McCullough embraces George W. Bush and His Cash

Sonny shows his true colors; sides with Bush over Atlantic County's working families

(Atlantic City, NJ) – Second District Democrats said today that Republican State Sen. James "Sonny" McCullough's show of support for President George W. Bush should tell voters all they need to know about his cavalier attitude toward working families in New Jersey. They said it was inconceivable that McCullough would continue expressing support for Bush even after the president's veto this month of the critically needed children's health-care bill that had wide bi-partisan support.

"At least Sen. McCullough has let the voters know now, before they go to the polls, that when it comes to choosing between George W. Bush and the hard-working families of the district, he chose Bush. And that's despite the president's incomprehensible veto this month that denies health coverage to thousands of working families in Atlantic County," said Assemblyman Jim Whelan, the Democratic state senate candidate in the Second District. "Based on what he says, it sure looks as if Sonny McCullough is turning his back on those families in exchange for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds that Bush has raised for him and other New Jersey Republicans."

During an interview with NJN's Jim Hooker, McCullough boasted that he would campaign with President Bush in Atlantic County and that he would gladly accept Bush money into his campaign coffers.

"And should they have a George Bush come to Atlantic County, I would certainly have went to it," McCullough said.

When Hooker asked, "would you be looking for some of those funds from the presidential (Bush fundraiser) visit that was raised there?

"I would hope they would entertain the 2nd district with some (Bush) funds."

McCullough continued… "Let me just say this about George Bush…I was Atlantic County's campaign manager for George Bush senior when he ran the first time."

When Hooker pressed…"So you'd be happy to get some of that favor returned?

McCullough responded: "I would certainly hope so."

"So there you have it," Whelan said. "Sonny McCullough had the chance to exert some real leadership and stand up for the interests of middle class families throughout Atlantic County by denouncing President Bush's failed agenda. But for him, partisan politics trumped his responsibilities to his constituents. Sen. McCullough had a choice: Stand with the working families and children who need health-care benefits, or with the president who is denying those benefits. Sonny McCullough made his choice. He's with George W. Bush and his failed policies. Now the voters will make theirs."

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