For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tim Kolpien, Political Director (607) 769-6805 [email protected]

REED DECRIES MASSA’S INAPPROPRIATE USE OF FUNDS

Tom Reed today called the recent Buffalo News revelation that Congressman Eric J.J. Massa paid himself and his spouse $33,000 in stipends from his campaign account an “inappropriate abuse which is the latest in a disturbing pattern of questionable actions.” Massa said donors knew that he earmarked $33,000 to pay stipends to himself and his wife. Reed challenged Massa to disclose the names of the donors whom he alleges he contacted. Reed listed Massa’s campaign fund abuse, Massa’s blatant smearing of Reed by misrepresenting the facts about a Restore New York grant for the Village of Bath, Massa’s acceptance of more than $800,000 of special interest money (including $133,000 in corporate money which he promised not to take) and his stated disregard of the opinion of his constituents as evidence that Massa has quickly become another Washington politician. “At a time when our country faces economic challenges, foreign policy challenges, and continues fighting a war against terrorists that seek to destroy us, we need leadership. Massa promised us that he would be better, but he is no different,” Reed said. “He is playing dirty politics, enriching himself, and accepting special interest money that he promised to resist. You will never see me disappoint the voters the way Eric Massa has.” #####