FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 05 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Anderson to Boozman:  “Quit hiding behind your puppeteers at the Republican Party – stand up and speak for yourself;” Boozman lies about how well he knew Foley

 

Fort Smith – Yesterday, October 3rd, Woodrow Anderson, Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress (AR-03), questioned John Boozman’s continued support for House leadership involved in the year-long cover-up of Congressman Foley’s inappropriate relations with high-school House pages.  Further, Anderson pointed out that this just shows how far the two-term incumbent will go to please the Republican Leadership.  Also, in a related matter, John Boozman lied about his relationship with Mark Foley.

 

 In a classless attack, the Arkansas Republican Party unsuccessfully tried to divert the attention away from Boozman’s support of a House Leadership that let former Representative Foley’s unforgivable actions go on for months.

 

 “We elected John Boozman to protect our country and our families.  If he thinks that protecting families by standing with his leadership and their reported three year cover-up of this horrid act is the right thing, then that is further proof he has been there too long. Endangering children is not a family value I grew up with,” said Anderson.

 

 “I say this to you, John Boozman:  Stand up for yourself like a man.  Don’t hide like a coward behind Republican political hacks at the state party.”

Anderson stated.

 

Anderson went on to say, “I asked John Boozman to stand up to his leadership, and since he is unable to speak on his own to the citizens of Arkansas and must use the Republican Party to spread empty rhetoric, I say to them try your best.  Bring it on.  I’m ready for a fight.  I’m on the people's side; you're on the failed Republican leadership’s side and the side of corporate interests.  I like my chances.”

 

Additionally, John Boozman stated that he and Foley “were only casually acquainted” (Source:  Arkansas News Bureau.  Page scandal riles Arkansans 10/3/06).  However, John Boozman and Mark Foley served together on Roy Blunt’s Majority Whip Team.

 

·  Boozman was first appointed as an Assistant Whip in 2003, and

               continues to serve in that capacity (Source:  Project Vote Smart.

   http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MAR69794).

 

·  Foley was appointed as an Assistant Whip in 1995 and continued to

               serve in that capacity until his resignation (Source:  Project Vote Smart.

   http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MAR69794).

 

“Tell the truth, Mr. Boozman, you served three and a half years as an assistant whip with Mr. Foley – is that what you call a casual relationship?

Do NOT continue to lie to the public about this matter.  You have worked closely with this man for three years and continue to support this cover-up.

Foley, the Republican Leadership, and the Republican Party have the wrong

priorities: covering up a cyber-sex pedophile, giving billions away to Big Oil, HMO’s, and the Drug Companies.  I don’t think the voters in the 3rd Congressional District can take much more of Republican values and leadership.  Leadership takes courage – something we needed from our Congressman during the last five days,” stated Anderson.

 

Anderson went on to say, “They are partners in crime and pushing the wrong priorities in Washington:  Helping drug companies, HMOs, and Big Oil ...

while we suffer.  I will be happy to meet you anytime and discuss your party’s recent failings in leadership and family values.”

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 04 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Anderson questions Boozman’s continued support of Republican leadership in Foley Case

Fort Smith – Woodrow Anderson, Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress (AR-03), stated today that John Boozman’s continued support for House leadership involved in the year-long cover-up of Congressman Mark Foley’s inappropriate relations with high school-aged House pages shows how far the Boozman will go to blindly follow the directives of the Republican Leadership.

This weekend, Arkansans were shocked by the revelation that key members of the House Republican leadership turned a blind eye for as long as one year after learning that Republican Congressman Mark Foley had engaged in inappropriate and possibly criminal communications with under aged Congressional pages.  According to media reports, Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, House Majority Leader John Boehner and National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Tom Reynolds all knew about Foley's e-mails, but failed to call for a full investigation to make sure other children weren't being victimized. 

