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Local Democrats call on Drake to cancel fundraiser with Rove

Posted by Greg on Monday, July 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 14, 2008

Local Democrats call on Drake to cancel fundraiser with Rove
Rove defied a Congressional subpoena, but Drake will still raise money from him

VIRGINIA BEACH - Delegates Bobby Mathieson and Joe Bouchard called on Rep. Thelma Drake on Monday to cancel her upcoming fundraiser with Karl Rove, in light of his failure to appear for a Congressional subpoena last week.

The former Bush advisor refused to testify before a Judiciary subcommittee on Thursday, citing executive privilege and a pre-scheduled, out-of-country trip. On Friday, Rove plans to return to the country for a Virginia Beach fundraiser to benefit Drake's campaign.

"We're calling on Congresswoman Drake today to cancel her fundraiser and return all money affiliated with the event," said Delegate Joe Bouchard (D-Virginia Beach) during a conference call on Monday. "It's surprising that our Congresswoman would associate with a man who could be facing contempt of Congress charges."

Just hours after Rove's refusal to appear on Thursday, Rep. Drake sent out an e-mail solicitation, reminding her supporters of the Rove fundraiser. The event will take place Friday afternoon at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Virginia Beach.

"As someone who spent a career in law enforcement, I know that we have laws in this country for a reason. There are consequences for people who don't follow the rules," said Delegate Bobby Mathieson (D-Virginia Beach), who served almost three decades as a police officer in Virginia Beach. "I'm disappointed to learn that my Congresswoman is going to raise money from a man who openly broke the rules of the institution she serves."

Rove could face contempt of Congress charges for his failure to testify Thursday about the Bush Administration pressuring prosecutors to go after Democratic lawmakers. The Judiciary Committee will rule on whether to pass civil and criminal contempt of Congress resolutions against Rove.

If the Judiciary Committee approves resolutions, they would go to a floor vote. This would set up Rep. Drake to vote on whether Rove should be charged with contempt of Congress.

"There's a serious conflict of interest here with Thelma Drake inviting Karl Rove to headline a fundraiser for her just weeks before she may vote on his fate," said Bouchard. "We hope that she will cancel the event, not accept any funds associated with it, and choose her constituents over Karl Rove."

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