Congressman Cardin Rewrites History in WJLA Debate

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Setting the Record Straight on Cardin’s Special Interest Connection

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I have stood up to these interests.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Broke Has Racked Up $4.6 Million In Special Interest PAC Money Since First Running For Congress. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Representative Ben Cardin (D-MD) Has Received At Least $44,400 From Oil And Gas Interests Since 1989. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Since 1989, Cardin Has Received $175,132 From The Pharmaceuticals/Health Products Industry. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Insurance Interests Have Contributed $563,627 To Cardin Since 1989. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Setting the Record Straight on Stem Cell Research

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I am in favor of moving forward with embryonic stem cell research. He [Michael Steele] opposes it.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Voted AGAINST Expanded Research On Stem Cells That Do Not Destroy Embryos.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. “Barton, R-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research on the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, with priority for research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #380: Motion rejected. July 18, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

The Senate Voted Unanimously To Pass the Same Bill that Cardin voted AGAINST. Both Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes Voted In Favor Of The Bill.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. Passage of the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research to develop techniques for the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, including a prioritization of research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #205: July 18, 2006, Sarbanes voted Yea; Mikulski voted Yea)

MICHAEL STEELE’S RECORD ON STEM CELL:
Michael Steele:“I am an enthusiastic supporter of cord blood, adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo, and I fully support expanding innovations in technology that make it possible to treat and prevent disease without the willful destruction of human embryos.”

Cardin Flip-Flops on Iraq Troop Withdraw

Cardin Now Calls For The President To Immediately Begin Withdrawing Troops From Iraq. “Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) yesterday called on the Bush administration to immediately begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq and adopt a plan to pull American combat forces out of the country by the end of 2007.” (Steve Vogel, “Cardin Urges Pullout Of Troops By 2007,” Washington Post, June 13, 2006)

But Not That Long Ago, Cardin Rejected Immediately Withdrawing Troops And Setting A Timetable. “Democratic Rep. Ben Cardin, an original opponent of the war, differs from the others. He voted against a resolution calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq and rejected calls for a timetable imposed by Congress. . . . But Cardin believes it is Bush who needs to establish the timetable, [Oren Shur, Cardin Spokesman] said.” (Tom Stuckey, “Most Maryland Senate Candidates Want Iraq Timetable,” Associated Press, November 23, 2005)
Cardin “Not Familiar” with Metro Funding

On October 22, 2006, Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher reported: "(Ben) Cardin, who has represented Baltimore his entire adult life, seems to have little interest in Washington area issues. When I asked him what the next move should be..in providing a dedicated source of funding for Metro, Cardin replied that he was "not familiar with that issue." The man who wants to represent all of Maryland was clueless about a 1.5 billion federal funding source that is the No. 1 priority for the transit system serving the state's largest bloc of voters."(Marc Fisher, Washington Post, October 22, 2006)

Cardin Votes Against Increasing Choices in Health Care

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I am for universal health coverage.”

BEN CARDIN DOES: But Ben Cardin has voted against policies that empower individuals to take ownership over their own health care choices.

Cardin Voted At Least NINE Times Against Health Savings Accounts
(H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #163: Passed 273-152: R 223-0; D 50-151; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H. Res. 638, CQ Vote #158: Adopted 224-203: R 223-0; D 1-202; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H. Res. 638, CQ Vote #157: Motion agreed to 222-202: R 222-0; D 0-201; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #542: Motion rejected 190-218: R 0-210; D 189-8; I 1-0, October 15, 2003, Cardin voted Yea) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #533: Motion rejected 181-214: R 0-206; D 180-8; I 1-0, October 7, 2003, Cardin voted Yea) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #332: Passed 216-215: R 207-19; D 9-195; I 0-1, June 27, 2003, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #328: Passed 237-191: R 222-2; D 15-188; I 0-1, June 26, 2003, Cardin voted Nay) (H Con Res 231). (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #322: Adopted 221-203: R 219-4; D 2-198; I 0-1, June 26, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #321: Motion agreed to 226-203: R 225-1; D 1-201; I 0-1, June 26, 2003, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Consistently Opposes Legislation To Make Healthcare Affordable For Small Business Owners Despite The Bill’s Bi-Partisan Support. In The Last Six Years, Cardin Has Voted At Least TEN TIMES Against Association Health Plans. (H.R. 2990, CQ Vote #485: Passed 227-205: R 216-5; D 11-199; I 0-1, October 6, 1999, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 2563, CQ Vote #328: Adopted 236-194: R 217-2; D 18-191; I 1-1, August 2, 2001, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 2563, CQ Vote #332: Passed 226-203: R 220-0; D 5-202; I 1-1, August 2, 2001, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #289: Motion agreed to 224-198: R 224-0; D 0-197; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #290: Adopted 224-199: R 224-0; D 0-198; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #296: Passed 262-162: R 226-1; D 36-160; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4279, H.R. 4280, H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #157: Motion agreed to 222-202: R 222-0; D 0-201; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4279, H.R. 4280, H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #158: Adopted 224-203: R 223-0; D 1-202; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #174: Passed 252-162: R 215-0; D 37-161; I 0-1, May 13, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 525, CQ Vote #426: Passed 263-165: R 227-0; D 36-164; I 0-1, July 26, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Lies About His Support For Privatizing Social Security

