Stabenow Has Made Nearly $4 Million Off Of Taxpayers But Doesn't Believe She Owes The Voters Answers For Her Inaction

Press Release

The John James for Senate campaign today called out Sen. Stabenow for spending the day at a law firm-hosted fundraiser in Nashville, Tennessee, while continuing to engage in stalling tactics when it comes to debating.

When approached by reporters on whether or not the senator would debate John James, Stabenow's team said it would need weeks to work out the details, DC-talk for kicking the can down the road. While Stabenow hasn't debated since 2006, she went to the 2014 Michigan Gubernatorial Debate with the expressed intent of speaking on behalf of failed Democrat Mark Schauer.

"Sen. Stabenow had taken close to $4 million in taxpayer salary, yet will not commit to debating John James before the taxpayers," campaign manager Tori Sachs said. "While Stabenow does not seem to have the time to debate, she is more than willing to speak on behalf of other career politicians, where she did not have to answer questions about her own record."

Despite the fact Stabenow has not hosted a public forum in years and hasn't debated since 2006, she is spending today fundraising at a law firm in Nashville, Tennessee.

In fact, according To OpenSecrets.org, Stabenow has taken more than $3.5 million in total contributions from lawyers and the law firm industry, making them the largest supporters of the senator.

"Stabenow's taken $4 million from taxpayers, yet won't give them the time of day," Sachs said. "Stabenow continues to ignore calls for a debate but makes time for lawyers and the law firm industry, who have filled her campaign coffers with over $3.5 million and remain her largest financial backers."

John James defeated businessman and self-funder Sandy Pensler in the August 7th primary with 55% of the vote. James raised nearly $5 million in the primary from over 35,000 grassroots donors who along with the over half a million people who voted for James in the primary, make up his grassroots army, the largest in the country this cycle.

After graduating from West Point in 2004, James became a Ranger-qualified aviation officer. He went on to serve with distinction in Operation Iraqi Freedom, logging over 750 combat flight hours while leading two platoons.

After eight years of service to the nation, James returned to Michigan to work in the family business: James Group International. Currently its President, he has led the company from $35 million to $137 million in revenue while creating 100 additional jobs.

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