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Russ Carnahan: Avoiding Taxes & Avoiding Questions

April 19, 2010

Last week, Republican Congressional Candidate Ed Martin exposed Congressman Russ Carnahan for avoiding Missouri’s personal property taxes by docking his unregistered 42-foot yacht across the river in Illinois.

After news of Carnahan’s tax evasion broke, the Bott Radio Network invited him to discuss the issue on one of their St. Louis radio station. Carnahan has refused to respond.

“Russ Carnahan should live by the same rules as the Missourians he represents.  But just as he has avoided Missouri’s personal property taxes by docking his yacht in Illinois, Congressman Carnahan is now avoiding questions about his tax evasion,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.  “Carnahan owes Missourians an explanation, and he was offered a perfect opportunity to discuss this issue on the radio.  Unfortunately, Rubberstamp Russ has turned into Run-away Russ.”

The Bott Radio Network letter, dated April 15, reads in part:

As Congressmen in Missouri’s Third Congressional District, we hereby extend an invitation to you for a Missouri public service interview on our Bott Radio Network radio station in St. Louis.  Your opponent, Ed Martin, has accused you of evading your personal property taxes in Missouri and we invite you to explain to the voters of the third district about these allegations on The Complete Story. The interview would also include your position on issues that are important to our listening audience.

Our purpose in making this invitation is to allow you every opportunity possible to explain this allegation to the voters if it’s true.  We believe all parties should have an opportunity to be heard.