Burns Calls On Barrow To Stop Supporters Vicious Attacks

February-22, 2006

Burns Calls On Barrow To Stop Supporters Vicious Attacks

(SAVANNAH, GA) - Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia's new 12th District, today issued the following statement after supporters of Athens Congressman John Barrow passed out campaign fliers that depicted Burns hitting gay and lesbian citizens over the head with a newspaper:

"During the 2004 campaign, I pointed out that Mr. Barrow changed his position on gay marriage. Mr. Barrow first opposed an amendment banning gay marriage, and then flipped-flopped his position to support an amendment banning gay marriage after he won the democratic primary and needed conservative votes for the general election.

"I felt it was important for voters to know that Mr. Barrow would commit to them on issues when needing their support, then change his position after the fact. The threat to the interests of the people of the 12th District from this pattern of practice is of far greater importance than just this one issue.

"Now, he has obviously tricked the gay rights groups that supported him in 2004 into the same thing again, having them pass out campaign literature depicting me hitting gays and lesbians over the head with a newspaper. That is an intentional distortion of my views and of my life.

"Mr. Barrow supports gay civil unions; I do not. That's a straightforward policy position difference between us which may be a deciding factor for some voters. So be it, that's what elections and campaigns should be about. Pointing out those differences is fair, but to intentionally distort the position of your opponent is not.

"This latest attack is typical of the vicious demonizing tactics he employed in 2004, the kind of politics that sicken and disgust voters from both parties. I call on Mr. Barrow to stop his supporters from subjecting Georgians to these nasty campaign tactics, especially eight and half months before the elections. Georgians deserve better."

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http://www.maxburns.com/archive_detail.cfm?news_id=87