Thursday October 14, 2010
GRAND RAPIDS – Congressional candidate Justin Amash has repeatedly described himself as “transparent,” yet when it comes time to step up and prove this claim, he has failed time and time again.
While Justin has said that “people want transparent and accountable representatives,” he has refused to respond to Pat Miles’ challenge to divest his ownership of his Chinese company, even running away from reporters at a press conference.
According to WOOD TV, “Amash held a news conference but wouldn't answer questions about Miles' call to divest himself of his China holdings, nor would he respond with a statement.”
Newsradio WOOD-1300's Rod Kackley said, “Minutes after telling reporters that his use of Facebook and other social media was increasing transparency in politics, Republican Justin Amash ran from reporters rather than answer specifics about ... issues of the day including the latest Pat Miles call for him to divest himself from all holdings in China.”
While Justin has described himself as “strong advocate of … full transparency,” he has opposed the DISCLOSE Act, which would require disclosure of those individuals who are paying for negative third party ads.
Coincidentally, Justin Amash benefited greatly from those third party ads in the 3rd District Primary, when the Washington-based special interest group, the Club for Growth, spent more than $133,000 on Justin’s behalf to put up negative attack ads against Republican State Senator Bill Hardiman, tying him to Nancy Pelosi.
While Justin has said “I have set new standards for transparency and accountability,” he has declined numerous invitations to debate his opponent in public forums.
According to The Grand Rapids Press, “Organizers of other events say Amash has refused or ignored invitations to forums at which all of the candidates have been invited.”
Just this week, Amash skipped three debates, one in Barry County on Monday, an environmental issues forum on Tuesday, and a forum hosted by the Kentwood-Wyoming Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. Last Thursday, he skipped a debate hosted by Ferris University/Kendall School of Art and Design.
Miles campaign spokesperson Amy Fetherolf said, “Justin needs to learn that transparency is more than posting updates to your facebook page. Real transparency is showing up to debates to talk about your stances on the issues, supporting disclosure of those responsible for third party attack ads, and answering tough questions from citizens and reporters. Justin Amash has done none of these things.”