Akin claims McCaskill benefited from stimulus

DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Republican challenger Todd Akin went on the offensive against Sen. Claire McCaskill in Missouri's Senate race on Monday, claiming that her husband's businesses profited from a federal stimulus act provision that helped finance low-income housing.

Akin began running a TV ad claiming "the stimulus made McCaskill rich." In an interview with The Associated Press, Akin said the 2009 stimulus law funded a federal program for low-income housing that directed about $1 million to corporations affiliated with McCaskill's husband. He stopped short of accusing McCaskill of a conflict of interest, but he suggested she knew of the funding — pointing to McCaskill's own statements that she reviewed the bill "line by line."

"She went through it line by line, and a million dollars went to her family business — I think it was that simple," Akin said.

McCaskill denounced the assertions as "completely wrong" and referred further questions to her campaign staff.

McCaskill's husband, Joseph Shepard, had only a small ownership stake and received just several thousand dollars from the companies at issue, her campaign said. The stimulus bill did not specifically direct any money to Shepard's companies, but rather allotted $2 billion to a program in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which distributed it among more than 6,000 contractors who ran subsidized housing units.

Akin, a congressman from suburban St. Louis, voted against the stimulus act and McCaskill voted for it, an action that each has defended in the context of a broader debate about the nation's economy. But Akin's assertion that McCaskill personally benefited from the law marked his most aggressive move yet in the race. Akin has generally been on the defensive, largely because of remarks he made last month about women having a biological means of averting pregnancy in "legitimate rape."

Top national Republicans pulled their financing and called upon Akin to drop out of the race after the rape remark. Akin apologized but refused to quit, and has slowly been rebuilding GOP support after a drop-out deadline passed last week.

The attack on McCaskill's family finances may be evidence that GOP support is coalescing around Akin. The supporting documents for the ad originally were intended for one of Akin's rivals in the GOP Senate primary. And the substance of the accusations originally was posted online in April by American Crossroads, a group affiliated with GOP strategist Karl Rove that has pulled its ads from Missouri.

McCaskill spokeswoman Caitlin Legacki said Akin's ad was an example of "nasty, desperate campaigning."

"Todd Akin can't defend his own extreme record, so he's resorted to false, misleading attacks against Claire's family," Legacki said.

McCaskill married Shepard in 2002 and the couple keeps separate finances, Legacki said. Yet McCaskill's opponents have long made an issue of Shepard's wealth and his complicated business dealings.

In the 2004 gubernatorial primary, Democratic Gov. Bob Holden aired an ad accusing Shepard of running dangerous nursing homes that helped finance McCaskill's campaign. In the 2006 Senate race, Republican Sen. Jim Talent ran an ad accusing Shepard and McCaskill of using an insurance company based in the Bahamas as a tax shelter, which they denied.

Akin's ad focuses on about $1 million of stimulus-funded payments made by HUD to subsidized housing developments in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico. The payments went to companies in which Shepard had assets, according to McCaskill's personal financial disclosure statements filed with the federal government.

But Akin's ad may overstate how much of that money went directly to Shepard. The financial disclosure statements show Shepard received between $2,800 and $9,600 from the companies at issue in those years. McCaskill's campaign said Shepard's ownership stake in the developments ranged from 5 percent downward to less than a single percentage point.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development determined how to divvy up the money in the stimulus act. The agency said the money was intended to ensure timely payments to businesses already under contract to provide low-income housing. It noted that payments in prior years had been delayed by budget shortfalls and congressional standoffs. The stimulus bill ensured the housing contractors got what they were owed, the agency said.

As Akin launched his new ad, McCaskill's campaign countered by criticizing Akin for missing most of the House votes taken since July.

"In the real world, he'd have been fired from a job, and if he was in the military, he'd be considered a deserter," said Bob Murphy, an Army veteran from St. Charles who participated in a conference call organized by McCaskill's campaign.

Akin said he chose to campaign in Missouri instead of casting certain votes in Congress because he said the Democratic-led Senate has refused to act on many of the priorities passed by the Republican-led House.

"I felt like it was probably better to try to do what I could to fix the problem, which is to change the Senate," Akin said.

