Republican Robert Pittenger's latest mailer hit mailboxes Tuesday. One mailbox belonged to Jim Pendergraph.The headline: "Jim Pendergraph's Guide, How to Get Rich in Politics."
The part that galled Pendergraph, who pulled a folded copy of his pocket at a forum Tuesday night, was on the inside.
"Jim Pendergraph has been living off the taxpayers for his entire adult life," it said.
Pendergraph, an Army veteran, was a police officer for the city and county before being elected Mecklenburg County sheriff in 1994. He retired from that job in 2007 and worked briefly for the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.
At the forum, he said he took the criticism "on behalf of" every person in military uniform, every cop on the street and every sheriff. The crowd of Iredell County Republicans applauded.
55 comments:
Robert Pittenger's get rich quick guide... marry into a wealthy family.
Congratulations, Mr Pittenger. I've known both you and Mr. Pendergraph for years, and I was a little on the fence about who to support, but because of your tactics, your attacks, and your negative, utterly ridiculous mud-slinging campaign, I can assure you now that it won't be you.
Let;s see, Mr. Pittenger accuses Mr. Pendergraph of living off the tax payers. But, he is running for a seat in the US House of Representatives. From what source do the funds for the salaries for the 435 members of that group come?
So his point is that every government employee is "living off the taxpayers" and that is bad. And now he wants to be elected so that he too can "live off the taxpayers"? If that is his best argument for his candidacy, Pendergraph definitely has my vote.
Sen. Pittenger's get rich quick guide, go into a land deal with a fellow Senator from a neighboring county to buy land along a proposed toll road, using inside knowledge of the proposed path it will take. Then make sure the folks affected by the toll road are shifted to another congressional district by his buddy's successor so they can't soundly defeat him when he runs for higher office. Still hasn't stopped Pittenger from littering US74 up to Catawba River with his signs even though we can't vote in the 9th.
Pittenger just sealed the deal--not going to vote for this clown.
Pittenger lost my vote about two mailings ago. He can't stand on any record or position just hot air and mud slinging.
I am Die Hard Democrat and if I get to vote it would be for Jim Pendergraph. I have never voted for a republican in my life but would make a expection on this and cringe when I did but better Jim Pendergraph than Robert (pitty me)Pittenger.
Mr Pittenger,
I've known Jim Pendergraph for over twenty-five years. In that time I've worked with him and, even when we had differences, there was always mutual respect. That respect still remains. Maybe one day you'll get to experience something similar but, as of right now, you are trailing him.....tremendously.
My name is John Dixon and I approved this message.
Perhaps Mr. Pittenger will agree to work his entire term of office for free? That is the only way the taxpayers can be sure to get their money's worth.
Robert Pittenger I can assure you has been a hardworking father, state senator, and would make an excellent Congressman. I habe known he and his family for over 10 years now and have NEVER had a complaint. And let me point out to all of you naysayers, if a land deal were to land in your lap in the boom years od real estate would you turn it down? If so, then perhaps our foreclosure rates wouldn't be so high...Another thing, you can judge a mans home life but what he may/or may not (in this case, not) do at home does not mean he will do on the Hill. Judge him on his performace in office which will be filled with success for NC small business which is what drives well over 80-90 % of our economy.
RljordanII,
Maybe what you've written is true, but he'll never earn my respect by resorting to this kind of ethical mudslinging propaganda. -John Dixon
dear RLJordan. I have to wholeheartedly disagree with Pittenger's ability to be a good congressman. I could care less if he is a good father or husband. He obviously isn't well regarded for his ethics and one can infer what that means as a parent.
He is running a firty campaign and he is mileading people about Pendergraph's sincerity, credibility, and honesty. It is shameful Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Pendergraph regardless of party knows him to be a deicated public servant and an honorable man. You are the only person I have seen on here period that thinks Pittenger meets that description.
Furhtemore Pittenger is a total hypocrite. Criticisng someone in public office being paid by the tax payer when he wasnts to be paid by the tax payer. What a sad man.
