Lance Sigmon for Congress official Campaign Homepage

McHenry sells his attention for campaign donations

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry of the 10th District of North Carolina has a campaign contributions "club" for his loyal constituents.

McHenry's "Victory Circle" includes four levels of campaign sponsorships that range from $1,000 per person to $9,200 per couple with perks that increase with the amount of money donated. (The Victory Circle brochure can be seen online at sigmonforcongress.com)

At the highest level, McHenry's $9,200 "Congressional Circle" includes tickets to his Christmas Party and campaign events, special communications, a "commemorative pin" and a "private Washington, DC retreat with Congressman McHenry (includes meal & reception)." The other three tiers of campaign sponsorships include the "Capitol Club" for a donation of $4,600, the "Carolina Club" for $2,300 and the "Committee of 85" for $1,000.

"I am offended by the fact that my congressman is obviously selling his time and attention to the highest donors," stated Newton lawyer Lance Sigmon, who is running against the two-term incumbent in the May 6 Republican primary, "Even the lowest level of 'membership' in his club - $1000 - is more than most of the constituents in the 10th District could even imagine donating to a political campaign."

He continues, "One of the biggest complaints I hear when talking to the voters is that they do not get a response from Mr. McHenry or his staff when they have a question or concern. One gentleman told me that he had contacted their office by phone and e-mail 14 times within the last month, and has still not received a response. Apparently, this gentleman has not donated enough money to buy their attention."

Incredibly, McHenry also states in this brochure that "Your support helps me continue rising in leadership and increasing my effectiveness." Sigmon asks, "Does he mean that he is "buying" his "position" and without your contributions he can not be effective? What about the concept of good-old hard work and leadership through consensus building?"

"Mr. McHenry's 'campaign club' makes two things perfectly clear to me: that money is more important to him than the constituents in the District, and that he is totally out of touch with the people here when he expects donations of those amounts. My office - or attention - will never be for sale." concluded Sigmon.