Walz, AFSCME attack ads feature Gutknecht at charity auction

Walz deliberate attempt to mislead voters backfires

10.10.2006

Rochester, Minn. - The photo of Congressman Gil Gutknecht wearing a tuxedo featured in the negative television advertisements by Democrat Congressional candidate Tim Walz and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is from a 2003 charity event where Gutknecht helped raise money for women re-entering the workforce and continuing their education.

"It's shameful, though not surprising, that Tim Walz would use a photograph of Congressman Gutknecht raising scholarship money for women in a deliberate attempt to mislead voters," said Gutknecht for Congressman spokesman Bryan Anderson.

The Women in Government Relations (WGR) Anniversary Gala was held on May 21, 2003. Proceeds from the event benefited WGR?s philanthropic arm, the WGR LEADER Foundation, which provides financial assistance, education, and training to women. Gutknecht served as special guest auctioneer during the benefit's live auction.

"Congressman Gutknecht doesn't often wear a tuxedo. But if he's asked to do so at an event where he can raise money for a good cause, he will," concluded Anderson.

Since being elected to Congress, Gutknecht has used his skills as an auctioneer to raise $2.5 million for charity.

Gutknecht was first elected in 1994. He is a member of the House Agriculture, Government Reform and Science Committees. He serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Dairy, Nutrition, and Forestry.