Congressman Tim Walz about TV ads flashing photos of him and UBL.

[Eric J in MN]

An email I just got from Tim Walz:

Dear Friends,

Two days ago, I sent you an email about an outrageous television ad that is up on the air in southern Minnesota , targeting me.

This misleading ad – paid for by a secretive lobbying group – is reckless with our national security and attempts to spread fear among the voters... flashing photos of Osama bin Laden and me.

Enough is enough.

The TV ads asked viewers to call me and let me know their thoughts on the President’s warrant-less wiretapping program. And call they did. In the hours after the ads ran, I received dozens of phone calls from Minnesotans who told me that they are sick and tired of this type of gutter politics. “You have to stand up to these people,” one caller said. “Keep on fighting.”

That’s just what I’m doing. After this despicable ad came out, I hit back. I called this group out for what they are: attack dogs from the national Republican party, who exploit a loophole in the law to use unlimited—and undisclosed—corporate donations to run so-called ‘issue ads’ that have no basis in truth.

And the response has been incredible. I’ve received dozens of phone calls from supporters who are urging me to stand my ground and not give in to this type of disgusting smear.

The lobbying group behind this ad is trying to get retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that participated in President Bush’s illegal wiretapping program. Lobbying groups like this one can take unlimited amounts of cash from corporations without having to reveal their donors to anyone.

Who knows what kind of attack they’ll throw at me next?

I need your help to fight back against the Republican fear machine.

I ask you to stand with me as we replace their “politics of fear” with a positive vision for creating a more prosperous and secure future. Please make an immediate contribution to my campaign. A contribution of $20, 50, $100, $500 or more today will provide me with the critical resources we need to succeed.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Congressman Tim Walz

[CubFan7125]

1. The Ultimate Gutter

I would buy these "Fight Back" campaigns much more if they were not shameless attempts to get more money from us. 1st they are attacked in an ugly fashion but then the use that slimy attack as a raise money. Politics is completely in the gutter. Tim was wronged, thats obvious. Say that, without trying to solicit funds from me,

[trotsky]

2. How exactly is he supposed to pay FOR saying that?

He can use his franking privilege to send Congressional news, but he can't use it to campaign or counter attack ads. He needs money to do that. But you're bashing him for asking for it. Are you sure you're on the right message board?

[CubFan7125]

4. Yes, I'm On the Right Board

I vote Dem about 80% of the time and I really like Tim. I even said I agree with him. My only gripe is that they turn every little think into a donation pitch.

[Vet31203]

3. In a perfect world...

you are absolutely right. Money shouldnt matter, but that is where we must wise up. It takes money to defeat these special interest.

William J Meyers for House 2008

[minnesota_liberal]

5. Who's airing the ad?

Newspapers, radio stations and television stations share part of the blame.