Hoosier State Mayors Decry Senator Obama's Comments on Small Town America in an Open Letter [View All]

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"Whether it's tax returns or legislative records or his relationship with indicted political fixer Tony Rezko, Senator Obama seems to take "the dog ate my homework" approach to disclosure.

"When it comes to transparency, the only thing transparent about Senator Obama is his claim to be transparent."—Hotline On Call, April 15, 2008.


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4/15/2008

Hoosier State Mayors Decry Senator Obama's Comments on Small Town America in an Open Letter
In response to comments made by Senator Obama last week at a fundraiser in San Francisco, mayors from across the Hoosier State lent their names to an open letter decrying his characterization of those living in small towns.

BACKGROUND: At a fundraiser in San Francisco last week, Senator Obama shared his views of Americans from small towns: "it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

The text of the open letter from Hoosier State mayors follows.

To Whom It May Concern:

We wish to express our sincere disappointment with comments made by Senator Obama at a San Francisco fundraiser last week--comments which demeaned the values of small Midwestern towns. These views are offensive to millions of hardworking Hoosiers who strive everyday to provide for our families, lift up our communities and strengthen our country.

We embrace our faith not out of frustration but as a foundation of the values that guide us - the values we inherit and the values we pass on. We have faced difficult times. However, Hoosiers are resilient, optimistic and unwavering in our commitment to our families and country. After seven years of a president who refused to talk to us, the last thing we need is a presidential candidate who talks down to us.

These remarks also serve to drive us further apart instead of uniting us around the great challenges we face together. We need good paying jobs. We need an end to this war. We need health care for every American. But to meet these challenges, we need a president who honors our values. We need a president who stands up and fights for us, and shares our can-do spirit. That is what Hoosiers will be looking for when we go to the polls on May 6.

Sincerely,

Mayor Mervyn Bostic of Rushville
Mayor Ann Bradshaw of Brazil
Mayor Charlie Coons of Crawfordsville
Mayor Michael Fincher of Logansport
Mayor Pam Hendrickson of Boonville
Mayor Tommy Jones of Linton
Mayor Tom McDermott of Hammond
Mayor George Pabey of East Chicago
Mayor Brian Snedecor of Hobart
Mayor Roy Terrell of Jasonville
Mayor Olga Velazquez of Portage