Pittenger, your pittiful. You have your daughters come on TV and discuss how much you enforced the importance of education - then you cut the funds available for education. You are hypritical and deceitful. How can we really trust you going forward. These ads reflect what you are as a person. Tell Grover Linquist to go home and stop spending his money of this garbage.
I don't even live in district 9 but I think Pendergraph is a stand up man and when I saw this story about Pittenger not learning his lesson teh first time he smeared a good man's name... I decided to donate some money to Pendergraph's campaign. Transaction complete.
To Pittenger: When you disrespect other's, you disrespect yourself.
Jim is a lifelong Democrat, a longtime bureaucrat who took a special bonus, and someone doesn't know the first thing about creating jobs and fighting big government. Pendergraph also voted to increase taxes.
I think that mailer's pretty funny. And Pendergraph needs to not be so thin skinned if he's gonna dabble in politics.
Anonymous 2:21 PM Jim Pendergraph isn't "dabbling" in politics. All you have to do is read the article on which you commented to learn his political history. Also, I think Mr. Pendergraph handled the mailer quite well. If anyone is being "thin-skinned" about it, it's the author of the article. I'm glad you at least got a chuckle out of it.
I don't like all the attacks between these guys. Neither one has a broad range of knowledge on topics they will likely affect in Congress.
I am going to vote for the best qualified candidate, Ric Killian.
Earth to Jim Morrill,
THERE ARE OTHER CANDIDATES IN THIS RACE. COVER THEM. NOBODY CARES ABOUT PITTENGRAPH.
Fact Check
"Jim is a lifelong Democrat."
False: Jim is a former Democrat. He is registered Republican and currently serves on the Meck County Commission as a Republican
"Jim is a longtime bureaucrat
True: So is Pittenger who was elected three terms as a Senator and won the republican nomination for Lt Governor.
"Jim took a special bonus"
False: Jim did not receive a special bonus. This probably was supposed to refer to his severance package in which he received payment for accrued unused vacation days. The payout was not itemized by the county manager and was not requested by Jim. The county manager approved the payment and validated that it was obtained ethically.
"Jim doesn't know the first thing about creating jobs"
That is an opinion. The government isn't supposed to create jobs. The private sector is. The government is supposed to make good laws and good fiscal policy.
"Jim doesn't now the first thing about fighting big government." That is opinion. Pittenger has served as part of Big government as part of the General Assembly.
"Pendergraph also voted to increase taxes."
False: 2011 - With a 5-4 vote along party lines, the Mecklenburg County Commission set a tax rate of 81.66 cents on every $100 a 2.2-cent decrease in the current tax rate.
I think that mailer's pretty funny.
--> why would you think criticising someone's extensive military and police service is funny?
And Pendergraph needs to not be so thin skinned if he's gonna dabble in politics.
--> He's not dabbling in politics. Duh. Anyone would be offended if another candidate denigrated their civil service. And I think he handled it appropriately. He is ioffended and left it at that.
"I don't like all the attacks between these guys."
What do you mena between. The attacks are one-sided.
Keep it up Pittenger and there will be a Democrat representing the 9th district in the U S House. By the way Pittenger whose money are you living off of. I believe it's Mrs. Pittengers family's money.
Pittenger gives Republicans a bad name. I hope his childish decisions will ruin his childish campaign. I have know Jim Pendergraph personally for years and he is a tremendous person with a no nonsense attitude towards crime and politics. He WILL make a great congressman.
Pendergraph is one of only two Democrats I have ever voted for, and certainly it pleased me to continue to vote for him when he became a Republican.
Pittenger lost any chance at my vote with his false and misleading attack ads.
Dale Johnson
Charlotte, NC
How much are Pittenger and Pendergraph paying the Observer to ignore the other candidates?
