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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: Elections
Box: 8
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
Durham Morning Herald
March 24, 1982
Carolina Poll Says
Hunt Has Lead Over Helms
RALEIGH (AP) - Democratic Gov. Jim
and political observers expect him to do so
Hunt would beat Republican Sen. Jesse Helms
by a substantial margin if they met in a race for
Philip Meyer, a UNC professor who headed
Helms' Senate seat today, shows a poll con-
the survey, said polls that run far ahead of an
ducted by the University of North Carolina
election typically measure only the degree of
School of Journalism.
name recognition each candidate has and that
the results can be expected to shift as the
The survey known as the Carolina Poll
campaigns heat up.
showed Hunt with a 19 percentage point lead
"It's really just a game at this point," he said.
over Helms.
But he also acknowledged that Hunt and
Fifty-two percent of those surveyed said they
Helms, the top-ranking elected officials of their
would vote for Hunt and 33 percent said they
respective state party organizations, are both
would vote for Helms. Fifteen percent of those
well known to voters. And he said the large
surveyed said they were undecided.
increase in Hunt's margin since October was
The results reflected a substantially larger
surprising.
margin for Hunt than when the Carolina Poll
asked the same question last October. That
The poll was conducted by students with the
time, Hunt had 45½ percent, Helms had 37½
guidance of a faculty member, Meyer. Experi-
percent and 17 percent was undecided
enced in polling, he is the author of a widely
used journalism textbook on polling and other
Hunt has not said whether he will challenge
methods of public opinion measurement. The
Helms when the senator's second term expires
poll is conducted once each semester in connec-
in 1984, but many Democratic party leaders
tion with a course.
PRESERVATION
WILLIAM D. Cox
MAYOR
HERTFORD. NORTH CAROLINA
Dear Friend,
A group of distinguished and concerned North Carolinians have joined
together to defeat Jesse Helms.
You can help us remove this dangerous right-wing demagogue from the
United States Senate by accepting our invitation to support the North
Carolina Campaign Fund.
Jesse Helms is a serious concern to all fair-minded Americans.
California's Senator Alan Cranston recently said that he is "the most
dangerous figure in the Senate since the late Joseph McCarthy."
He is considered by some astute political observers to be more powerful
than the President of the United States.
I am writing you because I feel that you also understand the seriousness
of the national right-wing political machine headed by Senator Helms, a
machine that feeds on divisive emotional issues such as abortion and civil
rights.
Jesse Helms no longer represents the interests of our state.
A poll conducted by the University of North Carolina School of Journalism
shows Senator Helms trailing one of his likely challengers by 19%.
And the results of the 1982 congressional elections in North Carolina
clearly indicate that Helms is vulnerable. All of the candidates he backed
suffered defeat despite his endorsement and a massive expenditure of funds.
But, despite these facts, we know Jesse Helms is dangerous. But what
makes him immeasurably more effective and powerful than any other senator?
The answer: the Helms Machine.
The political juggernaut he personally commands reaches far beyond the
borders of North Carolina. He can tap the financial resources of every
(over, please)
North Carolina Campaign Fund
Statewide Advisory Committee
Judge L. Richardson Preyer
Newman A. Townsend, Jr.
Hon. Terry Sanford
Chair, NCCF
Former Chairman, Board of Trustees
Former Governor of North Carolina
Former Member of Congress
University of North Carolina
Wallace Hyde
Luther Hodges, Jr.
at Chapel Hill
Democratic National Committeeman
Chairman,
Janice Faulkner
Dr. Elizabeth Welch
National Bank of Washington
Former Executive Director,
President,
Dr. Juanita Kreps
North Carolina Democratic Party
Senior Democrats of North Carolina
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Hon. E.V. Wilkins
Dr. Joel Fleishman
Denny Shaffer
Mayor of Roper, N.C.
Vice Chancellor, Duke University
President, Sierra Clubs of America
*partial listing, titles for identification purposes only
Authorized and paid for by the North Carolina Campaign Fund.
- 2 -
rabid right-wing group clear across the country. At the drop of a letter, a
mailing to his own Congressional Club of 300,000 donors can raise millions to
destroy any progressive candidate.
After all, Jesse Helms has become the most vociferous advocate in Congress
of every Far Right position.
After all, it was Jesse Helms who
...
