Robin Smith Applauds Senate ACORN Vote

HIXSON, SEPT 14 – Third District Congressional Candidate Robin Smith issued the following statement following Senate passage of an amendment by Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE)  to remove federal funding for the “Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now” or “ACORN” from H.R. 3288, the Transportation Appropriations Bill, pending a full investigation of their activities:

“This evening by an 83-7 bipartisan vote, the United States Senate took the first step toward reigning in the actions of ACORN. By stripping further taxpayer funding of their activities from the Transportation Bill, the Senate sent a clear message that Americans view ACORN as an illegitimate organization.

Americans have become increasingly concerned that ACORN and its network of affiliate organizations have engaged in questionable, perhaps illegal, practices in partisan efforts to win elections across the nation. We have seen repeated examples of disturbing activities, including fraudulent voter registrations, violations of federal tax law and a lack of accountability in their finances. Our citizens must have full confidence that our elections are free from illegal activities. Belief that our system is fair and free of taint is an underpinning of our democracy. I call upon the House of Representatives to fully investigate ACORN and follow the lead of the Senate in stripping them of funding.”