Missouri Democratic Party

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BLUNT SHOULD CONDEMN PROTÉGÉ WILSON’S DISRESPECT FOR PRESIDENT AND OUR COUNTRY Filed on September 10, 2009

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2009

Contact: Ryan Hobart (573) 636-5241 Ext. 125

BLUNT SHOULD CONDEMN PROTÉGÉ WILSON’S DISRESPECT FOR PRESIDENT AND OUR COUNTRY

No condemnation yet from Blunt for shameful outburst

Jefferson City, Mo – While Congressman Roy Blunt was still spewing complaints about President Obama’s well-received health care address, prominent Republican and Democratic leaders were coming together to condemn Blunt’s close friend and ally Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) for his shameful and disrespectful outburst.

Congressman Roy Blunt has yet to denounce Congressman Wilson’s inappropriate scream of “You lie!” during the President’s speech.

“It is appalling that Congressman Blunt did not immediately condemn his friend’s actions and utter disrespect for the President of the United States,” said Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Brian Zuzenak. “This incident is a perfect example of how far Congressman Blunt and his Republican allies will go to maintain the status quo for the insurance companies. The American people deserve better and deserve representatives who will work together to find solutions for our families – not those who employ childish tactics to stop any progress.”

Congressman Blunt has a long history of working closely with Rep. Wilson:

Congressman Blunt has donated $15,000 to Congressman Wilson’s campaigns and PAC. [CQ Moneyline]
In 2007, Congressman Blunt and Congressman Wilson co-Chaired NRCC President's Dinner [The Hill, 6/13/07]
In 2006, Congressman Wilson supported Congressman Blunt over Congressman Boehner for majority leader. [The Hill, 2/7/06]
In 2003, House Majority Whip Roy Blunt announced that he added South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson as an Assistant Whip. [Roll Call 7/14/03]
When announcing Wilson's selection, Blunt said, "Joe will be an excellent Assistant Whip, and I am pleased that he has agreed to do this very important job,"

"I look forward to working with him every day to move the Republican agenda forward in the House," [PTI, 7/24/03]

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