The amount of money being spent by Pittinger to denigrate Pendergraph; a decent and honorable man is enough for me to never vote for Pittinger. The fact that I have been told by inside sources at the NC Dpt of Transportation (going back years) that Pittinger has regularly used his inside information to profit from proposed new road projects, like the Monroe bypass and Gaston toll road (covering his personal financial interest in the projects in LLC's etc...is even more of a reason to not support Pittinger. But I think that that nail in the coffin was when my wife told me she met him recently at a Republican sponsored event and his handshake was so weak and limp it was like holding a dead fish....well that's enough for me.
I have three questions to ask Mr. Pendergraph.
1. How long was your service protecting the citizens of Charlotte?
2. Would you verify you handled a billion dollar plus budget of our tax money each year, and over 2000 employees.
3. Why do think after doing all of this, and from the official records of not abusing your position, or misuse of our tax dollars, someone would attempt such poor politics in attacking you?
I'd be embarrassed to vote for either of these guys. At the Mooresville forum I thought Mike Steinberg made the most sense.
1. How long was your service protecting the citizens of Charlotte?
--> He has 23 years in CMPD & 13 years as Sheriff protecting Charlotte-Mecklenburg. A total of 36 years. That is not even including director of homeland security or military experience which provided protection to the entire. U.S.
2. Would you verify you handled a billion dollar plus budget of our tax money each year, and over 2000 employees.
He Has. $1.38 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12 in Mecklenburg. CMS has over 18,000 employees by itself. He also owns his own consulting business.
3. Why do think after doing all of this, and from the official records of not abusing your position, or misuse of our tax dollars, someone would attempt such poor politics in attacking you?
--> Because he is the most credible opponent and favored to win. If his experience was the real issue it would make more sense and be more respectable of Mr. Pittenger to make that the focus of his campaign. Obviously that isn't the issue and that is why Pittenger is focusing on misconstruing Pendergraph's experience and honor. I am glad to see that I am not the only person whobleieves Pendergraph
's honor is as rare as gold. I am also glad to say that his dirty tricks that are backfiring on him.
Mike who?
I agree. It seems only Lynch and Steinberg have any original ideas; Lynch on the passing of bills, and Steinberg on keeping any and all congresspeople accountable to the voters. Only these two guys aren't politics as usual.
To this new crop of wild-eyed Republicans, all public servants are mooching off the taxpayers- police, teachers, etc.... What a thing to say about one of the best sheriffs Mecklenburg ever had. Pittenger is a sad man.
Peacock has raised more money than either of these buffoons. And he isn't pandering either - he is putting out position statements. And he knows how to get things done - was very effective on City Council even though he was in the minority party.
Peacock would do an excellent job. However he just doesn't have the experience Pendergraph does. And for you to call Pendergraph a buffoon is like you looking in the mirror. His leadership and experience are significant. This is from someone who gave them both money, because I respect them both and would like to see either of them in office.
@ Anon @ 6:55
The new crop of wild-eyed Teapublicans is just parroting the views of their corporate master Art Pope who believes that if you are a public employee, then you must be a socialist.
Mr. Pittenger you are a dirt bag. If you think severing in Army then the citizens of Mecklenburg county as a police officer for 20+ years, then sherriff for 13 years is wrong then you are to way out of of touch to be elected. Jim Pendergraph has my vote!!
This is a quote from Pittenger in today's Observer. “I’ve got a proven record in Raleigh of being a fiscal conservative who supports traditional values,” he says. “People know what they’re buying when they buy me" Yeah we know what we are getting when people buy you off. Land deals that line you and your friends pockets.. We can see your traditional values in your dirty and untrure attack Ad's. Pittenger will never get my vote.
I'm tired of all the negativity from both Pittenger and Pendergraph who has been fighting back. Pittenger has been vicious with his mudslinging but Pendergraph has not been taking it quietly. I am sick of Peacock sending out tweets attacking Pittenger that are about as negative as Pittenger's ads but just cost less.