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “He [Michael Steele] supports the President’s plan to privatize social security. I oppose it.”

BEN CARDIN DOES: Congressman Cardin has supported privatizing Social Security for years.

In 1998, During A Forum On Social Security With President Clinton, Cardin Seemingly Embraced The Idea Of “Directing Some Of An Individual’s FICA Payment” Into An Investment Fund. Cardin: “We’ve talked about a lot of proposals here and some that have already been publicly mentioned. But let me just mention one that we talked a little bit about here, and one that we hoped would get some discussion. And that is that we would leverage by directing some of an individual’s FICA payment into a diversified investment fund, provided that the individual employer is prepared to participate by including some private retirement plan within his program. Thus, we will be providing higher retirement income for the individual, greater private savings, and potential savings for the long-term solvency of the Social Security trust fund.” (FDCH Political Transcripts, April 7, 1998)

While Discussing Newt Gingrich’s Plan To Add Personal Retirement Accounts To Social Security, Cardin Offered His Own “Improvements” To The Plan, Adding That He Would Like To Prohibit Anyone Taking Money From The Accounts Until Retirement. Cardin: “These retirement accounts need to be a part of the Social Security system. My improvements would prohibit any taking of money from these accounts until retirement [and] add additional private retirement funds, so they would get more money and have less reliability on Social Security. But any plan for improving the current situation would have to involve increasing private savings, making Social Security more affordable for future generations and keeping in mind the new wave of retirees.” (David Novich, “How Social Security Can Be Made Well Again,” The Baltimore Sun, April 26, 1998)

As Recently As 2002, The Washington Post Reported That Cardin Was Involved With Reforms Allowing Younger Workers To Direct Portions Of Their FICA Taxes Into Private Retirement Accounts. “An expert on Social Security, Cardin is closely involved in proposed national reforms such as permitting younger workers to direct FICA taxes into private retirement-saving accounts or investing a portion of trust funds in private markets.” (Spencer S. Hsu and Christian Davenport, “Host of High-Profile Primaries,” The Washington Post, September 5, 2002)

Cardin Lies About Working With BOTH Political Parties

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I’ve been able to work across party lines.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin’s Party Support Score, An Astounding Average Of 92%, Is The Same Score As The Man Responsible For Keeping Democrat Votes In Line, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD). (“Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006; “Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Steny Hoyer, The Minority Whip, Is In Charge of Keeping Democrat Caucus Members Voting With The Party. “The name for the position of Whip is derived from the term ‘whipper in’, which is a British term for the person responsible for keeping the foxhounds from leaving the pack. The Whip talks to Democratic Members about their level of support for a piece of legislation before it comes to the Floor for a major vote. The Whip also works with Members to build strong support within the caucus for the Democratic agenda.” (Office Of The Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer’s Website, http://democraticwhip.house.gov/about_the_whip/the_whip_s_role/, Accessed October 6, 2006)

True Bi-Partisan Former Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD) Had A Party Support Score Of 46%. (“Rep. Constance A. Morella (R–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Former Rep. And Current Governor Of Maryland Robert Ehrlich, Has A Lower Party Support Score Than Cardin At 89%. (“Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.,” (R–Md.), CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Cardin Lies About Support for Tax Relief

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “The middle income tax cuts I have supported and would like to see made permanent.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Opposed The Original Creation Of The Tuition Tax Deduction:

The Republican Tax Bill Of 2001 Created The College Tuition Tax Deduction. “Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, is responsible for enacting the college tuition tax deduction in 2001 and is working to extend it through legislation as soon as possible.” (Senator Charles Grassley [R-IA], Senate Finance Committee, Memorandum To Reporters and Editors, May 17, 2006)

