The Bill Lee campaign event at Legislative Hall is now in limbo.  Legislative Hall officials confirm what I had been saying all along; this type of campaign event in the peoples building is not allowed.

Joseph Fulgham

Communications Officer

DE House of Representatives

(302) 744-4184 (office)

(302) 739-7349 (fax)

Dan,

 

On this morning’s show (8/18) I heard you discussing the event described in the release pasted below.  I need to both clarify and correct some of the statements that were made.

 

First, the House of Representatives’ policy on the use of our facilities prohibits them from being utilized for political campaign events.  The House and Senate both allow their facilities to be used by all manner of citizens’ groups for meetings, including political groups.  However, campaign events are banned.

 

With regard to the veterans event, this forum was set up by Dave Skocik, who is a long-time veterans advocate.  Bill Lee was invited by Mr. Skocik to attend his forum, but both Mr. Skocik and Maria Evans (Communications Director for Bill Lee) confirm that the Lee campaign had nothing to do with organizing the event or selecting the venue.

 

Dave Skocik said he was incorrectly informed that his forum could be held at Leg Hall.  Under any other circumstances, that would have been accurate.  However, once Bill Lee agreed to attend, and the forum was promoted by his organization, it became a campaign event and ineligible for the venue.

 

Also, let me be clear.  The House Chamber was NEVER reserved for the time and date indicated on the press release.  Had an attempt been made to reserve space with the Chief Clerk of the House – as should have been done before the issuance of the release – the organizers would have been informed of the House policy prohibiting such events.

 

In his defense, Mr. Skocik was inadvertently told by a member of the House staff that his event could be held in the House Chamber and that the space would be reserved on his behalf.  The staffer, apparently unaware of the campaign implications of the event, made a mistake and has since been updated on proper protocol for making such reservations.

 

Your statements this morning that Speaker of the House Terry Spence or Majority Leader Dick Cathcart had approved this event to take place in the House chamber is inaccurate and totally without any basis in fact.

(”My apologies for that.  I didn’t realize that staffers were in charge”  -dg)

 

I hope this clears up any confusion and sets the record straight.  Please inform WGMD’s listeners of these developments and feel free to post this letter on the station’s website.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

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