...
proposed the Human Life Amendment that would outlaw abortion
regardless of the reason, even in the case of rape or incest.
almost single-handedly fought against renewal of the Voting Rights
Act.
sponsored the proposed Family Protection Act that would prevent sex
education, eliminate birth control information, and repeal federal
wife and child abuse laws.
introduced legislation to strip the federal courts of the right to
hear cases on issues involving individual freedoms such as school
prayer and reproductive rights.
led a group of right-wing senators in efforts to eliminate the legal
services program for the poor.
...
crippled the food stamp program and substantially reduced the school
lunch program.
By appeasing his national single-issue supporters, Senator Helms has
alienated North Carolina voters. His racial and religious intolerance have
embarrassed our state. And, he is out-of-step with the folks back home on key
issues.
These local issues will hurt him here in North Carolina:
-- He has never employed a black on his hundred-person staff. Our state
is 22% black.
-- His vote as the only Senator to support the Argentine dicta-
torship's invasion of the Falklands, and his direct dealings with
Central and South American dictators are deeply resented by
patriotic North Carolinians.
-- North Carolina was the state which held out against ratifying the
Constitution until it contained a Bill of Rights. North Carolinians
don't want to see it undermined by their own Senator.
--
He is viewed as representing the interests of out-of-state oil
companies and corporate giants rather than the interests of North
Carolina.
(next page, please)
- 3 -
But, while we sincerely believe that Jesse Helms can be defeated in 1984,
we don't have a minute to lose. 1984 may seem a long way off. BUT ... Jesse
Helms knows it's not. He is already building a campaign war chest with
millions and millions of dollars to hold his Senate seat.
Frankly, the only way he can be beaten is if you and I begin now to form a
national coalition of concerned citizens to raise the funds to beat him.
There is great opposition to Jesse Helms at home. But, given the fact of
his massive money machine, we must begin the long and expensive process of
informing North Carolina voters about Helms's record on matters that concern
them most.
Jesse Helms is an unscrupulous campaigner with a long history of grossly
distorting his opponents' records. To understand what we face in North
Carolina, I'd like to tell you a little about how Jesse Helms came to power.
He got his political start doing publicity for the 1950 race-baiting sena-
torial campaign of Willis Smith. Handbills saying "White People Wake Up" and
showing doctored photographs of Smith's opponent's wife dancing with a black
man were widely circulated. When Smith won, Helms went to Washington as his
aide.
Jesse Helms returned to North Carolina, where he began broadcasting on a
conservative Raleigh television station in 1960. He personally did 2,700 TV
editorials over the next 12 years. His blatant racist attacks on "restless
Negroes" and the "immorality" of blacks were carried on 70 stations of the
Tobacco Radio Network.
In 1972, he ran for the U.S. Senate against Congressman Nick Galifianakis,
son of Greek immigrants. His campaign called his opponent "Nick the Greek"
and his campaign slogan was: "Jesse Helms, He Is One Of Us."
The Nixon landslide over Senator McGovern swept Helms into the Senate. You
probably began to hear of Jesse Helms about this time.
The New Right was being born under the direction of Jerry Falwell and
Senator Helms. Falwell founded the Moral Majority and Helms founded the
Congressional Club. Their message and approach was the same -- attract
thousands of small donors by concentrating on such emotional issues as
abortion, civil rights, crime, and school desegregation.
When Jesse Helms sought reelection in 1978, his Congressional Club had
over 300,000 donors from all over the nation.
He raised $6.7 million for his own 1978 reelection - nearly three times
more than has ever been spent on a national Senate race. Because North
Carolina voters were becoming wary of his fanatical right-wing activities, he
was forced to spend $13.65 for each vote ... and then he only won by a narrow
margin.
(over, please)
- 4 -
Jesse Helms raises very little of his massive campaign funds from North
Carolina. He has a national army of small donors who pool their gifts to keep
him and his friends in power.
This is where your help becomes essential.
The new North Carolina Campaign Fund is a well-organized group of thought-
ful citizens here in North Carolina who are willing to do the tough groundwork
necessary to defeat Senator Helms in 1984. But, frankly, without the help of
people like you from outside of North Carolina, we simply cannot hope to com-
pete financially with Senator Helms.
Thus, I am writing to urgently seek your generous help in launching this
effort.