While some of his Republican colleagues have called on those members of the House Leadership who had prior knowledge of Foley’s behavior to step down, John Boozman has not only refused to join them, but stated just yesterday that “he had confidence in Hastert” and the Republican leadership.

"The fact that John Boozman won't even take a stand against House Republican leaders who turned a blind eye to a sexual predator in their midst speaks volumes about his priorities," said Anderson.  "No one in the Republican leadership did anything to protect these children.  No one thought it was important to report this to criminal authorities, or to conduct a thorough investigation to make sure that Mark Foley wasn't threatening other children.  Now, John Boozman stands silent too.” 

"At the very least, it is finally time for Boozman to show some leadership, during his five years in office he has blindly voted with Hastert and the Republican machine nearly 100% of the time. This is just the latest example of how our ‘Do-Nothing Congressman’ has sent our country in the wrong direction.  Not only has he failed to pass tax cuts for middle class families, tackle lobbying and ethics legislation, stop gas price gouging, protect our students from the largest decreases ever in student aid, or giveaways to the big drug companies and HMOs, now he is willing to rubberstamp the Republican leadership’s inexcusable lack of action when it comes to this latest situation. Arkansans deserve a Congressman with the backbone to stand up and demand accountability by calling for the resignation of leaders who apparently decided that protecting one of their own from electoral defeat was more important than protecting our children."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 04 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

NEA, AEA RECOMMEND WOODY ANDERSON FOR CONGRESS

 

 The National Education Association and its affiliate, the Arkansas Education Association, have recommended Woody Anderson, the Democratic nominee for United States Representative from the Third Congressional District.

 

“We were impressed by Anderson’s strong stance on public education,” said AEA President Dan Marzoni.  “We believe he will be an effective voice in Washington for Arkansas school children.

 

Anderson said the key to strong public schools in Arkansas is a stronger commitment from Congress, including attracting and retaining the best teachers, keeping class sizes small, and using more technology in classrooms.  “We also must do more in public schools to instill our Arkansas values in the classroom,” he said.  “That’s why I support character education being taught in every public school classroom.”

 

The Arkansas Education Association is the state affiliate of the 2.7-million member National Education Association.  Both organizations represent teachers and other school employees.  They are considered to be the primary voice for public schools, both on the state and national levels.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, October 01 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Anderson:  Boozman’s vote costly for students

By:  Laura Kellams – Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FAYETTEVILLE — Woody Anderson, the Democrat running for Congress in Northwest Arkansas, on Saturday called for a moratorium on federal cuts to student lending.

In a news conference with about 30 college students, Anderson denounced Rep. John Boozman’s vote this year to curb growth in the federal subsidy to student loan programs by about $ 12 billion over five years.

The legislation also reduced growth in Medicaid and foodstamp programs in an effort to achieve deficit reduction.

Anderson called the legislation “dumb” in an era when American students need higher education to compete on a global scale. He said he isn’t necessarily proposing increases to the programs but said they should be off-limits when politicians are casting about for savings.

“A dollar put in education will pay off many fold,” he said in an interview.

To continue reading this article...

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 21 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Taking Back Our Country From Special Interests

 

Woody Anderson’s 4-Point Plan

 

I.          Put forward a Medicare reform bill, which will accomplish 3 things:

 

1.      Establish a single Medicare administered program, one that seniors can trust and depend on in addition to the private plans that exist under current law.

 

2.      Abolish the provision in the current law that bans the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating the price of prescription drugs.

 

3.      Roll back the $125 billion in subsidies that the drug and insurance companies received.

 

II.        The Re-energize America Act will put an end to corporate welfare for Big Oil while providing Arkansans the opportunity to lead the country in the development of an alternative energy industry.  The Re-Energize America Act will do these 2 things:

 

1.      Roll back the billions of dollars that Oil and Gas companies received under the corporate welfare riddled Energy Policy Act of 2005.

