Sen. Salazar calls Musgrave an 'agent of hate'
Ad ought to make people throw up, Dem senator says
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published October 15, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
Betsy Markey
Marilyn Musgrave
Ken Salazar
A Colorado senator called U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave an "agent of hate" Wednesday after she unleashed a TV commercial that asserts that her Democratic opponent is facing time in the slammer.
Betsy Markey, who is trying to unseat the three-term Republican in the 4th Congressional District, called the ad "outrageous."
"I think that this is a new low," Markey said Wednesday. "She continues to make things up."
Markey's former boss, Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., had even harsher words for Musgrave.
In a conference call, he said Musgrave has been "one of the agents of hate and political division over her term in the United States Congress."
"These ads that (Musgrave is) running - which now are absolutely false and which are claiming that somehow clean-as- a-whistle Betsy is going to end up in incarceration - are so absolutely over the top that it should make the people of the 4th Congressional District throw up," he said.
Jason Thielman, Musgrave's campaign manager, dismissed Salazar's comments as a "sideshow" and said that most taxpayers would throw up if they knew that Markey received contracts from the Department of Labor when her brother held a senior management position there.
Thielman provided no evidence that Tom Markey helped his sister get contracts. But he stood firm on the new commercial.
"Betsy Markey has serious questions that need to be answered," he said. "Did Betsy Markey lie about being a woman-owned business? Or did she lie about divesting her company to her husband? Both can't be true."
The back and forth between the two campaigns stems from accusations that Markey used her position as a regional director for Salazar to steer lucrative government contracts to Syscom Services, a company that she and her husband started in 1986.
Markey said she divested her interest in Syscom after she went to work for Salazar and inadvertently listed it among her assets in financial disclosure statements.
But Markey gave the Musgrave campaign additional ammunition because Syscom's Web site recently referred to the company as a "woman-owned business," words that later were removed.
This month, a Weld County Republican Party official filed a complaint against Markey with the Department of Justice, asking that Markey be investigated on various allegations, including whether she listed Syscom as a woman-owned business to secure government contracts. The same man filed a similar complaint against Musgrave's opponent in the last election. It did not lead to a criminal case.
This year's complaint is the basis of Musgrave's claim in the new commercial, which says Markey "could spend five years in prison."
The ad has a shot at being "really effective" because Musgrave and the National Republican Congressional Committee have zeroed in on Syscom in all of their advertising, said Robert Duffy, chairman of political science at Colorado State University.
Meanwhile, Markey raised more money than Musgrave but Musgrave outspent Markey in the period July 24-Sept. 30, according to the latest finance filings.
Markey received $719,000 in contributions compared to Musgrave's nearly $600,000. However, Musgrave listed a little over $971,000 in expenditures, while Markey reported spending about $841,000.
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October 15, 2008
5:22 p.m.
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roger44 writes:
Both sides has thrown a lot of manure around, typical political behavior. and this voter is sick of it. Musgrave does not deserve my vote because of her record of being a Bush follower, and don't think Markey is going to be any better. We need some poor red necks in office to get things right.
October 15, 2008
5:26 p.m.
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UncleZancle writes:
This ad is horrible, almost as bad as the ads Markey is running against Musgrave.
October 15, 2008
5:27 p.m.
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renored writes:
I think she's the agent of ugly!
October 15, 2008
5:29 p.m.
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SanctuaryCity writes:
Amnesty ken, what a joke. typical demo/acorn/tax & spend crap. Can't wait till 2010 when the clown is out
October 15, 2008
5:42 p.m.
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arcus writes:
Are we talking about the same Ken Salazar that called James Dobson the Antichrist? That " should make the people of the 4th Congressional District throw up".
October 15, 2008
5:53 p.m.
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ParkHillPosse writes:
Ezekiel: You speak hogwash. Salazar has stood up for CO's interests: energy technology innovation and independence, water rights, economic development, environmental sustainability, and social/cultural enhancement. He dare not think for himself? The guy has a law degree, an impressive professional background, an independent and intellectual mind, and a capacity for staying on top of CO issues. My impression is that you know very little about Salazar or about his record on behalf of CO. "Liberal lapdog" is a meaningless phrase that you probably picked up from Sarah Palin. By the way, it's "lose", not "loose", turbo.
October 15, 2008
6:03 p.m.
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truthaboutdems writes:
Most political ads are garbage... But it is interesting how Ken Salazar acts like he is above the fray. For 8 years the left has made hateful attacks on character vs. policy commonplace. If you disagree, ask yourself why oil (which we all use) and $'s are evil devices.
Politics are indeed disgusting, but what is even more absurd is the hypocrisy that is shown by certain individuals (eg: the majority).
October 15, 2008
6:29 p.m.
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rjnova writes:
Salazar is your basic leftist liberal Democrat who panders to the illegals, welfare recipient, non-tax payer leech on the hard working, taxpayer that has to carry the load for these slugs.