The 2001 Tax Cuts Included Substantial Deductions For College Tuition. “College Tuition Deductions. Allows a deduction for higher education costs in 2002 through 2005. Individuals with adjusted gross incomes up to $65,000 and couples with up to $130,000 could deduct up to $3,000 per year in 2002 and 2003, increasing to $4,000 in 2004 and 2005. Individuals making up to $85,000 per year and couples making up to $160,000 could deduct up to $2,000 in education expenses.” (“Wide-Ranging Tax Cut Package Provides Relief For All,” Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor, May 26, 2001)

Cardin Voted Against The Creation Of The Tuition Tax Deduction. Tax Cut Reconciliation -- Conference Report. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted (thus sent to the Senate) 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Cardin voted Nay)

And Cardin Opposed The College Tuition Deduction Extension In 2005. Tax Reconciliation – Passage. (H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621: Passed 234-197: R 225-3; D 9-193; I 0-1, December 8, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)

Rep. Cardin Claimed In May, 2006: “Democrats Want This Credit Extended. And We’ll Do Everything We Can To Get It Extended.” (Democrat Members Of Congress, Press Conference, Washington, D.C., “Democratic Members Of Congress Hold A News Conference On The Republican Tax Bill,” May 17, 2006)

And Cardin Opposed The Extension Of The Tuition Tax Deduction This Year:

When Given The Chance To Put His Vote Where His Mouth Is, Cardin Voted Against The Tuition Tax Deduction Extension:

Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Could Have Voted To Extend The Teacher Expense Deduction Earlier This Year But Did Not:

The House Passed Tax Bill That Cardin Opposed Extended The Deduction Teacher’s Can Take For Expenses. “Annual deduction of up to $250 for teachers’ purchases of classroom supplies, regardless of whether the teacher itemizes deductions.” (“House-Passed Tax Package Goes Far Beyond Estate Tax, Minimum Wage,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

The Republican Congress Permanently Extended The Small Savers Credit

The “Savers Credit” Was Permanently Extended In August 2006. “The measure also permanently extends the ‘saver’s credit,’ which was enacted in 2001 and was set to expire at the end of 2006. The credit provides a non-refundable credit to taxpayers with incomes below certain levels who make contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs.” (H.R. 4, CQ Bill Analysis, As Signed Into Law By The President On Aug. 17, 2006)

H.R. 4, Which Cardin Voted Against, Makes Permanent The $2,000 Savers Credit For Low – Income Taxpayers. “The bill makes permanent a number of tax incentives aimed at encouraging retirement savings, including the $2,000 saver’s credit for certain low-income taxpayers, as well as increased 401(k) and IRA contribution limits enacted in 2001 and scheduled to expire in 2010. The increased limits would be indexed for inflation, and taxpayers would be given the option of depositing tax refunds directly into an IRA.” (“Highlights Of The House-Passed Pension Bill: Shortfall Coverage And 401(K) Plans,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Cardin Voted Against The Pension Legislation That Extended Permanently The “Savers Credit.” Pension Overhaul – Passage. “Passage of the bill that would overhaul federal pension laws. It would establish a new premium, $1,250 for each participant the company’s pension plan, that employers who terminate their plans must pay the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. It would change the formula for determining whether a pension plan is fully funded, and require employers to meet a 100 percent funding target. Firms that administer 401(k) plans would be allowed to give investment advice to employees with respect to the firm’s own financial products, but it would have to be based on an independently certified computer model.” (H.R. 4, CQ Vote #422: Passed 279-131: R 203-16; D 76-114; I 0-1, July 28, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Could Have Voted To Extend The State Sales Tax Deduction Earlier This Year But Did Not:

The Republican Passed Tax Measure That Cardin Opposed Reauthorized The Tax Deduction For State And Local Sales Taxes. “Itemized deduction of state and local sales taxes in lieu of state income taxes, a provision critical to states that lack an income tax.” (“House-Passed Tax Package Goes Far Beyond Estate Tax, Minimum Wage,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Cardin Voted Against The Extension Of The Sales Tax Deduction Earlier This Year. Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

And Cardin Voted Against Extending The State Sales Tax Deduction In 2005. Tax Reconciliation – Passage. (H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621: Passed 234-197: R 225-3; D 9-193; I 0-1, December 8, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)