WHILE BONO MACK IS AWARDED AS “DEFENDER OF CHILDREN”, POUGNET EXPLOITS KIDS FOR POLITICAL GAIN

Palm Desert, CA – While the First Focus Campaign named Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) a “Defender of Children,” Steve Pougnet was busy forcing innocent youth to participate in his most recent attack ad. In reaction to Bono Mack’s significant endorsement and Pougnet’s childish commercial, Ryan Mahoney, Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), issued the following statements:

“As outrageous as it is that Steve Pougnet’s latest advertisement is exploiting children in an ugly, self-serving fashion,it is especially timely and fitting to see today that the First Focus Campaign for Children has cited Congresswoman Bono Mack for her hard work defending our kids.

“Our children are the future and hope of this Nation,not some pawn in a failed politician’s smear campaign.

“As a father, Steve Pougnet should know better. We are all embarrassed at his lapse in judgment and hope he discontinues the blatant manipulation of innocent youth for political gain.”

It was announced today that the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bi-partisan advocacy organization, has recognized Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack as a “Defender of Children.” This honor is part of First Focus’ campaign to distinguish the Top 100 Members of Congress who are working to improve the well being of our children.