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ACORN's Founder Blasts GOP Attacks

Dismisses them as 'poppycock,' part of anti-Obama vendetta

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2009 3:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – The founder of ACORN says the conservative portrayal of the group as a "criminal enterprise" is a “complete fabrication." Claims that the group systematically misuses federal funds for political purposes are being circulated as fact on TV talk shows and blogs, Wade Rathke tells the Washington Post. "It's balderdash on top of poppycock. It is a tactic they are trying to aggressively use to attack Obama.”

Rathke, who left the group after failing to disclose that his brother embezzled from it, said the "sneak films" that recently embarrassed the group are "too painful" for him to watch, and he said any employees that violated the "do-right" rule should be fired. He faulted Republican-led investigations of his group as biased and "part of the neo-McCarthyism that's going on this country right now."

Rep. Darrell, Issa, R-Calif., left, accompanied by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., discusses a House bill to ban federal funding for ACORN.
Rep. Darrell, Issa, R-Calif., left, accompanied by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., discusses a House bill to ban federal funding for ACORN.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
Wade Rathke in 2002.
Wade Rathke in 2002.   (AP Photo/Bill Haber, File)
Acorn CEO Bertha Lewis addresses community members Friday, June 19, 2009, in Phoenix.
Acorn CEO Bertha Lewis addresses community members Friday, June 19, 2009, in Phoenix.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 33 comments
SilenceDogood
Sep 24, 2009 12:11 PM CDT
Good point, but it was a great photo op.
Robert_Dada
Sep 24, 2009 12:04 PM CDT
Figures you would know all about the Nazi propaganda machine since your politics embraces it.
Robert_Dada
Sep 24, 2009 12:03 PM CDT
Nobody ever said tax money was going to republicans MrsK. You can go back to bed now.

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