Diane Benson responds to Berkowitz character attack

From a Diane Benson press release:

Anchorage: Congressional candidate Diane Benson released the following statement today in response to yesterday's article titled "State Files Criminal Charges Against Lobbyist" in the Anchorage Daily News:

"I am deeply disappointed in Ethan Berkowitz and his Congressional campaign. I did not expect him, through a spokesperson, to attack my character in response to my call for him to return lobbyist money."

"Ethan has no right to question my strength or my character. As a native Alaskan, I broke barriers as one of the few women working on the pipeline. I demonstrated strength and character by running against Rep. Don Young when no one else would in 2006. And I demonstrated character by opposing the Bush administration's war from the very beginning. This personal attack is more proof that the Berkowitz campaign represents nothing more than 'politics as usual.'"

"Apparently that's strength and character that Ethan doesn't understand. He may have made speeches, but I've made change. I am proud of my record. When it comes to standing up for Alaskans, I am by far and way, the most experienced candidate in this race."

"Ethan's response that he accepts lobbyist money, but is not influenced by them is nothing more than the same old recycled Don Young talking point we've heard over and over again throughout the years. In fact, the President of a DC lobbyist firm, The Aegis Group, who has given money to Ethan says on his website." You are but one of countless concerns. Aegis is experienced at persuading Congressmen to place the needs of our clients at the top of the priority list." [www.aegisdc.com/myths.htm]. That might fly in Washington, but Alaskans expect more out of their Congressperson."

"So today I, again, call on Ethan to return these lobbyists contributions, especially donations from Ashley Reed, who just had criminal charges filed against him by the state I implore Mr. Berkowitz to return his lobbyist money and join me in my pledge to help change Congress by refusing to take any additional money from lobbyist or industry PAC's in the future."

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