 

2.      Mandate annual congressional hearings into the pricing practices of oil and gas companies like ExxonMobile.

 

III.       I will introduce the Wealth Equality Act, which will accomplish two things:

 

1.      Roll back recent tax cuts passed by Congress for the wealthiest 2% income earners.

 

2.      Permanently raise the estate tax's bottom tier to $5 million dollars and index it to inflation.  This will safeguard small businesses and family farms but bring fairness and transparency to our existing tax code.

 

IV.        I will introduce The American Energy Independence Act which will use the money   saved by rolling back these tax cuts for the rich to foster the growth and development of the alternative fuel industry in Arkansas.  The American Energy Independence Act will accomplish two things:

 

1.      Dramatically increase federal investment in bio-diesel and ethanol production facilities and agricultural grants for Arkansas farmers and small businesses.

 

2.      Provide grants to nonprofit energy research organizations that will lead to the generation of more ethanol and bio-diesel production facilities right here in the 3rd District.

                                                                                                          

By making these investments in alternative fuels we can achieve three very important goals:

 

1.      Add some level of predictability and control to the marketplace.

 

2.      Reduce prices at the pump by introducing competition into the marketplace.

 

3.      Provide jobs and a new industry for Arkansas farmers who we often forget are hit hard by high fuel prices.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 11 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Boozman & Big Oil
vs.
Anderson & Alternative Energy

“Investing in ethanol and bio-diesel are a hell of a lot better than Boozman’s ‘protect big oil at all cost’ approach.”

Fort Smith- Congressman John Boozman gave a surprising speech to county officials in Springdale Thursday night, claiming the solution to America’s energy needs would be to build more traditional oil refineries.

“I’m stunned that Boozman believes that building more oil refineries will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, especially when our existing refineries aren’t operating at full capacity. Boozman forgets that refineries don’t actually extract oil from the ground. The longer we keep our current course with crude oil, the more likely we’ll be held hostage by a handful of Middle East countries. His plan doesn’t do a thing to reduce gas prices or reduce our dependence on the Middle East,” said Anderson.

Anderson responded to Boozman’s short-sighted approach to America’s energy needs by talking about his plan to produce ethanol and bio-diesel in Arkansas.

“I believe we should increase federal involvement in ethanol and bio-diesel production. Increasing production of ethanol and bio-diesel at home will reduce gas prices while creating a new market for Arkansas farmers. Investing in ethanol and bio-diesel are a hell of a lot better than Boozman’s ‘protect big oil at all cost’ approach. My plan is a positive step in the right direction, Boozman’s is step backwards,” said Anderson.

Anderson also pointed out that John Boozman voted to give millions to big oil companies in the form of corporate welfare. This vote comes at time when several oil companies have posted record quarterly profits.

“The oil business is one of the most profitable businesses on the planet. And while hard working folks struggle to make ends meet because of rising gas costs, the last thing Congress should do is to send big oil millions more of our hard earned tax dollars. Boozman and his buddies in Washington just don’t get it. We’re hurting out here and politicians like Boozman are making the problem worse. Boozman’s vote to give corporate welfare to the oil companies shows me whose buttering his bread these days,” concluded Anderson.

 
Woodrow “Woody” Anderson Endorsed by Retired General Wesley Clark

Anderson joins list of “Fighting Dems” Clark believes will bring democracy back to D.C.

Ft.Smith, AR- Democratic candidate for Congress, Woodrow ‘Woody’ Anderson, was endorsed by Arkansas native, General Wesley Clark and his organization, WesPAC.

“Today Arkansas families face many difficult challenges at home and abroad. Their has never been a time when foreign affairs were as closely linked to the daily lives of Arkansans as they are now. Woody Anderson will fight tirelessly in Congress with the courage to make the difficult decisions necessary to lead our country in the right direction.” Clark said.

Clark, a retired general and commanding officer in the Bosnian conflict, addressed Anderson’s service to his county as a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Wesley applauded Anderson’s desire to serve Arkansas in the halls of Congress. “His dedication and passion of serving the American people extends well beyond his tenure in office.” Clark added.

