Last week’s Congressional Debate(VIDEOS:GOP Debate: Wasserman-Schultz, Taxes, and Herpes on the Menu) for the Republican nomination in Florida’s District 20 continues to be shrouded in controversy as the respective campaigns take a closer look some of the remarks made during the debate by each of the candidates.
One such comment that is coming under closer scrutiny comes from Robert Lowry, who made a claim that he had sat down the previous week with Heritage Foundation’s President Dr. Edward Feulner. According to Lowry, he and Dr. Feulner discussed details with him about how many congressional seats the GOP could win, and Dr. Feulner gave his campaign encouragement as to how it was progressing. See the video of the Lowry claim here:
The Heritage Foundation is a widely respected conservative think-tank that have been increasing their public profile of late in order to help out candidates in Congressional and Senatorial races across the country.
To corroborate the claims made in Lowry’s answer, I forwarded the video to the Heritage Foundation so that they could review it and issue me a statement of approval. What I recieved instead was a phone call from the Vice President of Communications, Mike Gonzalez telling me emphatically that the statements made by Mr. Lowry had little merit to them.
Here is the Heritage Foundation’s official statement to the Shark Tank:
Javier,
Nice talking to you. Here’s my statement:
“Dr. Feulner meets many people as he travels around the country in the course of a week. It’s possible he and candidate Lowry shared a table with others at a public lunch or dinner.
“Dr. Feulner has never forecast how many seats the GOP might win in the November elections. He believes that a substantial number of additional conservatives will be elected this fall. And, for the record, neither Dr. Feulner nor The Heritage Foundation endorses any candidate for public office.”
Regards, Mike
Mike Gonzalez
Vice President, Communications
The Heritage Foundation
214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
heritage.org
—–
So it looks like we have a big contradiction here- no such lunch or dinner took place “the other day” with Dr. Feulner one-on-one with Robert Lowry.
24 Responses to “Heritage Foundation President Takes Issue with Robert Lowry’s Claims”
OMG! This guy Lowry is a fraud! This is just like that Democrat that said he fought in Vietnam. You can fool some people some of the time but you cant fool all of the people all of the time. What was this guy thinking?
Hardly a contradiction:
- Lowry remembers the meeting, Dr. Feulner does not remember it specifically, but agrees it may well have taken place.
- Both men seem to agree (as does even the left-wing media, at this point) that the GOP will make gains.
- Lowry took encouragement from Dr. Feulner’s graciousness about Lowry’s chances of getting elected.
- Both men agree that no endorsement was made.
Let’s encourage our candidates to stay on a positive note about each other. Negative campaigning, very attractive to those with little else to offer damages all concerned. We need to keep our candidates healthy and above all – CLEAN.
SO WHAT! Is this the big scandal?
Is anyone really surprised on another Lowry “Fish” story. I guess this goes up there with th shooting incident truth, the never recieved Clay Shaw endorsement that his camp told people he had, the herpes comment, the jokes at the expense of senior citizens, the $158 in fundraising or lack of, the always changing trip to eastern europe story. Lowry said he went to Haiti days after the Earthquake yet there are no pictures of it anywhere? I know the airport was shut down I would be interested to know the truth about this potential “Fish” story like what plane he took what hotel he stayed at and what dates he was there so it can be verified. If this is not the truth I would hope his ethics would take over and remove himself from the race for the sake of the party.
Mr. Lowry the red cross had a hard time getting people into to haiti how did you get in?
I am reminded of the tale of the Heritage Foundation that Mr. Rubio, only a few weeks ago, claimed to have taken. I had been looking for any course from Heritage Foundation for more than a year. I asked HF what course he had taken. The reply was emphatically negative. There has been no such course given.
One bright note however – a course is in the works in the fairly near future. Reverse deja vu, Mr. Rubio?
@Ana Gomez
DR feulner does not remember it specifically? Did he say that or are you just assuming?
Yes gains will be made, howevver Lowry puts numbers in Feulner’s mouth, which he states he never forcasts specific seats- read the release again!
We know what Lowry was trying to do here. It didnt work-I know that the people are smart enough to realize this is a stupid attempt to make them think Heritege is behind this dope Lowry
HF states they do not endorse. Iwonder why they said that,maybe to keep people from thinking they do after Lowry name drops?
