Another Entenza apology, this time to the AARP
WASHINGTON, July 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- AARP Spokesman Mark Kitchens made the following statement today in response to the July 12 Matt Entenza campaign statement.
On July 12, the Matt Entenza campaign issued a statement to the press which incorrectly declared:
"Despite the fact that AARP is reporting that United Health Group has issued a report, based on an independent, internal investigation, unequivocally stating that my wife, Lois Quam, has never had anything to do with granting stock options or setting compensation policy, my opponent and the State GOP leadership, continue to insinuate otherwise."
In no way, and at no time, did AARP issue a report, receive a UnitedHealth Group report, or conduct an investigation relating to Lois Quam or the granting of stock options or setting of compensation policy by UnitedHealth Group. This fact was communicated to Matt Entenza's campaign immediately upon AARP learning of the false Entenza statement.
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All parties contacted by AARP were apologetic and recognized the error in Matt Entenza's campaign statement to the press on July 12. AARP asked for and received: 1) a copy of a revised statement omitting the incorrect assertion; 2) a written personal apology from the campaign; and 3) an assurance that due diligence would be done to ensure that members of the press were reporting based on facts and not on the incorrect statement issued by the Entenza campaign.
AARP has a long history of non-partisanship and does not support or oppose candidates for office or political parties. As it does with all political parties, candidates and incumbents during an election cycle, it asks that the Entenza campaign cease using AARP's name in any manner.
Following is a copy of the written apology from Entenza campaign manager John Van Henke:
July 13, 2006
Dear Mr Kitchens,
Attached, please find a revised and reissued press statement from Matt Entenza. Hard copies will follow.
I apologize for suggesting that AARP had issued a report regarding United Health Group. It was certainly not my intent and I regret any such inference.
I have taken steps to correct this perception among the reporters covering this story, including providing them with a revised statement.
Again, please accept my apology.
Best regards,
John Van Hecke
Campaign Manager
Minnesotans for Matt
651-523-0912
www.entenza.com
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