Get rid of the jerk in the next election. Can you think of one intelligent, thoughtful or productive thing Salazar has done in the couple years he has been in the Senate???
The guy is your basic dud.
October 15, 2008
6:32 p.m.
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BMat writes:
I thought the lowest blow in the 4th district was to be called a vegetarian . . .?
October 15, 2008
6:36 p.m.
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BMat writes:
October 15, 2008
6:29 p.m.
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rjnova writes:
Salazar is your basic leftist liberal Democrat who panders to the illegals, welfare recipient, non-tax payer leech on the hard working, taxpayer that has to carry the load for these slugs.
Get rid of the jerk in the next election. Can you think of one intelligent, thoughtful or productive thing Salazar has done in the couple years he has been in the Senate???
The guy is your basic dud.
_______________
Good point nova. Kenny's not very exciting. But remember the choice was between him and Pete Coors.
We had to choose between a dud and a thud. I think we made the right choice. But no question there's room for improvement.
October 15, 2008
6:37 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
Musgrave slings more mud than any politician I have ever seen. I won't vote for her bases strictly on her mudslinging.
October 15, 2008
6:40 p.m.
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musicgrinder writes:
Musgrave: Out of touch, unable to tell the truth, unfit to be in the Congress.
October 15, 2008
6:42 p.m.
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jaybyrd writes:
So, throw up!
October 15, 2008
6:56 p.m.
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drnugget writes:
Send Musgrave out to pasture.
October 15, 2008
6:59 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
Musgrave looks like a meanie. Glad I'm not in her District. Moo!
October 15, 2008
8:31 p.m.
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idiranch writes:
In June Reps. Maralyn Musgrave and John Salazar added an amendment to the Defense Bill that prohibited spending to expand the Pinion Canyon Manuver Site. This bipartisan work was the only thing that could have stalled the Army's 440,000 acre land grab. It passed the House 383-34. I will be forever grateful to Maralyn Musgrave and Senator Salazar's brother.
October 15, 2008
9:09 p.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
I love her necklace !
October 15, 2008
9:12 p.m.
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CBJMM writes:
Way to go Ken... Its about time.... Bush and his henchmen should all be called out... I love to hear the mike rosen neocons cry. I just got done watching mcsane make faces. What a sick party..
October 15, 2008
9:13 p.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
I can hardly wait till everyone is voted in or out..all this manure throwing is making me want to throw up!
October 15, 2008
9:15 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
Markey is hot, Musgrave is a cow. Finally, the agent of dumb Salazar says something worthwhile.
October 15, 2008
9:48 p.m.
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catlady writes:
Senator Salazar is an agent of stupidity. I think he needs to resign.
October 15, 2008
9:56 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
Of course she's an agent of hate. That's her history and will be her legacy.
As a member of congress she has been one of the least effective, ranking as she does about 365th for effectiveness. That's because of her personal agenda that does practically nothing for the people in her district.
October 15, 2008
10:17 p.m.
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tromiano writes:
This coming from the guy who called Clarence Thomas an abomination?? Perhaps the senator isn't in the strongest position to criticize...
October 15, 2008
10:22 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Of Course! Haven't you heard? EVERYONE who disagrees with the democrats is "an agent of hate".
October 15, 2008
10:48 p.m.
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zivo24 writes:
Musgrave isn't an "agent of hate".
She's the spawn of Satan.
And Idiranch...
I've read some of your posts on the Pinon Canyon issue in the past and it sounds like you have a very personal investment in it.
If so, you already know that mountains had to be moved to get Musgrave to get on board with Salazar on even a compromise.
It wasn't even on her radar. Salazar was the one who made it an issue and she only got on the bandwagon when she realized that it might help her poll numbers.
Betsy Markey...or Angie Paccione, for that matter would have helped this get done alot earlier.
October 15, 2008
10:50 p.m.
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doublejake writes:
For the last two weeks, I've been tracking how many times I see those DESPICABLE Musgrave ads on TV. Every two or three days, I make an online contribution to the Markey campaign, $5 for every time Musgrave airs another. In the last two weeks, I've donated around $200 or $225 in $40 and $45 increments. Every time I make a donation, I send an email to Musgrave's campaign manager Jason Thielman (Jason@musgraveforcongress.com) updating him on how much the ads have increased Markey's coffers. Funny, he's never answered one....
This ad, though, is so ugly and nasty and slanderous that I think I'll raise the donation to $10 every time I see it. Musgrave has outworn her welcome and needs to quietly slink back into her cesspool.
October 15, 2008
11:45 p.m.
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Sundog writes:
ezekiel777: Perfect tone, perfect imagery, nice finish on the 5:49 pm post. Plus, Salazar likes that 20-lane one way highway full of illegals gushing in from the south. A vote is a vote. Dirty Democrats, dirty. Stop the election until all the stray ACORNS are picked up and accounted for. Right now it's crooked as a dog's hind leg. You think your vote counts? Not at this rate.
October 16, 2008
1:11 a.m.