The two far right guys don't have a chance but I think Richard Lynch seems funny. I think Dan Barry the mayor and Ken L the minister and lawyer make the most sense when talking about jobs and regulation. They understand how bad it is for business to have so many regulations. Peacock the insurance saleman and politician sometimes makes sense but sometimes he sounds like he doesn't know what he is talking about and I really don't like his new attempts to act like he is above everything when he's attacking Pittenger.
Politics is dirty business and all are fair game who run. Pendergraph can fight back. Why is the Observer fighting his battles?
Why not settle it with an old fashioned duel? Thats the American way like Sec of State Alex Hamilton and VP Arron Burr did in 1804 in NJ where they lined up back to back and walked off 10 paces turned and fired?
Burr killed Hamilton and it was over. Everybody went back to work.
Pendegraft is a former sheriff in the older Charlotte mold and Pittinger a Texas gunslinger from Dallas.
Bring back duels. Thats how America settled its disputes and was created not this weakling shiveling whiny commie homo joint lib democrats have turned it into.
Yes, I too, believe Ken the Minister is a very good and strong candidate. People seem to be talking about him a lot, but we keep hearing about only these two. I hope we get some more coverage of (Ken) Leonczyk, Dan Barry, Steinberg and the rest. There is a very strong field of candidates here. The public would be better served by hearing about them, (ALL).
"Peacock would do an excellent job"
That wussy skinny weakling white boy couldnt beat his own meat. He gives RINOs a bad name.
What is this "government jobs" business? I am happy to pay taxes in order to have police, veteran, teachers etc. I don't understand why that commercial is trying to make a pension out to be a bad thing. Pendergraph worked for the government, of course he has a public pension. I work in the private sector. I have a 401k and thankfully a private pension. I hope Pittenger doesn't win just because he could "take office without collecting a salary". So what? You should not have to be wealthy to serve in public sector jobs or be elected to office.
Wish the other candidates could get more coverage by the Charlotte Observer...Jon Gauthier is an intelligent economics guy and seems to know what he's talking about.
Candidates for public office should be forced to campaign in the nude.
Pittenger's own pension is a rich wife. Some "businessman." Jeez, what a skeeze. To think I had considered voting for this fool. This is going to turn a lot of us over for the more moderate Peacock, or to Pendergraph. Can't imagine insulting a career police officer for taking his pension.
Read what the other options are at each of their websites. Read www.voteken2012.com then take a look at the other candidates' sites.
Jim Pendergraph is one of the most straightforward and honest men that I have personally known. He does not care who you are he does not discriminate against anyone, good or bad. He ran a tight ship at the police department and carried that through the sheriffs office. If you had vacation time that was owed to you, would you not want to collect it. Harry Jones made a decision and the board of comissioners knew about it. Robert Pittinger is just a loser and is trying anything he can to discredit someone who has worked hard for what he believes in. And yes, why did he leave Washington DC, because he saw all of the political Bull that was going on and he knew he could not change it. Give credit where credit is due, and elect the Best Man for the job. I am proud to call Jim Pendergraph a friend and mentor. Robert Pittinger, stop the negative ads, it only makes you look stupid.
A Democrat for Jim Pendergraph, Fred Handsel
Agree with Pittinger who is dead right about Pendergraph living off taxpayers FREE for the rest of life at over 100,000 per year retirement.
How in the world did he manage that for how many years now? The man must get bored doing nothing all the time. No wonder he ran for office.
Entitlements this large are killing taxpayers as bad as welfare. Where but in America can people get paid for just having a beating heart ?
Agree.
Cut all these excessive Fed and State pensions and entitlements out including for military and elected or appointed leaders.
NO BIG GOVT FREEBIES !!!!
Live like the rest of American peasants and peons or go to work elsewhere.
Top SS pay at age 66 is 2500. per month.
It is asinine for even presidents to retire at 50% their salary or around 200k annually plus all perks and meds free.
Military generals retire at around 150k a year. This is asinine.
Get another job if needed. Get off the dole. Retirement benefits for longtime vested employees if earned are reasonable.
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