JohnS,
I know for a fact that Robert was in Haiti a few days after the first quake since he went with me on a flight arranged with the help of Airline Ambassadors. I know for a fact that he worked diligently assisting doctors, nurses and paramedics with the wounded, since I was the one working on these people with Robert’s assistance. As far as which hotel….seriously? We slept outside under the stars one night, in a tent one night and one night in the airport on a baggage carousel only to be awakened the next morning with the building shaking and having to run out of it before walls fell. We ate one MRE per day and had to do our best to find water to drink. The photographic evidence that you seek is on my facebook page and Robert has a ton more photographs of one of the most horrific first response situations that I have ever witnessed. When I asked him to go with me to Haiti, he did not hesitate for one second and arranged to bring supplies and much needed money to an orphanage that he supports. Robert arranged for a flight to Turks and Caicos and then Ft. Lauderdale for us to get out of the country so that I could be back for my primary election. He was an integral first responder playing a critial role in setting up 3 emergency medical clinics that took care of hundreds of quake victims with some of the worst wounds that you can imagine.
When you are a “can do” person, like Robert, you find a way to get into country. Yes, the Red Cross did have problems getting in…..we did not!
In addition, when I went DC to speak at CPAC, our staff made arrangements for several issue briefings at the Heritage Foundation for myself and Robert. I can attest that he was there with me as we discussed issues and solutions to the problems that our nation faces with some of the brightest political minds.
There were many things said that are being taken out of context and there are many, many things that were said by other candidates that were not only blatantly misleading but outright lies. The negative campaigning and hating needs to stop and those that encourage this type of behavior need to work towards strengthening our party, not further dividing it. We have a country to take back from those that seek to destroy the way of life that we have come to cherish.
“Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.”
These words were written by Vaclav Havel the past Czech President who was instrumental in leading his nation back to a free democracy. It is men like this that we should follow and allow to lead.
Mr.Lowry you would do well to head his advice because so far you have demonstrated the opposite. It is quite apparent that you would do or say anything to get youself elected.
The 20th Congressional District deserves someone better you.
@Edward Lynch
Thanks for joining the discourse here on the Shark Tank. Like you, I do not doubt for one second that Robert made the trip to Haiti with you. The trip was the right thing to do. kudos.
As for your comment regarding your trip to CPAC, I too was there, and I recall that CPAC was this past FEB 18-20(see Official Blogger AD on the sidebar).
You mention you attended several issue briefings with Robert. And I know that is a fact as well.But this is a little bit more than a stretch.
The problem I see here is that in the video,Robert states that he had dinner the ‘other day’ with Dr. Feulner to discuss his campaign.What you are saying is he attended a Heritage Foundation policy briefing during CPAC back in February.
So at these policy briefings, was Dr.Feulner present? And was he discussing Robert’s campaign as well? Either way this isn’t dinner to discuss his campaign the ‘other day.’
Robert,
Your facebook says ” I am amazed how people put words in my mouth…”
if you are this naive to think that we are that stupid, you do not deserve to run for dog catcher.
Just like you under estimated some of your employees at your ALF, you have underestimated the voters of District 20. Drop out of the race and save what little bit of respect you have and save the GOP FROM YOUR ANTICS!!
The two women in the race chewed you up and spit you out at the debate.
If people and grassroots want to participate in dirty and incorrect statements, they are going in the wrong direction. My friend Robert Lowry does not lie. He is the most honest man you want to ever know. He is the best and will get the job done in Congress. Victory for Robert in August and November. See his rebut regarding Harrington’s attack in Forbes. Everyone must draw from their own heart and mind. We are not here to attack. We are trying to get our country back that is rightfully ours and not big Government. We need to change Congress and get the right constitutional people in. Please get on the correct band wagon, otherwise grassroots will not win.
LETS GET THE STORY STRAIGHT ED LYNCH. ACCORDING TO ROBERT LOWERY YOU WERE THE ONE TO TAKE THE LEAD TO GET IT ALL TOGETHER TO ORGANIZE THE TRIP TO HAITI.
HE ALSO STATED THAT YOU WERE THE ONE WHO WAS TELLING THE DOCTORS WHAT TO DO. SO WHO IS LYING HERE. THE TWO OF YOU ARE IN THE TANK FOR EACH OTHER THAT IS OBVIOUS BUT THE LIES CAN ONLY GO SO FAR. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID. SO PLEASE STOP INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE.
I wasn’t going to come here because I think Shark Tank is a rag comparable to the “National Enquirer”. I have no desire to read trash that many have referred to as “Political Papparazzi”! However, several people have asked me to come here and see the latest trouble that is being stirred by the “pot stirrer”!
This type of sleazy propaganda is the very reason I am staying FAR AWAY from local politics! This drama has also caused me to second guess my vote for Marco Rubio due to the fact that he is closely associated with the blogger…doesn’t say much for Rubio!
Robert Lowry is the best candidate as he has the most knowledge on the issues and is the ONLY stand up candidate in this race! The only thing that is going to be accomplished with all this in fighting and trashing good people is that Debbie Wasserman Schultz will win just as we saw Deutch win in District 19!
I hope that free thinking people will stop listening to the bullshit written here and make up their OWN minds! I would rather watch Keith Olbermann!!!
@ConservativeDiva
First of all, look up the true definition of the word propaganda.