Already, we have assigned people to study Helms's record here and in
Washington. We will use radio, newspaper, and television ads to tell North
Carolinians the truth about Jesse Helms.
Also, we must do extensive polling to locate his areas of weakness and to
identify voters and issues to defeat him.
There are qualified and popular progressive candidates who could challenge
Helms. Our job is to help ensure victory by exposing Helms to the voters.
Please join us in taking a stand against Jesse Helms and his crowd.
These aren't the people we want running our state. And, they aren't the
people you and I want running our nation.
You can't vote against Jesse Helms. But, you can play a vital part in
causing his defeat.
We must begin now to pave the way. Your generous gift today is so
important to our success.
Sincerely,
William D. cap
William D. Cox Mayor
NORTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN FUI
At last!
Here is a real chance for me to help defeat the
Statewide
Senate's most dangerous member, Jesse Helms. Even though I do
Advisory Committe
not reside in his state of North Carolina, I want to join you in working
to oust him from the Senate. Enclosed is my contribution of:
$20
$35
$50
$75
$150
Other $
Judge L. Richardson Preyer
Chair, NCCF
Former Member of Congress
Please make your check payable to the North Carolina Campaign Fund (NCCF) and return it along with this
Janice Faulkner
Hon. Terry Sant
form to Judge L. Richardson Preyer, Chair, North Carolina Campaign Fund, 400 Oberlin Road, Suite 380,
Former Executive Director,
Former Gover
North Carolina
North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina 27605.
Democratic Party
Denny Shaffer
Dr. Joel Fleishman
President, Sie
Vice Chancellor,
America
Duke University
Newman A. Tow
395
Luther Hodges, Jr.
Former Chaim
WAYNE H. VALIS
Chairman,
Board of Trust
3419 WASHINGTON DRIVE
National Bank of
University of N
22041
Washington
at Chapel Hill
FALLS CHURCH, VA
Wallace Hyde
Dr. Elizabeth W
Democratic National
President,
Committeeman
Senior Democ
Dr. Juanita Kreps
North Carolina
Former U.S. Secretary of
Hon. E.V. Wilkin
Commerce
Mayor of Rope
Authorized and paid for by the North Carolina Campaign Fund.
*partial listing, titles for identification purposes only
The Washington Post
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
file
Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
NewYork
Learning From 2 Losers
Just what course President Reagan stays for the
recovery is possible before the next election: both
next two years may depend on how the White
rely in 1984 on Democratic bungling and the Gip-
House interprets the two most fascinating cam-
per's popularity-a view not discouraged by Tues-
paigns of the midterm election: Republican losses
day's Republican losses.
for governor of New York and Michigan.
Enter New York and Michigan. Five days before
Lewis Lehrman and Richard Headlee defied con-
the election, Democratic pollster Pat Caddell had
ventional forecasts by nearly winning races they
Lehrman trailing by 12 percentage points, but
were supposed to lose ignominiously. They did so
feared the Republican's rhetoric would catch hold.
by imitating Reagan's 1980 tone, well to the right of
It did, beginning Saturday morning. Lehrman's fin-
his homogenized 1982 Republicanism. While the
ish, three points behind, caused Caddell consider-
president was urging Americans to stay the course,
able anxiety.
Lehrman and Headlee took a hard right-populist
Lehrman, elegant and scholarly, had earned the
turn: cut taxes to induce prosperity.
respect of ideological antagonists. But insurance
That their ideology contributed to near-wins has
man Headlee is a New Rightist reviled by Michi-
not dawned on the doggedly non-ideological men
gan's moderate GOP establishment and considered
who run the White House. But if they focus on
a political basket case in a state ravaged by reces-
New York and Michigan, a way might be found out
sion. Doggedly preaching tax reduction, Headlee
of the political dilemma that threatens to engulf
finished only six points down.
the Republican Party in rancor, without sparing
Lehrman and Headlee contrasted with belea-
Reagan himself.
guered Republican candidates who, fearful of
The way out, suggested by critics of the White
Reaganomics, retreated to campaign banality.
House: abandon crunching astronomical figures of
Democrats just. attacked Reagan and relied on
David Stockman's budgets and concentrate on re-
unemployment. The upshot was an election good
storing prosperity, as did the Lehrman and Headlee
enough not to frighten the White House into
campaigns. That would mean fighting budget defi-
change but bad enough to pose the compromise-or-
cits by a commitment to low interest rates and eco-
confront dilemma for the president.
nomic recovery.
