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Musgrave cites 'leftist special interests' in loss

By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 3, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Marilyn Musgrave made the remarks in a robo-call to Georgia voters.

Marilyn Musgrave made the remarks in a robo-call to Georgia voters.

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Marilyn Musgrave has spoken.

Well, sort of.

The Republican congresswoman, who has kept a low profile since losing her re-election bid in November, made this week what is believed to be her first public remarks since then.

Musgrave recorded a robo-call on behalf of Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who won a runoff election Tuesday against Democrat Jim Martin.

Musgrave acknowledged her loss to Betsy Markey in the recording, although she hasn't called the Democrat to concede in the weeks since she was soundly defeated in a bitter race in Colorado's 4th Congressional District.

In the message, Musgrave blamed her defeat on "leftist special interests" that "overwhelmed us with money and . . . smothered the truth with vicious attacks and lies."

Musgrave said the same thing was happening in the Peach State during the runoff.

The call went out Monday afternoon to about 275,000 Georgia households with registered voters, said Joy Yearout, political director for the Susan B. Anthony List, which supports female candidates who oppose abortion.

Yearout said Musgrave didn't hesitate when asked to record the call.

"We've worked closely with her, and she supports our efforts," she said.

Musgrave's robo-call was first reported on the Web site of the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

Yearout said Musgrave's loss in November was a huge blow to her organization - and to Colorado.

"It was a great loss for us and an even greater loss for the 4th District of Colorado. They lost a great member of Congress," she said.

Unlike Musgrave, Markey supports abortion rights.

Markey is "not going to be doing much to defend women and unborn children in the halls of Congress. We know that much," Yearout said.

Ben Marter, Markey's spokesman, declined to respond to Yearout's remarks. He offered only a general statement.

"Betsy is honored to have been chosen by the voters to represent them, and she's working hard getting ready to go to Washington to represent the people of the 4th Congressional District," he said.

Musgrave's spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Comments

  • December 3, 2008

    5:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ike writes:

    Those "leftist special interests" were simply the Constituents of the 4th Congressional District making their interests known, Marilyn. May you enjoy good health and an interesting life as a private citizen.

  • December 3, 2008

    9:18 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    WhadUsay writes:

    I believe the two words you are all looking for are "sour" and "grapes". The people of the 4th congressional district have spoken. It is time for Ms. Musgrave to move on and begin the next chapter of her life.