Associated Press writer Chris Blank contributed to this report.

More like this story

spelchek 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Meanwhile, the middle class taxes are going to climb thanks to McCaskill's vote for Obamacare.

asb 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Yes, government programs do cost money. However, if the tax burden were shared more equitably, the cost to the middle class would be well worth the gain of, finally after the rest of the world has done as much, a National Health Care program. America isn't a land of Scrooges, it's just misled by a few . . .

copcamaro 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Go Todd Akin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anybody but Cluless Claire and here partner in crime ODUMMA

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Tell me what you thought of Romneys speech yesterday? Rob

copcamaro 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Rob; Romney! seemed ready for OBUMMER, and I and hope others see his intentions if elected. I liked his ideas and think they might get us out (somewhat) of the mess we are now in. I wouldn't want to follow this president, and try to fix his own created problems for our country! I just didn't think the president was prepared or maybe the whole thing was beneit his dignity level he expects from us servants. I think a high school debater could of put him (the president) down!! Ill bet his handlers will school him for the next one.

MO4LIFE 7 months, 2 weeks ago

LIES, LIES, & more Lies! Extremely reckless foreign poicy. Still thinks Russia and Putin are our biggest enemy.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

I was asking about Romneys speech on10/8/12? Rob

copcamaro 7 months, 2 weeks ago

I was speaking of the debate! I am anxiopus to watch the Bieden/Ryan one on thurs!

MO4LIFE 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Ryan will win hands down Biden has Foot in Mouth Syndrome.

tonto_goldberg 7 months, 2 weeks ago

That so-called debate could be pretty humorous. Biden is a goofball and we have to hope Ryan doesn't simply refuse to asnwer a question he doesn't like.

spelchek 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden makes Palin look like a Rhodes Scholar. Ryan is going to own Biden then own him some more. It's almost not fair.

asb 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Joe is more entertainment than most VPs, but also has substance in his work, and only very special people make Sarah Palin look smart. Joe has more foriegn policy skills (not personal or communications) than Ryan and RoMONEY combined.

Sequoia 7 months, 2 weeks ago

You cannot compare Biden to Palin. There is no comparison. You have to go watch "Toddlers and Tiaras" to find a comparison to Palin. I'm not sure I could vote GOP until they issue a formal apology for bringing Sarah Palin to our attention.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

So you did not see the speech, if you did not you should try to see a transcript, or news article? Rob

TomScooterJones 7 months, 2 weeks ago

I saw the speech, great speech. A lot of things that needed to be said, and Gov. Romney was right about the weak posturing of Obama, and Putin is a threat, anyone who thinks Putin is not has not been paying attention. We should ask 30,000 Syrians what they thought of Romney's speech yesterday...oh wait we cant, they are dead (regime supported by.....PUTIN ). Peace through strength, it is what that region understands, and what they understand now is Obama will not act, or at least appears he wont, so do as you please. We have invited the unrest and left a heck of a mess. Nuff said.

MO4LIFE 7 months, 2 weeks ago

If we are in a recession and everything is falling apart in our own country. Why do you people insist on interfering with everybody else's country. All You talk about is the deficit this and the deficit that. You all cheered Romney saying he would cut funding to PBS but you are willing to raise our debt to worry about the people of another country that doesn't even like the USA. Let the UN be World Police It is not our job. Take care of your own citizens that are sick, hungry, homeless and all of that but know you would rather let poor americans suffer so that we can help the syrians or the libyans. TAKE CARE OF HOME FIRST IS ALL I AM SAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

copcamaro 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Under who's adm. did our credit rating fall from AAA to AA? Gas prices under that terrible oil man BUSH, 7-8-09 $2.399 crude $60.14. Now $3.499 crude $89. Under Who's adm. has food stamp usage doubled? Under Who's adm. did we hand out million of cell phones to the unemployed. Oh yes, they were bought by usans, the taxpayers from a track phone Co. who gave millions to ODUMMA campaign. Get your prayer rug ready MO4LIFE for those 5 times a day praying if this loser is re-elected. This guy is a disaster for this country.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Why don't we continue by handing out guns to all the syrians to use on the Israelies and us in the near future with Romney as the boss? The President does not control the price of oil, OPEC does! The Muslims once again at the wheel of our lives! The Food stamps increase could be attributed to the Bush 2 recession, and The Phones started under Reagen! Prayer time will not be a problem here in good old USA, and you must be watching to much of that preacher with maps! Rob

MO4LIFE 7 months, 2 weeks ago

THATS HOW I FEEL ABOUT ROMNEY BECAUSE HE IS ALL LIES AND NO SUBSTANCE.