The way out glimpsed by White House realists is
Despite chief of staff James Baker's professions
to finesse dangerous tinkering with the budget. All
that a 26-seat House loss did not destroy the presi-
budget options-tax increases, Social Security
dent's coalition, senior aides have begun wrestling
tightening, defense and entitlement cuts-are
over how to react to just that destruction. Charac-
politically suicidal and economically smothering.
teristically, Baker would accommodate the new
Thus, farsighted White House aides see in the
congressional reality through compromise-a
Lehrman-Headlee rhetoric hope for a worried na-
course favored by Republican leaders in Congress.
tion.
Conservatives on the White House staff, closet
Nothing important has happened in the White
and otherwise, prefer a veto war against Congress,
House this year without Jim Baker's approval. He is
with Reagan going to the country for confirmation
neither a visionary nor ideólogue, but a practical man
in November 1984. That is also Ronald Reagan's
accustomed to dealing with today's, not tomorrow's,
choice, but insiders no longer bet against Jim
problems. Nevertheless, the demonstrated popular
Baker's getting his way with the president.
appeal of two right-wing visionaries dismissed as
Neither of these courses, however, comes to grips
hopeless cases conceivably could influence him at thin
with the recession that suffocated Reagan's 1982
turning point for the Reagan presidency.
hopes. Neither school even argues that economic
1962 Field Enterprises, Inc.
Morton-
F.Y.I. Bob Giuffra
DAILY
NEWS
NEW YORK, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
We'll be hearing more about:
Γ
IS RARE that the los-
Lehrman.
and everyone in New York
er of an election re-
knows his name.
mains as interesting, or
Furthermore, rumor has
almost so, as the winner.
it his stock did well
But so it was and is for
in the buil market, so he has
Lewis Lehrman this week, and in the weeks to come.
more millions to spend if he feels like it. "Nobody in this
While the old, moderate-to-liberal Republican state
campaign lost a thing," said exhausted press secretary
leadership profoundly wishes that Lehrman would disap-
John Buckley, "including Lew." That's not quite true.
pear, it was clear at his concession press conference on
Losing never beats winning. But coming this close comes
Wednesday that he has no intention of doing so. For a
close, especially for a neophyte.
loser, Lehrman was positively buoyant. At times, I
Lehrman has two problems. One is to establish himself
thought I must have wandered Into the wrong press
as the clear leader of the state Republican Party, against
conference.
the passive resistance of Senate Majority Leader Warren
"I told my staff on election morning that I had a secret
Anderson, who is an important legislator but is about as
plan for victory," Lehrman said. "I would
exciting as a dumpling, and the more active
go on the air at 9 a.m. and tell every New
opposition of Erie County's two pretty
Yorker that he or she had to vote for me. If
boys, Rep. Jack Kemp and State Controller
they didn't, I was going to keep my com-
Ned Regan, who won their races. They are
mercials on the air for three more years,"
by no means anxious to help Lehrman stay
he concluded, to much laughter. While
in politics.
avoiding that cruel extreme, he'll be
His other big problem will be to be the
around. He said he regarded his $8 million
loyal opposition without becoming a bore.
personal expenditure (out of a record $13.5
A loss is a loss, and four years out is a long
million spent) as & good investment, and
time, as even master publicist Henry
that he is committed to a career in public
Kissinger has learned. Competing Republi-
service and will "positively" run again-
Beth
cans like Kemp and Regan have offices
although he would not specify for what.
from which to speak, and may hope to wear
He congratulated Mario Cuomo on his
Fallon
Lehrman away over a four-year-period.
"outstanding race" and "marvelous vic-
Who, for example, will be de facto leader of
tory," even noting the massive contribution
the state's delegation to the 1984 pre-
of Cuomo's son and director of operations,
sidential convention? The public won't
24-year-old Andrew. In four years, Lehrman kidded, "all
give a damn, but Lehrman will have to.
my five younger children will be older, and we'll have a
The unhappiest man at the New York Sheraton on
rematch." Meanwhile. he said, he will lead the "loyal
Wednesday was Lehrman field wizard Tim Carey. "On a
opposition."
