Blowback: Daschle Taking Credit for Things He Had Little to Do With

This was noted before on this site, but this press release and letter bring the point home:

DASCHLE SHOULD GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

49 LEGISLATORS AND FORMER LEGISLATORS HAVE SIGNED A LETTER TO SENATOR DASCHLE ADDRESSING HIS RECENT TV AD TAKING CREDIT FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM THEY DEVELOPED

August 3, 2004

Senator Tom Daschle
2701 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 7
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Dear Senator Daschle,

The recent television advertisement put out by your reelection campaign focusing on our state's distance learning programs has raised concern among those of us who have worked on this vital issue. The advertisement has both general and specific claims that should not go unanswered.

The advertisement mentions your work in advancing distance learning without ever recognizing the work done by Governor Janklow and the State Legislature. Years of focus and millions of dollars in resources have put our state's distance learning program among the best in the nation. Efforts to wire our schools, train educators, and implement new technology faced political opposition at the time, yet today the benefits are clear to nearly everyone. We are disappointed in your failure to recognize those who did the lion's share of the work.

Second, the advertisement mentions a grant for distance learning that was added to the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was voted on in February of 2003 (Roll Call Vote #34). While we are greatly appreciative of the federal support South Dakota has received, the advertisement fails to mention your vote against this bill. As state legislators we understand the importance of voting records, therefore we believe South Dakotans should be aware of your vote against this piece of legislation even as you take credit for one of its provisions.

Thank you for attention and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

/49 state legislators/