Democrat Jay Seegmiller came out with an attack Thursday on his Republican opponent for the 2nd Congressional District Chris Stewart. Seegmiller called Stewart a hypocrite for accepting federal stimulus dollars and for refusing an invitation to debate.
Seegmiller squinted into the sun as he stood in front the State Capitol building, where he once served as Representative. He told reporters that it was here he learned that if you say something, you better mean it, or someone will call you out on it.
“My opponent has stated on several occasions that the federal government cannot create jobs and he has demonized the Obama stimulus,” said Seegmiller, “Stewart - who grew up on a dairy farm - was first in line to milk the federal cow.”
Seegmiller pointed out that Stewart’s company the Shipley Group has received more than 5 million dollars in government contracts, and 35,000 in stimulus dollars. Stewart dismissed Seegmiller’s press conference as negative campaigning, and responded in a statement that his company helps improve government efficiency and reduce spending by providing assistance with critical services, like energy production on public lands.
Seegmiller also called out Stewart for refusing an invitation to debate him on KSL Newsradio’s Doug Wright Show.
“My opponent says he is running to save America,” said Seegmiller, “If this is his belief, then why go into hiding?”
The Stewart campaign would not give a reason why he decided not to participate, but confirmed that Stewart is scheduled for two upcoming 2nd District debates in Cedar City and St George.