70% turnout, I figured with 2.5 million votes, we win. We
It is not often that a loser is as cheery as Lehrman, for
got 'em, just about, but he turned out 2.6 million, which I
as a wise old pol once told me, "In a car crash or an
never figured possible. Everybody talks about the ads
and TV money. This election was won in the fieid, by
election, an inch is as good as a mile. Either you hit the
old-time, grass-roots pulling operations. He could
thing, or you don't." Nonetheless, Lehrman has plenty to
wholesale his, through the unions, while we had to retail
be cheery about. He came within 165,000 votes of the
ours, but this election was won in the street, especially
governor's mansion, out of more than 5 million cast, on
New York City, especially Manhattan and the Bronx. I
his very first try for public office. He is only 44 years old.
should have figured better. Next time."
He reinforced the Conservative Party's dominant role
There seemed to be little doubt at the Sheraton on the
recently in choosing Republican candidates. He estab-
part of anyone, including Lehrman's wife, Louise, that
lished a highly efficient organization, which will remain
there will be a next time. "He's not just going home,"
in place. He is no longer just a rich kid with a checkbook,
Louise said. "He shouldn't."
PATRICK A. TRUEMAN
405 Division Street
Buffalo, Minn. 55313
file Elections ,982
TRUEMAN FOR CONGRESS EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE
CAMPAIGN UPDATE # 2
April 29, 1983
The Trueman for Congress Exploratory Committee set up a letters to the
editor committee earlier this year. Its purpose is to keep the public informed
of Congressman Sikorski's votes and actions and also to discover issues that can
be used in the campaign to unseat him. I believe the committee has now discovered
a BIG issue. Let me explain:
Gerry Sikorski took a vacation junket (there is no other way to describe
it) to the Peoples Republic of China March 25 through April 9. Ostensibly the
trip was to open new markets for Minnesota products but we have reliable information
that indicates it was a pleasure trip only with no business conducted. The trip
was paid for by the taxpayers, of course. We've also learned that Sikorski took
his wife on the trip at taxpayers' expense.
It is irresponsible for a congressman with just three months service to take
a Junket of this kind but it's not surprising that Sikorski did. He is firmly
committed to the liberal Democratic agenda so wasting tax money apparently isn't
a worry to him.
The TFC Letters to the Editor Committee got people in every part of the
district to write letters about the junket. So successful was the committee in
placing letters in newspapers, including the Minneapolis Star & Tribune and the
Saint Paul Pioneer Press, that the Minnesota Independent-Republican Party decided
to get into the fray. At the direction of I-R Chairman, Bill Morris, ads were
prepared on the junket and, in conjunction with the Sixth Congressional District,
the state party paid for ads in newspapers all throughout Anoka and Washington
County. Following that by a week, Morris issued a press release to all Sixth
District media.
The Minneapolis Star & Tribune ran a story this week titled "I-R Newspaper
Ads Criticize Rep. Sikorski for His Trip to China." It is very significant that
the article appeared more than one month after Sikorski left for his junket. So
the issue is sticking with Sikorski.
As you know a junket can be a "killer issue." You can be sure that our
letters to the editor committee will keep the pressure on so watch for more letters
to appear in your local newspapers. I hope you'll feel free to join in on this
effort. I am enclosing all the documents mentioned above. Please send any letters
that appear in your local papers to me. Be sure to provide a proper citation
(the name of the paper, date, page and section).
All other aspects of the campaign are going well and I will continue to keep
you informed. I trust you will keep the contents of this letter confidential.
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Trueman
Journal-Press, Buffalo, MN
5A
St. Paul Disputch PrimenPress
Journal-Press, Buffalo, MN
5A
4/4/83
April 14, 1983
April 28, 1983
To the Editor:
Low road to China
During
the
Easter
Congressional break I had the
Dear Editor:
At a time when difficult deci-
opportunity to discuss my
My mailbox has-been bom-
sions 'have to be made concerning
opinions and concerns of
barded recently with literature
ways to cut federal spending, my
Minnesota's economy with
from Democrat Congressman
congressman, Gerry Sikorski, is on
Representative Vin Weber as he
Gerry Sikorski. I don't feel it is
a junket to China at taxpayers' ex-
toured this area talking to the
necessary and especially so,
pense. I find this disturbing.
people of his district. As a
when the taxpayer must pick up
MRS. S.J. NOBLE
resident of the 6th
the tab.