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GladysKravitz writes:
Musgrave has more to lose in this race. And as she typically does, she runs on her opponents record. So it begs the question, what's so great about Marilyn Musgrave that she must depend on her Marky's record rather than her own to deserve reelection.
October 16, 2008
3:21 a.m.
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Rangerjoe1 writes:
Talk about the pot calling the keddle black, Salazar has been at "WAR" against Colorados working familys since he put that silly cowboy hat on. When he gets voted out of Colorado he would make a real good senator in mexico.
October 16, 2008
7:05 a.m.
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ILoveChipotle writes:
Ken is an embarrassment to this state.
October 16, 2008
7:12 a.m.
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WeCanDoBetter writes:
Social Conservatives like Clarence Thomas and Marilyn Musgrave prefer government prerogative over individual liberty. Their desire to regulate the behavior of others is greater than their desire for freedom. They claim that criminals often go free due to technicalities. The technicality they refer to is the fourth amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
Conservatism now means greater interference in the personal lives of American citizens and lax regulation of business. The result; tyranny, recession, pollution and global warming.
Time for a change, do not expect change from the party of Bush, Musgrave and Thomas.
October 16, 2008
7:19 a.m.
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ptorres writes:
With a name like “ILoveChipotle” you belong next to Taco Bell. Senator Salazar is only stating the facts Musgrave has been running ads that all full of beans. As a Colorado Senator his is in the center on his voting record and supports our American Veterans. Did you know he is on the Veteran committee? Check out the candidate before you make dumb remarks, bean head.
October 16, 2008
7:20 a.m.
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cowboy69 writes:
Once again, this shows how important passing amendment 54 is to cleaning up politics in Colorado. Once the dust settles, Coloradons will learn that Markey and her husband has financially benefirted from her position with the Salazar administration.
October 16, 2008
7:21 a.m.
gratefulweb writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
October 16, 2008
7:52 a.m.
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RJS07 writes:
gratefulweb appears to be one of the more educated left. What brilliant prose!
October 16, 2008
8:13 a.m.
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Grim_Reefer writes:
Musgrave needs to go!
October 16, 2008
8:20 a.m.
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B300 writes:
It would be nice to see candidates that are not crooks! I personally dont believe either one. We need to take our government back!!! These people are just going to work for their own agendas, not ours! Wake up people and stop fighting over parties! We are the stupid ones!!!!
October 16, 2008
8:40 a.m.
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Mtnsjohn writes:
I voted for Musgrave to keep some semblance of balance in Washington. Who knows the havoc that will occur without it.
....As I understand it, ACORN now gets 2 percent of a new or refinanced mortgage as a result of the bailout bill. Apparently a gift of the Democrats for ACORN's commitment to registering new democrats. The mortgage division of ACORN uses intimidation and harassment to extort mortgage loans from lenders for those unable to afford them (as long as recipients agree to credit counseling). Countrywide was given awards by ACORN for going along with "their program," and where is Countrywide today?
I see this as just a part of the socialist agenda to redistribute wealth. Take from the those with education, and motivation, with a social security number, with an income that secures a mortgage and give it to a group that is committed to providing loans to the "undocumented", never needing to prove income nor the ability to repay loans. Home ownership being seen as a right has helped get us into this current crisis. Where is the line item veto when we needed it?
Soon we will see that sending Salazar to the Senate was one of Colorado's worst mistakes. He is realizing his goal of becoming the darling of the democratic socialists.
October 16, 2008
9:05 a.m.
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radagan writes:
Markey is just a Salazar flunky looking to get more gov't doleout.
October 16, 2008
9:16 a.m.
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B300 writes:
After reading some of these posts I believe the general public does not know whats really going on out there. I know I am one of those people. I know these people are up to something but few are giving details. It seems to me nothing will change until people change the way we think and feel about our government. These guys are all the same, they just want to get in on the flowing money wagon that we have given to them. Their not that dumb! I hope that some day it backfires on them!
October 16, 2008
9:27 a.m.
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Beergut writes:
I am sure glad this isn't my district, but Musgrave is one of the worse congress people. Just read some of the details of what she's done and you'll see why she's made list after list as the worse and most corrupt politician in Washington. But Markey isn't presenting herself to much better.
October 16, 2008
10:10 a.m.
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Willy writes:
Musgrave is an embarassment.
I liked Salazar when he was AG. I thought he was fair and able to work with both parties to get things done. I probably would have voted for him if he had run for governor. However, since he has gone to DC, he has become nothing but another mouthpiece for Pelosi, Reid and the looney dentist.
October 16, 2008
10:38 a.m.
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ILoveChipotle writes:
Does he think before he speaks? He's just another democratic hack! One-term Salazar.
October 16, 2008
9:01 p.m.
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Joe_Lunchbucket writes:
Ken Salazar is a pathetic, self-serving, race-baiting control freak. And, for Pete's sake, Ken, lose the phony cowboy hate, you're not foolin' anyone.