The campaign for Republican congressional candidate John Koster of Arlington issued a statement late Wednesday regarding the publicizing of an audio tape in which he discusses why he opposes abortion in cases of rape and incest.
Koster’s use of the phrase “the rape thing” in those comments has sparked criticism from political opponents. You can read about it here and here.
Koster, who serves on the Snohomish County Council., is competing against Democrat Suzan DelBene in the 1st Congressional District.
You can read the statement below. It is also posted on his campaign web site.
Koster Statement Regarding Video Circulated by DelBene Surrogates
Lacking in ideas and solutions for the enormous economic issues facing America, many “progressive” organizations and campaigns rely on dirty tricks and deception to sway close elections.
Everett, WA – October 31, 2012 – Responding to press inquiries in regards to a YouTube video posted today by an organization supporting John Koster’s opponent, Suzan DelBene, Koster made the following comment: “Rape is a vicious and horribly violent crime, and no one in Washington State has been tougher on criminals and sex offenders than I have been, period.”
When a state legislator, Koster authored and sponsored “two strikes, you’re out” legislation for locking up violent sex offenders permanently. As a Snohomish County Councilman, John Koster is a long-time supporter of groups such as the Snohomish County Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims and the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.
“The recording was done secretly then edited to suit DelBene’s agenda”, said Larry Stickney, Koster’s campaign manager. “Consider that John was at a dinner with many people trying to get his attention. He very clearly and honestly stated his thoughts on an extremely sensitive subject. He has nothing to be ashamed of here.”
“The insinuation that John Koster is in some way ‘callous’ or ‘cavalier’ when it comes to the subject of rape is another example of the vicious and desperate tactics that DelBene and her surrogates have employed to slander the good name of John Koster”, Stickney continued.
“DelBene has outspent Koster 5 to 1 and she’s still behind. She can’t gain any traction because she has no solutions to the problems facing our nation, our state and the 1st congressional district. Koster has an impeccable record as a public servant and a human being. Sad to see the depths to which these people will stoop for political gain.”
Here is the recording of what Koster said that was posted online Wednesday:
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