“It is crucial to have members of the armed forces continue their service in public office. This is why I fully support Woody Anderson’s candidacy for the United States Congress.”

Click Here for more

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

STATEMENT ON MEMORIAL DAY

WOODROW ‘WOODY’ ANDERSON, CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE FOR ARKANSAS’ 3rd DISTRICT

“As Memorial Day quickly approaches with families coming together to kick off the summer season, I would like the citizens of Arkansas to remember just why we celebrate.”

“We take time on this day to honor the men and women who served and are presently serving in our many areas of the armed forces. We must always remember the trail they have set and continue to make in order for us to be free.”

“Memorial Day gives us the chance to eat that first burger from the grill or play that first round of golf. Maybe it allows you to hear the first swing of the bat at a baseball game or take that first dip in the pool. For children, it is a sign that school is finally out and the time for fun in the sun has arrived.”

“It allows Dads and Granddads, Sons and Daughters to share tales about serving and how it made them the person they are today.”

“As a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, I understand the struggle that our soldiers go through, leaving families behind to serve the nation we love. I also know the joy and passion that we get from helping others. From building new schools in Fallujah or helping families re-build their homes in St. Bernard Parrish; our soldiers continue to aid those both here and abroad.”

“So as you go about your weekend and you see one of our many veterans or come across a soldier in uniform, say thank you. They make the sacrifices so that we can enjoy days like these.”

“Please have a safe and pleasant Memorial Day weekend.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

Boozman Votes to Protect Corporate Welfare for Oil Companies

“This is another reason we have to bring Boozman home in November.” – Woody Anderson

FT. SMITH, ARK- Oil companies realized they have found another friend in Arkansas Congressman John Boozman when he voted against an amendment to the new Interior Appropriations bill that would force oil companies to pay royalties for extracting oil from public waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Woody Anderson, Democratic candidate for Congress, voiced disappointment with Boozman’s vote and pledged to revoke corporate welfare for oil companies when he’s elected to Congress.

“Boozman and the Washington Republicans voted to protect big oil companies last night. I’m not sure why he voted to keep corporate welfare intact for oil companies, but I’m not alone when I say that Boozman should come forward and explain his vote. One thing I am sure of is that when I’m in Congress, I won’t be supporting corporate welfare,” said Anderson.

According to the New York Times, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) introduced his amendment to the Interior Appropriations Act that would require at least 7 billion dollars in payments over the next five years. These funds would only be required from oil and gas extracted in publicly owned waters. Hinchey’s amendment passed 262-165 without the support of Boozman. (Roll call vote #167 5-18-06)

“My solution to the current energy crisis in America is to make Arkansas a national leader in alternative energy production like ethanol and bio-diesel. Boozman doesn’t have a solution but he is willing to reward big oil companies. This is another reason we have to bring Boozman home in November,” said Anderson.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

WOODY ANDERSON CALLS ON BOOZMAN TO EXTEND MEDICARE DEADLINE

Anderson Says Medicare Paperwork Confusing Seniors

FT. SMITH– With the May 15th Medicare Part D deadline rapidly approaching, Woodrow “Woody” Anderson, Democratic candidate for Congress, urged John Boozman to request an extension of the Medicare Part D deadline today. Anderson cites that many seniors are confused about the mountains of paperwork required to be filled out by Monday, May 15th. Anderson points to evidence from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which confirms that as of May 7th, 136,517 eligible seniors in Arkansas have yet to sign up.

“That number translates to 28% of eligible seniors who haven’t signed up in Arkansas. I would like to see John Boozman take a leadership stand on this issue. Too many seniors haven’t signed up due to the paperwork requirements or a lack of computer and internet access. John Boozman should encourage President Bush to extend the deadline so that thousands of our senior citizens don’t get left out in the cold due to an overly cumbersome process,” said Anderson.

