Mitch McConnell’s latest ad attacking Bruce Lunsford may not be– get this– truthful. What, Mitch McConnell lie? I know, right?
So the ad that attacks Valor Health Care? We’re not gonna rehash it, you can watch it HERE. But turns out that ad is bunk.
We want to clear up a couple things in the supporting documentation the McConnell campaign sent out that allegedly proves their ad as solid. You may view it by clicking here (PDF Link).
Some facts… The documentation provided by Mitch McConnell’s campaign states that Valor saved taxpayers more than $500,000.
All of those Arkansas Dem-Gazette articles Justin cites? All of them plainly state that there was NO EVIDENCE supporting those alleged complaints.
And Valor received a gold seal from the VA.
Kay Bailey Hutchinson apparently never visited the clinic in question. No one from her staff visited. (Sidenote: If you’re a U.S. Senator, why wouldn’t you take care of things yourself instead of going through the VA? Maybe just so you could get a letter for your buddy Mitch?)
We’re beginning to think this whole thing was carefully crafted by the McConnell crew in order to make fancy commercials about Bruce. Take this from Ryan Alessi’s story, for example:
Moore, a 62-year-old Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart, told the Herald-Leader that he was contacted four months ago by an investigator for a public relations firm working for McConnell’s campaign. “I don’t care about McConnell’s campaign or about any Democrat or Republican. I just care about this clinic here,” said Moore, who said he received no compensation for appearing in the ad.
You get that? The veterans weren’t out there doing anything and raising concern until after Mitch McConnell’s campaign pushed them.
Did McConnell’s camp create this? Did they get these people fired up? Did Mitch request that his good buddy Kay do him a favor? Sure seems like it.
5 responses so far ↓
1 dave // Sep 29, 2008 at 10:39 am
http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_929_595.aspx
2 Chris Adkins // Sep 29, 2008 at 10:46 am
Jake-
Interesting conspiracy theory. But let’s simply review the timeline of events:
The inquiries into Valor’s Texas clinics came about because of complaints received by DEMOCRATIC Representative Nick Lampson from Texas.
The VA investigation into the veterans’ complaints began 18 MONTHS AGO– while Lunsford was running for Governor.
Are you suggesting that Nick Lampson was working to help Senator McConnell? That is laughable.
1- Lampson is a partisan Democrat.
2- NO ONE knew Lunsford would even be a candidate for the Senate (once again, he was running for Governor at the time).
Rahm Emanuel and the Democratic Caucus have promoted Lampson’s efforts to investigate Valor and its business practices. (http://www.dems.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7B2D7E6E08-EBA9-41F2-96E7-638CAE603CE3%7D&DE=%7BB365C00C-E90B-4A34-926C-8407100C9691%7D)
You should ask Representative Lampson how he feels about Valor. Ask Lampson to release all of the documentation he has about veteran complaints.
Valor’s business practices were also investigated by the Arkansas legislature months before Bruce Lunsford even got in the race.
Are you suggesting that the Arkansas Legislature was working to help Senator McConnell (who wasn’t even running against Bruce Lunsford at the time?) Again, laughable.
You are trying to defend the indefensible. Bruce Lunsford has a long history of putting profits above patients. Valor is simply more of the same.
3 jake // Sep 29, 2008 at 10:48 am
Actually, what I am suggesting, is that Kay Bailey Hutchinson got the VA letter at the request of YOU.
I am suggesting– as Ryan Alessi reported– that your campaign’s communication consultant sought those veterans out in order to put together a bullshit advertisement.
4 Chris Adkins // Sep 29, 2008 at 10:54 am
Ryan Alessi also reported:
“The ad cites a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs review into the quality of care offered at Valor’s outpatient clinics in Texas City and Galveston, Texas.
The agency’s inquiry began at the request of Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, who represents the district that includes the two Valor clinics. Lampson’s April 30, 2008, letter to VA Secretary James B. Peake said veterans seeking medical tests at the facilities were turned away ‘due to cost,’ according to the Galveston Daily News.”
5 Read it // Sep 29, 2008 at 11:24 am
http://www.usdoj.gov/opr/us-att-firings-rpt092308.pdf
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