Bill Brown’s Own Words Come Back to Bite Him

Mount Holly, April 16, 2009 – Facebook messages sent by Assembly candidate Bill Brown to Assemblyman Scott Rudder, in which Brown repeatedly praises Rudder’s efforts in the legislature on behalf of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans raise endless questions about the hypocrisy-laden press release sent out under Brown’s name today, and whether or not Brown even has any control over his own campaign, said Burlington County Republican spokesman Chris Russell today.          

 “Bill Brown should be ashamed of himself and he owes Scott Rudder an apology,” said Russell.  “Either he’s guilty of complete hypocrisy in regard to his comments about Scott Rudder, or he’s turned over total control of his campaign to a shameless political boss like Rick Perr and doesn’t even know about the press releases put out on his behalf.  Whatever the case, Bill Brown should be embarrassed today.”          

Russell said Brown’s comments today – where he was quoted as saying “They (Rudder and Dawn Marie Addiego) were silent when I fought for education reform for veterans; I hope they do not remain silent now.” – completely contradict Facebook messages sent from Brown to Rudder just a few months ago praising Rudder’s advocacy on behalf of veterans. 

NOTE: The following messages exceprts were reprinted exactly as they were written by Bill Brown on Facebook. 11/14/2008, 11:15pm

William Brown to Scott Rudder:“Assemblyman Rudder, NJ Veterans are lucky to have you supporting us and I think it is awesome that you are working on pro-veteran legislation. I'm not always in the loop with what happens in the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee but I will try my best to help you in your gaol to help NJ Veterans.”

12/11/2008, 10:16pm William Brown to Scott Rudder:“Scott, Thank you for helping our efforts to improve the educational opportunities for New Jersey Veterans. Please give my gratitude to Senator Phil Haines & Assemblywoman Dawn Addiego. Bryan told me that the meeting went very well. I'm sure the Rutgers community will be buzzing about the letter tomorrow.” 

1/7/2009, 9:55pm William Brown to Scott Rudder:“Scott, Your military service and voting record are real evidence that your all about helping the men and woman in uniform.  I also know your a freindly and down to earth guy who dosen't do things for publicity. (One of the reasons I like you) But if I was you I would go in a suit and tie so that everybody can know your a NJ Assemblyman and as a political leader in the state of NJ you came to pay your respects and offer your support.  Thank you for going out of your way to support a grieving military family.” 

1/7/2009, 10:27pm William Brown to Scott Rudder:“Thank you for making a positive difference.”                   

 Rudder, a veteran of the NJ Army National Guard, former legislative correspondent for Congressman Jim Saxton on Defense and Veterans issues, and former legislative liaison for the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs had this to say: 

“I am truly saddened that Bill Brown, someone whose service to our country I so deeply respect, would let himself be sucked in and used by unseemly characters like Richard Perr and the Camden County political operatives who pull his strings,” said Rudder, whose has teamed with Senator Phil Haines and Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego to provide veterans outreach in every VFW in the 8^th Legislative District, and whose Medford Legislative office is a Yellow Ribbon Club drop-off site for items that are shipped to active military personnel overseas.  “Laura Ingraham’s comments were reprehensible and out of line, and she should apologize.  Sadly, though, Bill Brown is engaging in the same kind of slash and burn politics as Ms. Ingraham – where reckless attempts to score political points ignore the truth.  He should be ashamed.”