Several members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation are supporting an extension of the Medicare Part D deadline as well as fixing some of the problems the plan is currently experiencing.

“I urge John Boozman to join his colleagues in the House who support an extension of this deadline. If an extension isn’t granted, only the drug companies and HMO’s will benefit. An extension will be one small step Congress can take to make sure our seniors aren’t left out of the prescription drug program,” said Anderson.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2006
CONTACT: Jeff Fitch
(479) 530-5636

WOODY ANDERSON CHALLENGES CONGRESS TO INVESTIGATE PRICE GOUGING AT THE PUMP

Proposes Plan to Reduce Fuel Cost & Help Arkansas Families

FT. SMITH– Woodrow “Woody” Anderson, Democratic candidate for Congress, challenged congressional Republicans to use their majority status to investigate price-gouging by oil companies. Anderson’s challenge comes on the heels of Exxon/Mobil’s recent announcement of over $200 billion in net profits for 2005. This is reportedly the largest profit ever by an American company.

“I have no problem with businesses making profits, but when it comes at the expense of working families, Congress should take a hard look at what’s going on. At a time when Arkansas families are struggling to make ends meet, Congress cannot sit on their hands any longer. Congress should determine if oil companies are involved in any deceptive pricing practices or premeditated price gouging,” said Anderson.

In addition to calling for a congressional hearing, Woody Anderson outlined several ideas that will both lower gas prices and create new jobs for Arkansas.

“I believe we should increase federal involvement in ethanol and bio-diesel production. Increasing production of ethanol and bio-diesel will reduce gas prices while creating a new market for Arkansas farmers. It may not be a solution to our energy challenges, but at least it’s a start. That’s a lot more than we’ve seen out of Congress lately,” said Anderson.

WOODY ANDERSON'S GAS PRICE REDUCTION & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROPOSAL

  • Dramatically increase federal investment in ethanol production facilities and agriculture grants to Arkansas farmers.
  • Mandate annual congressional hearings that will hold American gas companies like Exxon/Mobil accountable for their profits.
  • Provide grants to nonprofit energy research committees and foundations that will lead to increased ethanol and bio-diesel production facilities.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2006
CONTACT: Bart Haynie
(501) 374-2361
(501) 240-2777

Democrats will run Third District Congressional candidate
Woodrow Anderson ready to unseat Republican John Boozman

LITTLE ROCK – Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Jason Willett announced today that the party will run Woodrow Anderson, III as its candidate for the US House of Representatives in Arkansas’s Third Congressional District in 2006.

“Woody decided to run because he’s unhappy with the way things are and the way things are headed in this country. I couldn’t agree more,” said Willett. “We should get and expect more out of our congressional leadership. We can do better than a Congressman that votes in lock step with George Bush and the Republican leadership in Washington, D.C., and I think that’s what we’ve seen from John Boozman.

“We’ve come to a crossroads. We have an obligation to make tough choices in the years to come. Woodrow Anderson is the man to make those choices.”

Anderson has identified job and income security, rising fuel and energy costs, Social Security and Medicare, the federal deficit and homeland security as issues he feels directly effect the residents of the Third District.

“All in all, Woody’s campaign platform is simple,” Willett said. “It boils down to a key phrase – saving our future requires change today. That means making the Third District the best place in the world to establish and conduct business. Promoting a safe place to live and work. Investing early in our youth. And taking the best care of our fighting men and women – past, present and future.”

Anderson is a native of the Third District and currently lives in Ft. Smith where he operates a family business. He graduated from Southside High School and Westark College (now the University of Arkansas Fort Smith) in Fort Smith before receiving a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of Business and a B.A. in Sociology from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania.  He also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Cambridge, England.

Anderson is a Captain in the Army Reserve where he has served for 14 years. He also has several years of experience in international business. He is married to Francesca. The two have a five-year-old son, Woodrow IV, and are expecting another child in August.

Paid for by Anderson for Congress