12:30 PM: Clinton mailer blasts Obama "present" votes
The Clinton campaign has tested negative messages in Wisconsin on TV and in the mail as it seeks to blunt Barack Obama's momentum in the Badger State and beyond.
Gov. Jim Doyle, a big Obama supporter, went after Clinton's health care mailer on Sunday. (See this previous blog item.)
Another Clinton campaign mailer that popped up in Wisconsin mail boxes over the weekend knocks Obama for voting "present" in the Illinois Legislature on seven key issues. They range from "the managed care patients rights act" in 1999 to the "energy resources policy act" in 2001.
One side of the mailer says: "Illinois State Legislators can vote 'present.' But a President has to make the toughest 'yes' or 'no' decisions in the world."
The flip side features a listing of Obama votes with the seven "present" votes highlighted and says: "Where does Barack Obama stand? 129 times on critical issues Barack Obama wouldn't take a stand -- instead he voted 'present.' Not 'yes' or 'no' -- but 'present' ... A President Can't Vote 'Present.'"
A call to the Obama campaign seeking comment today was not immediately returned.
-- By Staff
Labels: 2008 spring primary