FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andrew Gorry / press [at] dpo [dot] org / (503) 239-8634
The Oregonian reports that Republican Senate candidate Monica Wehby, in touting her receipt of a “Congressional Medal of Distinction,” fails to mention that the award is not given out by Congress, but instead a partisan Republican group in Washington, D.C.—the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
Wehby also says that she received the award because of her work to improve children’s health. However, according to a letter written to another recipient of this award, the NRCC is clear that the award is not merit-based, but rather "for support of the Republican Party and the NRCC."
"The award that Monica Wehby touted is for service to the Republican Party, and that is just what she would do if she was sent to Washington, D.C.—serve the Republican Party’s shutdown agenda," said Frank Dixon, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon.
"She also misled the people of Oregon about why she was awarded it—an embarrassing way for her to start her primary campaign.”
Sources:
"Despite name, medal for Monica Wehby came from GOP — not Congress," [The Oregonian,November 18, 2013]
June 6, 2008 letter from Pete Kirkham, former Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, to a Republican donor, clarifying that the "Congressional Medal of Distinction" is not based on merit, but on "… support of the Republican Party and the National Republican Congressional Committee."
Former NRCC executive director Pete Kirkham says: “Recent news reports have implied that the Congressional Medal of Distinction is a merit-based award based on your background, which is not the case. The Medal of Distinction is being given to you because of your continued support of the Republican Party and the National Republican Campaign Committee.”
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