A Swift Boat connection in IL-8?

Posted by Kerry Lester on Tue, 07/24/2012 - 15:34

A Super PAC with ties to the infamous Swift Boat Veterans for Truth commercials have begun airing television ads today in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District criticizing Democrat Tammy Duckworth for supporting higher taxes and more government control.

Among New Prosperity Foundation’s largest donors is Missouri Republican businessman Sam Fox, who was also a major donor to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the group behind the infamous ads questioning John Kerry’s military service in the 2004 presidential race.

The foundation is also running commercials against 10th District Congressional Candidate Brad Schneider of Deerfield and 11th District Democratic candidate Bill Foster, claiming they support higher taxes and more government control.

Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, cited the PAC money and quoted in a news release Walsh's recent comment at a town hall, when he noted “Now I’m running against a woman who, my God, that’s all she talks about. Our true heroes, it’s the last thing in the world they talk about” to indicate that he doesn't care about veterans.

Walsh came back in response with his own spin.

"Over and over again Tammy ducks the issues and tries to divert the voters from what really matters, jobs and the economy. She will be a rubber stamp for Pelosi and Obama, and it is unfortunate she will not discuss the merit of this ad.

The simple fact, is that she will do anything she can to avoid discussing the issues."

Super PACs have been an issue in the nationally-watched congressional race since even before Duckworth won the March primary. She says she offered Walsh a pledge several times at the start of the general election to reject Super PAC support .

But Walsh says "Tammy's claim that she offered a Super PAC ban to me is 100 percent false. Neither Tammy or anyone on her staff has ever approached me."

Along with New Prosperity's involvement, San Fransisco-based CREDO Super PAC is working to defeat Walsh, while Citizens United has worked for Walsh's re-election.

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