MO4LIFE 7 months, 2 weeks ago

sO TAKE CARE OF EVERYBODY ELSES POOR BUT OUR OWN THAT IS THE WAY THAT YOU SEE THINGS INTHIS COUNTRY COPCAMARO BECAUSE IF SO YOU NEED TO SEE THE LIGHT BECAUSE I CAN'T LET MY FAMILY STARVE (my family meaning usa) so that i can feed somebody elses.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Tom, what was Syrias relationship to the 1967, 1973, Arab Israel war? 1983 Beruit Lebanon and their civil war? Iran has been ordererd by US court to pay 813 Million dollars to families of Beruit bombing of US Barrack 7/7/2012.. Whos side do we want to be on? It looks to me like we cannot figure out who the enemy is? Do you think that Putin is not in the cross hairs, or did he an Bush 2 become such good friends down on the ranch cutting firewood? Why does Putin become so concerned about a missle shield across Europe? Are we going to give the fire power to Sryians to have them turn it on the Israelies, when they hit Iran. Do you say anything before you hit someone? I was not impressed with Obamas performance at the debate, but at the same time give, or take Turkey retaliated, shelling Syrias north border all of Wensday night into Thursday morning, and they have been doing it on a regular basis since, according to the news I read this morning. The only way to solve these problems is for us to occupy these little holes, an how much is that going to cost the MIDDLE CLASS, and for what? Its not as simple as Mr. Romney puts it, battle group in the E. Med, and one in the Persian gulf? We could have our hands full in any moment, look at Libya we did not give them anything but air support and look what they gave us! Egypt poring money into it since Tricky Dick, or Iran the same to the Shah, or Iraq, Saddam, he was the best card player of all times, he did not have me fooled, he had Bush fooled though. The real battle was in Afganistan, and we left it wide open for years, and over Iraq. Look where these two counties are today? Your fools if you put this draft deferring, snake oil salesman, into office of Presidency. I went down to the principles office, and I got my draft card , the lottery was over, but the peace was way to short! Rob

TomScooterJones 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Yeah, great speech, relevant to where he was speaking, and well delivered. I'm not responding to 10 different questions that are not his speech. Nuff said.

JCLifer 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Get us out of the middle east. If they start causing trouble, we can just send some ICBMs to quench it. If that doesnt work, send them a whole bunch of ICBMs and make the whole area a sea of glass. Why do we put up with that Muslim tripe? How many coffins of our servicepersons do we have to bring back?

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

JCLIFER, I got agree, our strength with the Russians was ICBMs pointed at them! Iran needs to learn this deterrent as well, but their leadership is crazy! (Putin should give them a lesson) More submarines could be the answer, they are stealth, they can work independent if need be. Clinton and finally Bush could not stop N. Korea., and so the out come will be the same, Iran will complete one sooner, or later! Hopefully the Iranian people will stop this, it is not our job to arm these people, or any other country. I went to a couple of Israeli english papers a week or so ago, What I read was not what the republicans have been crying, their defence minister was interviewed? The sanctions are working, I hope they do work, Russians like to sell arms, the Kalishniokov, and rocket propelled gernade seem to be on every battlefield we deploy to? We do not see the Russians in every little skirmish, I wonder why? You know JC, we do not see Eye to Eye on everything, but we can agree occasionally, and that is GOOD! Rob

JCLifer 7 months, 2 weeks ago

I suspect that we both love our country (or at least what it used to be) and that we agree on many of the same outcomes. Our differences are probably mainly due to the way we get there, not so much in the final result.

