manner.  Not with tired campaign tactics and rapidly escalating rhetoric that does nothing to address the things voters care about.”

Ironically, Betsy Markey has raised more money at this point in the cycle than any of her Democratic predecessors while Congresswoman Musgrave enters the 2008 cycle with the lowest winning percentage of any incumbent in the country in 2006 and significantly reduced success in her fundraising compared with previous cycles. 

MEDIA ADVISORY                             Contact: Anne Caprara   
February 13, 2008                                    970-397-3837

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
February 13, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MARKEY OPENING HEADQUARTERS IN FORT COLLINS
Campaign Holding Opening Party and Canned Food Drive

Fort Collins, CO - Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, is opening her new campaign headquarters in Fort Collins on Canyon Avenue across from the Lincoln Center. 

Markey is inviting citizens, supporters and the press to join her in celebrating the opening on February 20, 2008 at 6PM at a party at the new offices.  In conjunction with the opening party, Markey is asking supporters to bring a can of food for the Larimer County Food Bank.

The new Markey campaign headquarters is located at:

419 Canyon Avenue
Suite 315
Fort Collins, CO  80521
Markey is asking supporters to bring peanut butter, canned dinners, canned tomato products, cereal or canned fruit for donation to the Larimer County Food Bank.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
January 28, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MARKEY RESPONDS TO THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Fort Collins, CO – Betsy Markey, Democratic candidate for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, released the following response to the President’s State of the Union address:

“While I was encouraged to hear the President speak about reforming the appropriations process to cut back on wasteful spending and pork-laden earmarks, I wonder where he has been on this issue for the past eight years.  President Bush and Republicans in Congress have driven up the deficit and plunged this nation into debt at an unprecedented level by ignoring the basic principles of pay as you go budgeting and spending.  Actions do speak louder than words…even when those words are uttered at the State of the Union.

“Regarding the proposed economic stimulus package, regardless of the legislative outcome, it was good to see Democrats and Republicans working together to get something done for the American people.  Too often it has appeared that the purpose of any legislative action is to score political points in upcoming Elections, rather than find common ground.

“I think we need to embrace the life saving potential of embryonic stem cell research.  It disturbs me that the President continues to advance a narrow political ideology over the will of the American people in trying to cure afflictions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

“I am running for office because these are the issues that concern me…bringing sound fiscal policy back to Washington DC and changing the tone in the Capitol.  We need to focus on real homeland security, bringing quality healthcare to all Americans and insuring that our legislative policies are focused on protecting the middle class.  And we need a representative from Colorado’s 4th Congressional district who will be committed to working towards those goals in a bipartisan manner.”

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
January 16, 2008                                    970-397-3837

MARKEY SETS RECORD FOR 4TH CD FUNDRAISING;
ENTERS 2008 WITH STRONG MOMENTUM BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN

Fort Collins, CO – Larimer County Businesswoman and candidate for Congress Betsy Markey announced that she had raised a total of $367,339 for the 2008 cycle and $191,009 for the fourth quarter of 2007 alone.  Markey had $255,613 cash on hand at the end of 2007. 

This represents the highest amount of money raised and the most cash on hand of any of Republican Marilyn Musgrave’s previous Democratic challengers – making Markey the best funded challenger Musgrave has ever faced at this point in the Election cycle.

The growing grassroots support for the Markey campaign was evident in the numbers.  Close to 91% of Markey’s donors were individuals and 92% of Markey’s contributions came from in-state.  Of the 794 individual donors who contributed to the campaign, 635 or 80% of individual donors contributed $200 or less. 

“The support that emerged for my campaign over the last three months of 2007 was simply overwhelming,” said Markey.  “The enthusiasm for my candidacy, coupled with the excitement that has emerged amongst voters for the 2008 election cycle, enabled us to have our most successful fundraising quarter of the cycle.  And I have every confidence that the momentum will continue to build.”

Markey was able to consolidate support for her campaign in the 4th quarter.  Her report reflects a $500 donation from 2006 third party candidate Eric Eidsness. 

“We know that we are going to face a well funded Republican incumbent in Marilyn Musgrave,” remarked Markey campaign manager, Anne Caprara.  “What is really encouraging is that we are on pace to bring the most resources to bear - in terms of money, endorsements, and voter support – than anyone she has ever faced in the past.”

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MEDIA ADVISORY                         Contact: Anne Caprara   
December 20, 2007                                 970-397-3837

MARKEY TO MEET WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO DISCUSS THE FARM BILL
Fort Morgan and Yuma meetings planned for Friday
Fort Collins, CO – Betsy Markey, a small business owner and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District, will meet with local farmers and ranchers in Fort Morgan and Yuma tomorrow to discuss the Farm Bill and other issues important to them.  Press is welcome to attend.   

Fort Morgan Meeting 
Location: Strohs Inn, 901 W. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan
Time:  9:00 am to 10:30am

Yuma Meeting   
Location: Main Event Grill, 420 W. 8th Ave., Yuma
Time:  Noon to 1:30pm

Betsy Markey is an accomplished businesswoman and community servant.  She has founded two successful small business, and served as an official in the U.S. State Department. Markey has been deeply envolved in her community for years, serving as President of the Larimer County Food Bank and successfully raising over 1 million dollars to expand operations there.  She also founded the Northern Colorado Democratic Business Coalition to encourage small business owners to voice their opinions. 
Markey has been endorsed by Governor John Ritter, Senator Ken Salazar, Rep. Diana DeGette, Rep. Mark Udall, Rep. John Salazar, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, State Senator Bob Bacon, Stan Matsunaka and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact:     Anne Caprara
December 10, 2007                                970-397-3837

GOVERNOR RITTER BACKS MARKEY FOR CONGRESS
Ritter: “Betsy Markey has the common sense and the character to be a voice of reason in Washington”
Fort Collins, CO – Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. today threw his support behind Betsy Markey, a Larimer County businesswoman and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District.

“Betsy Markey has the common sense and the character to be a voice of reason in Washington,” Governor Ritter said.  “As a small-business owner and public servant, Betsy has shown that she has the pragmatism and independence to get the job done. She has her priorities straight, and will bring Colorado common sense back to Washington. Betsy Markey is the right person for the job.

“I am honored to have the Governor’s support in my campaign to bring independent leadership back to the Fourth District,” said Markey. “We need a Representative who understands how much is at stake for the hard-working families, farmers and ranchers of this district, and will do more than represent a narrow ideology in Congress. It’s time for a fresh perspective. It’s time to elect someone who will work through the gridlock to get things done – like a responsible transition out of Iraq, restoring fiscal accountability to government, lowering the cost of health care, and making our nation less dependent on foreign oil. I very much appreciate the Governor’s support and look forward to working with him on our shared priorities.”

“I know that Betsy will be a strong voice for Colorado families and businesses,” Ritter continued. “She understands this district, its people and its priorities, and will work tirelessly to ensure the federal government pays attention to them. Betsy Markey will be a Member of Congress we can all be proud of.”

Markey’s broad spectrum of supporters includes United States Senator Ken Salazar, United States Representatives Diana DeGette, Mark Udall, John Salazar and Ed Perlmutter, State Senator Bob Bacon, State Representative John Kefalas, former State Senators Peggy Reeves and Stan Matsunaka, and local community leaders. 

Markey is an accomplished businesswoman, having founded a successful high-tech business and a local retail shop. She most recently served as the Northern Colorado Regional Director for Senator Ken Salazar and was previously an official in the U.S. State Department. She has been involved in her community for years as President of the Larimer County Food Bank and founder of the Northern Colorado Democratic Business Coalition.

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