Excelsior
Congressional District I sought
I also read of Sikorski's trip to
out 2nd District Representative
China, recently, accompanied
Weber because 6th District
by his wife. Sikorski just
Representative Gerry Sikorski
assumed Public Office in Jan. of
was on a junket to China.
'83. Has he had sufficient time
Sikorski was using taxpayers
to do his homework on U.S.-
Minneapolis Star and Tribune
Mon., April 11, 1983
8A
funds to support a trip to China
China relationships to warrant
that would do nothing for
a trip to China so soon after
Minnesota, a congressional
getting into office? I don't think
junket for his own pleasure. The
he has! All this again at tax-
Sikorski and taxes
people of Minnesota want more
payers' expense! It is at least
than media blitzes and junkets
hoped, he paid for his wife's
Soon after Gerry Sikorski was elect-
from our Congressmen, we
trip. Where is Sikorski's
ed to Congress, my wife and I talked.
expect them to represent our
genuine concern for tax-
to him and asked that he help me
views, something Sikorski fails
payers??
support my family by not raising our
to understand.
taxes. He promised he would not,"
Sincerely,
Nice going, Gerry. He's been in of-
Marlin Schutte
Mrs. Casper Zumbusch
fice three months and has already.
Montrose
Buffalo, MN
voted to raise my taxes 10 percent. T
would complain to him directly, but
he's off to China (at taxpayers' ex-
pense). - Nathan Blims, Baypert,
Minn.
Bulletin Washington County
april 7, 1983
Nice going Gerry
Back in November, soon after Gerry Sikorski was
Nice going, Gerry! He's been in office three months
elected to Congress, my wife and I talked to him and con-
and has already voted to raise my taxes 10 percent. I
gratulated him on the results of the election. We then
would complain to him directly, but he's off to China (at
mentioned to him that we appreciated what the Reagan
taxpayers' expense). Of course he leaves us with the im-
administration has done for us. Even though my employ-
pression that he is our representative in Washington
er has been unable to give me a raise in the last year, my
with his campaign quality newsletters, again at our ex-
money is going farther. This is due both to a dramatic
pense. No wonder he feels the need to add another 10 per-
decrease in the rate of inflation and to a decrease in tax-
cent to what I don't take home.
es. We asked Mr. Sikorski to continue to help me support
Thanks a bunch, Gerry, wherever you are!
my family by not raising our taxes; he promised he
would not.
Nathan Bliss
Bayport
R NEWS
FOR RELEASE:
April 22, 1983
FURTHER INFORMATION: ROCHELLE BARNHART
612-291-1286
555 WABASHA/ROOM 6E - ST. PAUL, MN 55102
SIKORSKI, WIFE, TAKE VACATION AT TAXPAYERS' EXPENSE CHARGES I-R STATE CHAIRMAN
ST. PAUL-Bill Morris, Independent-Republican State Chairman, today charged that
newly elected Congressman Gerry Sikorski (DFL-6th) and his wife took a vacation
to the People's Republic of China at the taxpayers' expense during the Easter
Congressional recess.
"I was shocked to learn that Rep. Sikorski took a junket at the tax-
payers' expense," Morris said. "And new evidence now indicates that Mrs. Sikorski
joined her husband at the taxpayers' expense."
Morris said that Sikorski was obligated to tell the people of his
Congressional District how much he spent on this junket. "Rep. Sikorski should
tell the people of his district how much this vacation cost the taxpayer and how
much it cost the taxpayer to have Mrs. Sikorski go with him," Morris said.
"If he wanted to take a vacation to China at the taxpayers' expense, I
challenge him to a full disclosure of the costs of the trip," Morris continued.
"Most members of Congress are in their districts working on behalf of their
constituents during the Easter break and those who aren't home let their
constituents know it."
Morris said that Rep. Sikorski and his wife joined nine other members of
the House Energy and Commerce Committee to visit the People's Republic of China.
The trip was at the invitation of the People's Republic, in conjunction with the
Department of State. The junket lasted from March 25 through April 9.
"Congressman Sikorski staged a big media event with Minnesota business-
men to try and justify this trip," Morris said. "But this didn't fool the people
of his district." He indicated that he thought it appropriate for Sikorski to
furnish a daily diary of his business activities.