Republicans do not have all the answers, nor do the Democrats. In some races I probably won't even vote because both of the candidates are so horrible that I cannot support either one of them.

The constant demonization of the other side, and the extreme polarization the news media and talking heads have created among the sheople is playng nicely into the politico's hands. If people were smart, they would reject the stirring up that the newsmedia and talking heads put out, and we would read, discuss, and learn the facts and make up our own minds. We would also respect others who disagree with us, because they might have something for us to learn. I know I don't have all the answers, but it is very obvious that the RNC and DNC don't have all the answers either. Even Fox News and CNN don't have all the answers. Since these folks don't have all the answers, why do we listen to them so intently?

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Tom, and Conner, here is a little more info for your information. Mr Romney at the big DEBATE, " Now, and--and Ive talked to a guy who has a small business. He's in the electronics business in -- St Louis. He has 4 employees." Well If you would take the time to read the editorial in the POST Dispatch 10/9/2012 "That 60 percent tax burden doesn't add up" and the post closed with "Mr Romney should lend Mr. Bonadio his accountant.", you hear what you want to hear, and Romney tells you what you want to hear, just like the Snake oil salesman , I am calling him what he is. If you think Obama is bad, just wait until Romney gets done, it is a mess, but it is getting better whether you like it, or not. READ BETWEEN THE LINES. ROB

TomScooterJones 7 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm sorry who is the snake oil salesman? rotflmao! A game of distraction, cant run on his record and if this is getting better, what has Obama done to get us this far? And what is HIS plan, cuz four more of this and we will be done, downgraded twice, horrible foreign policy that is getting a lot of people killed, and picking losers in the green tech field hasn't worked so far, oh and by the way GM is failing FAILING, cannot claim that in the win column any longer, the man is a do nothing and when he does something he fails miserably. Nuff said.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Ashame you cannot tell who the snake oil salesman is! You want the US to arm them or worse boots on the ground type of foriegn policy? are complaining about the syrians who died? We are lucky we did not loose more in Libya. When the muslims pore DIESEL all around a safe room, and ignite it. Like I said read Romneys speech you won t be rolling on the floor laughing if you get what you want. Rob

TomScooterJones 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Romney was at a Naval Academy talking about a strong defense for peace, what a shocker. I got the right snake oil salesman all right, and he's trying to run his wagon and goods through town again, and we are not buying because the snake oil he sold us four years ago was garbage. He fooled us once, he is not fooling us again. Nuff said.....oh wait GM.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months, 2 weeks ago

GM $24. something the last quote (This Morning). Glad I did not buy it back when they had the IPO. No hes the old Snake Oil Salesmans cousin, you know the one from TX, who ran around on an Aircraft carrier looking like TOM CRUISE crying MISSON ACCOMPLISHED. Yeah you got the right guys. I will vote republican when the republicans offer something substantcial, and at this rate never. . Rob

MO4LIFE 7 months, 1 week ago

Yeah if common sense is go to war and dominate the world and screw the poor. That is what Romney is all about. And Why hasn't any of the moderators asked Romney about Polygamy since that is part of his history and his faith and his family. Oh I'am sorry was that supposed to be a secret. Lets put a mormon in Office that has a great love and faith for the Polygamist Warren that is serving fed time.

TomScooterJones 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Back on Bush now? Sorry that dog don't hunt any more, it's 2012 and your guy has a record, he's the man now, and he FAILED. You can vote for more of the same, I'll vote for a businessman and successful Govenor who has a track record of working with both parties to get things done. GM.....don't want to touch that one do you? GM nothing to be proud of anymore is it? Nuff said.

connor 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Back on topic Now Claire-bear is implying that the 40 mil didn't help them but was used to upgrade the properties for the poor. How sweet...

Now who owns those properties? Who collects the rent from them? Who now can spend the 40 mil on other things?

40 Mill on properties for simple upkeep? No wonder she is so eager to promote section 8 and other entitlement welfare spending by the government. It keeps her rental money coming in and also pays the overhead.

bluesfan13 7 months, 1 week ago

...

spelchek 7 months, 1 week ago

Two candidates I do not care for and yet my civic duty calls on me to choose one. Damn you fate, damn you.

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