Statement from RNC Chair Duncan

RNC CHAIRMAN: HOWARD DEAN MUST CEASE & DESIST FROM AIRING ILLEGAL & INACCURATE ADVERTISEMENTS

RNC Addresses Complaint Filed By Republican Party Of Virginia Against DNC

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement today:

“It is becoming increasingly clear that Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will say and do anything to defeat John McCain, even violating federal election law. The conduct of the national party and its chairman in particular, is part of a developing pattern of reckless behavior and rhetoric that has questioned everything from Senator McCain's integrity and character to his heroic and valiant military service to our nation.

“Late Friday, the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) stating the DNC ad against Senator McCain was a coordinated communication between the DNC and its presidential candidates, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. As such, since the advertisement exceeds the $5,000 contribution limit, the DNC ad violates federal election law because it is an excessive in-kind contribution from the national committee to its presidential candidates within the restricted window of time.

“Media reports detail that the DNC has recently been in communication with the campaigns of Senators Clinton and Obama. The reports also detail the fact that the DNC and the campaigns of their presidential candidates have coordinated strategy; therefore, the ad that is currently being run against Senator McCain cannot be an independent expenditure, as presented in the disclaimer.

“This morning we saw yet another advertisement being announced by the Democrat National Committee which is not only illegal, but a complete distortion of Senator McCain's comments and record.

“Over the course of the next six months, we expect the DNC to wage a respectful and honest campaign, which means adhering to the law. Howard Dean and the DNC should immediately cease and desist from airing these advertisements. And if the DNC fails to act, both Senators Clinton and Obama should immediately call on them to do so.”