Morris said it was unusual that a member of Congress who served less
than four months in office took a junket. "I couldn't believe that Sikorski
could disregard his constituents so early in his term. His style is out of touch
with most Congressmen," Morris added.
Morris concluded his remarks by emphasizing the necessity of full dis-
closure by Sikorski. "Some members of Congress try to fool the people of their
district when they take a junket," Morris said. "I hope Rep. Sikorski will detail
the cost of this vacation. He owes the people of his district that much."
-30-
Minneapolis Star and Tribune
junket (jun kit) n. 1. an excursion
Wed., April 27, 1983
.7B
for pleasure. 2. an excursion paid
for out of public funds.
Gerry Sikorski has been in Congress
three months and he's already taken
his first junket to China!
Part of an advertisement that Independent-Repubilicans are running in
Sixth District newspapers.
IR newspaper ads
criticize Rep. Sikorski
for his trip to China
By Betty Wilson
Staff Writer
Independent-Republicans are run-
aing ads in Sixth District newspapers
accusing freshman Democratic Con-
gressman "Gerry Sikorski of taking a
tax-paid pleasure junket to the Peo-
pie's Republic of China.
In addition, state IR Chairman Bill
Morris charged in a press release
Morris
Sikorski
that Sikorski's wife, Susan, "joined
her husband at the taxpayers' ex-
junket to China? You and me
pense" on a "vacation" to the Far
Doesn't Congressman Sikorski have
man Lent of New York and Edward
East during the Easter congressional
enough to worry about in Minneso-
Madigan of Illinois, who also got free
recess.
ta?"
plane travel, Potter said.
Sikorski's office said Independent-
The ads show outlines of the United
He said the trip costs haven't been
Republicans are distorting and put-
States and Asia with footprints be-
tabulated yet. A reservations agent
ting out false information about a
tween the two.
for Northwest Airlines said the
two-week trade mission to Hong
round-trip commercial fare from
Kong, Japan and the People's Repub-
Sixth District IR Chairman Robert
Mjnneapolis. to Hong Kong, Tokyo
lic by 10 members of the House
Peterson said Independent-Republi-
and Peking would be $1,362.
Energy and Commerce Committee.
cans copied that footprint theme
from Sikorski's 1982 campaign ads in
McGrann said Sikorski's efforts have
Susan Sikorski paid her own ex-
which he suggested his opponent,
sparked interest by Chinese repre-
penses except for airfare, according
First District Republican Congress-
sentatives in establishing trade links
to Sikorski aide Dennis McGrann
man Arien Erdahl, was a carpetbag-
with Minnesota.
and Frank Potter, chief counsel to
ger.
the House committee. She and other
wives of the congressmen making
Peterson said the party wants to let
the trip on an air force plane were
voters know that Sikorski "has done
invited along by the State Depart-
something that doesn't square with
ment as a matter of protocol,
his campaign promise to spend all of
McGrann said,
his time working within the district
and for the district." The ads will
It was not a "vacation" but a work
cost less than $1,000, he said.
trip during which the congressmen
met with officials to discuss ways to
Morris said in his press release that
enhance Minnesota and U.S. trade
Sikorski should tell the people of his
with those countries, McGrann said.
district how much the "vacation"
They made the trip at the specific
cost taxpayers. Morris said he got his
request of Secretary of State George
information on the Sikorskis' trip
Shultz, he said.
from "one of our congressional of-
fices" but declined to say which one.
The ads are running in papers in
Stillwater and the northern Twin Cit-
"I really think to be squeaky clean,
les suburbs. They rend, "Gerry SI-
that spouses should not be carried in
korski has been in Congress three
a plane at taxpayers' expense, even
months and he's already taken his
on a space-available basis," he said.
first junket to China Guess
who paid for Congressman Sikorski's
The delegation included the wives of
two Republican congressmen, Nor.
junket (jun kit) n. 1. an excursion
for pleasure. 2. an excursion paid
for out of public funds.
Gerry Sikorski has been in Congress
three months and he's already taken
his first junket to China!
Guess who paid for Congressman Sikorski's
junket to China? You and me!
Doesn't Congressman Sikorski have enough
to worry about in Minnesota?
Prepared and Paid for by Independent-Republicans of Minnesota, Bill Morris, Chairman;
and 6th Congressional District I-Rs, Bob Peterson and Barb Sykora, Chairs.