DCCC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     

July 30th Marks Two Year Anniversary of Chris Van Hollen's Personal Attack on Israeli Policy 

SILVER SPRING, MD—Today, July 30, 2008, is the 2-year anniversary of Chris Van Hollen's letter to Secretary Rice condemning Israel's tactics in the war with Lebanon.  In 2006, after harsh criticism from the Jewish Community, Van Hollen scheduled a hurry-up trip to Israel and "clarified" his position.   In his response letter, Van Hollen arrogantly stated to the Jewish Community that "you may dispute certain policy conclusions that I reach, but I hope you won’t question my motivation." Many have forgotten the letter, but its effects still ripple.  In June 2008, a Washingtonian Magazine article stated "one stand that Van Hollen has taken could come back to haunt him: In 2006, he criticized Israel’s tactics in the war with Lebanon, angering some Jewish constituents. He quickly scheduled a five-day visit to Israel and reaffirmed his commitment to the Jewish state." As Van Hollen carefully considered and penned that letter on this date two years ago, he claimed himself to be a foreign policy expert.  Realizing he had made a political error in expressing his true views, he retracted for his own political preservation.  However, many people saw a glimpse of the true Van Hollen. Warren Manison, an 8th district resident from Potomac, Maryland, said "Chris Van Hollen's attempt to placate the Jewish Community for his ill-tempered letter to Sec. Rice, is remarkable for his naivete in failing to understand the tremendous threat to America and to Israel from Islamofascists.  Van Hollen places possible political gain above what is in the best interest of this nation.  I resent this attitude. It is not in the best interest of the nation." In his efforts to nullify the reaction to his strong err in judgment, Van Hollen issued a statement resolving to "do all we can to ensure" Israeli soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah "are freed expeditiously and returned to their waiting families."  Executed Reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser were returned to Israel in caskets in a prisoner swap with Hezbollah this month. In 2006, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, National Vice-President of the Coalition of Jewish Concerns stated that "even after his 'clarification,' Van Hollen never admitted that he misspoke. Instead he refers to our 'misinterpretations.' It is foolish citizens such as ourselves who misunderstood his nuanced, highly sophisticated foreign policy views." Eighth District Congressional Candidate Dr Steve Hudson, released the following statement:  "Two years ago, my opponent let us all see a glimpse of his true attitude towards Israel. He expressed his belief that in relative peacetime, Israel has the right to defend itself, but in the midst of a terrorist attack and having soldiers kidnapped, tortured, and killed, Israel has a right to cease-fire.  His July 2006 letter was well thought-out and portrayed his actual policy positions.  Because of the political fallout from his policy position, he went to great lengths to move on from his err in judgment.  This is very typical for my opponent, as noted by others like Mr. Manison.  My opponent has made very clear, through his past words and actions, that he is more concerned with playing politics than the safety and security of one our greatest allies, Israel." Dr. Hudson concluded, “I have pledged my undivided support for the nation of Israel.  At a time when the threats are mounting against Israel, we need leaders in Congress who can be fully trusted to support our faithful ally.  We must prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, we must prevent a conventional buildup by Hezbollah, and we must provide more aid to Israel."   ###  Paid for by Hudson for Congress

Chris Van Hollen Still Silent On Debate Invitation

It has been one month and 13 days since Chris Van Hollen was invited to participate in a debate.

The Van Hollen campaign has still not responded to this request.

Dr. Hudson released the following statement "If Chris Van Hollen truly cares about the people of the 8th district he will agree to have a debate.  This 2008 election cycle is about change - clearly a change is necessary in Congress since they enjoy the lowest approval ratings ever.  The administration has failed in many areas, and so too has Congress.  So how about a debate Mr. Van Hollen? Do you not agree that our district deserves the best?"

The Steve Hudson for Congress campaign issued the following challenge on June 10, 2008 to Congressman Chris Van Hollen:

I write to respectfully request your participation in several debates and town hall meetings over the next few months before the November election to be hosted throughout our district.

I know you have a busy schedule as Chairman of the DCCC; however, I hope that you will find the time to participate.  As an elected official, you are held to be totally accountable to the people, as if I am elected, I recognize this as well.  Regardless of the outcome of our race, it is important that we both strive to bring a positive message for people in our District. 

For more information on Dr. Hudson's campaign please visit us at http://www.stevehudson2008.com/.

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Paid for by Hudson for Congress

On June 10, 2008, the Steve Hudson for Congress campaign issued the following challenge to the Congressman Chris Van Hollen:

I write to respectfully request your participation in several debates and town hall meetings over the next few months before the November election to be hosted throughout our district.

I know you have a busy schedule as Chairman of the DCCC; however, I hope that you will find the time to participate.  As an elected official, you are held to be totally accountable to the people, as if I am elected, I recognize this as well.  Regardless of the outcome of our race, it is important that we both strive to bring a positive message for people in our District. 

While my opponent appears to be concerned about our environment, it is all smoke and mirrors.  His policies are highly destructive for our economy.  Eighth District voters, and all Americans, need to know the truth.

Why Won't Chris Van Hollen Follow The Lead Of Senator Obama With Regard To Lobbyists?

H.R. 5778: District Of Columbia Water And Sewer Authority Independence Preservation Act

Eighth District Congressman Chris Van Hollen has been working to enact this very minor administrative clarification since September 2007. "The first Hill salvo came in a Sept. 17 letter to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, and WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson. In the letter, sent on Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen's stationery, suburban Hill honchos explained that the WASA power move was unacceptable but they weren't going to block enactment of the law. Instead, they played nice." (Mike DeBonis, "Water Not Under The Bridge," Washington City Paper, February 27, 2008)

Dr. Steve Hudson On the House Passage of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008; Questions Van Hollen's Lack Of Bipartisanship

Van Hollen Out Of Touch With Country On National Security – Out Of Touch With His Own Party Too?

Senator Obama:  "Given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as president, I will carefully monitor the program." (Paul Kane,“Obama Supports FISA Legislation, Angering Left,” Washington Post’s Trail Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail, Accessed June 20, 2008)