Second,if you are going to change your vote for rubio becuase you do not agree with this writer, then keep your vote-we dont need it.
Third,we saw what ya did in the past special election, you cost that good candidate the election. So take your own advise,stay out of local elections.
If you think Lowry is the best candidate, and he is good at everything you say he does, then ask him if he has a really go defense attorney.Word is he is going to need one.
I dont agrees with this guy all the time, but he is right about most of what he says. My wife and i were at the debate and we agreed that Mr. Lowry sounded like he was just throwing out names and endorcements to look good.
TO FLORINE:
Just wait for 2 weeks when you see how much Robert Lowry has lied and continues to lie.
This “taking care of Grandma” line will not work much longer! He is a fake, a liar, and a fraud!
District 20 deserves honesty and integrity…both of which Lowry does NOT know the definition of…
I have been monitoring this story and comments with great interest. As someone who live 16 years under brutal Red Army occupation in Czechoslovakia, I know thing or two about what is “propaganda”. To me, what we have here is an accurate quote from candidate Lowry, accurate quote from gentleman at Heritage Foundation and Mr. Menjerres bringing the two together for people to make up “own minds” about the matter. In my opinion, Mr. Menjerres is to me practicing what I have always come to understand as “journalism” or “fact checking”, a dying art here in America. True Propaganda is the piles of bullshit I was fed in my youth from Pravda and other Party-approved sources, so please learn what true “propaganda” is before we lose what independent voices are left and have to suffer under the tyranny of mainstream media here in United States, which is much better definition of true “propaganda”.
A quote from a local pundit wannabe (paraphrased): “They (the Republican Primary Candidates) have to go after Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and not each other. Whoever wins, we will all have to get behind them so we don’t need blood in the water.”
Who, you ask, is that wannabe? None other than Javier Manjarres, the hack that is doing everything he can to make sure the water runs red.
Marco Rubio would do well to insist you never utter his name again. As “Conservative Diva” says, you discredit anyone you support, Jav.
Hey Bubba…after THIS comment…..”Third,we saw what ya did in the past special election, you cost that good candidate the election. So take your own advise,stay out of local elections” I almost laughed myself to death! So it is ME that lost the election for Ed Lynch….thanks for giving ME so much credit…AWESOME!! Mind telling me who you are so this can be a fair fight? Obviously you know who I am
And as for your comment about NOT needing MY vote…I will just call Marco and ask him what he thinks about that??!! Along with MY vote comes many others!
And I think it is a really great idea that the candidates focus on DWS rather than each other ya think?
Thanks Platypus Politic! It is ppl like the “blogger” that is giving Florida a bad name.
Note to Javier….thanks for being the one who pitts everyone against each other rather than rallying support so we can work to fix what is going on…nice job *sarcasm OFF*
@ConservativeDiva(most likely Ellyn Snyder)
I am not pitting anyone against each other. Go back an re-read the post with an objective mind and you will realize how fair and accurate it really is. The only people complaining about it are the Lowry supporters.
The initial intent was to post a pro-Lowry piece about the Heritage Foundation, was it my fault that they(Heritage Foundation) commented the way that they did? Or should I have written what was said to me off the record-that would have been wrong and surely would have made Lowry look completely off his rocker.
So I only posted what was verifiable: Lowry’s video and the statement from the HF. Just an FYI, you can reach the HF for comment if you’d like to verify their statement, that is if you feel I made it up.
I think people need to keep their emotions in check and not let it get in the way of politics-I know that is difficult to do, I understand.
@ Conservative Diva
Primaries are supposed to be competitive, and they usually are shall we say “spirited”- we were about to go thru a pretty nasty one until Charlie Tuna Crist cut and run and went indie. A contested primary is not usually the time to be calling for “unity” when there are two viable candidates in a race with a chance to win. Let’s vet these candidates NOW so we know who’s legit or not, and save the “unity” talk until after the primary election.
Talking about vetting. Icaucau.org vetted Robert Lowry already.
I still see finger pointing. No one is winning in this issue. Look at yourselves, who is better than thou? Just get behind your candidate of your choice and start working for them instead of gossiping and tearing candidates apart. May the best candidate win.
In the interest of saving time, I would encourage those posting on this article to take a look here:
http://shark-tank.net/2010/05/2150/
and continue the discussion after reading that article. All the best
TFW
[...] Doesn’t that seem a tad hypocritical? First he mocks one of the greatest presidents and Republicans our party has ever had, and than he defends his crackpot idea by saying that he is actually going “back 25 to 30 years ” to define his own policy. You can’t have it both ways: either you mock Reagan or you use his policies. You can’t do both. But this isn’t the first time he has mislead, lied or contradicted himself ( he lied about a Heritage Foundation endorsement causing the organization to issue a press release). [...]