(CNN) – The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee responded Friday to a scathing letter from a top executive at Koch Industries, Inc., who blasted the group after he was solicited for campaign contributions.
Philip Ellender, president for government and public affairs at Koch Industries, a frequent Democratic target, said he received a letter and voicemail from DSCC Chair Patty Murray in June. He posted the audio from the voicemail on KochFacts.com, a website dedicated to defending the influential conservative Koch brothers - David and Charles.
In a letter obtained by CNN, DSCC Executive Director Guy Cecil wrote to Ellender, saying the "form letter" and follow-up solicitation were a staff error.
"However, the bigger and more troubling mistake is the long political history of your employer, the Koch Brothers," Cecil wrote in the letter. "If you'd like to share voicemails from all the shady groups asking you for millions of dollars, we'd happily listen to those as well."
"So, I write to make it clear that your invitation was an error and has been rescinded," Cecil added.
Ellender previously wrote a letter to Sen. Murray, D-Washington, saying "I'm hoping you can help me understand the intent of your request because it's hard not to conclude that DSCC politics have become so cynical that you actually expect people whom you routinely denounce to give DSCC money."
"If you could provide me some insight on what exactly you are asking of us and why, I would be most grateful," he added.
The Koch brothers and their company – the largest privately-owned company in the U.S. – are known for their involvement and contributions to conservative causes, including the tea party movement and conservative Heritage Foundation. Liberal groups and Democrats have launched ongoing campaigns against the brothers and their company.
However, according to opensecrets.org, the PAC associated with the company donated $30,000 to the DSCC during the 2010 election cycle and dolled out money to a few Democratic candidates, in addition to the many Republicans.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, used the brothers for an attack line in a fundraising email on behalf of the DSCC in March.
"If Republicans can knock just a few bricks free from our firewall, they'll force through their extreme agenda faster than you can say 'Koch brothers,'" the email read.
From CNN Politics
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False indignation. He acts as if he has never had a robo call in the middle of his dinner. Dude, just say no, hang up, delete it, just do it and then chill out, pal. That's what I do, I have long since realized that life is too short to get bent out of shape over nothing, not even for show.
And the news is? An error occured? The Koch brothers are rich? And that actually the Koch brothers really like giving money to the GOP who promise to make them richer in return...Moving on.......org.
So this guy is claiming to be a victim? Seriously?
That was probably a joke. Democrats asking for a donation from one of the leaders in the American Neo-Nazi movement???
wow, this is interesting, now you need permission to mail a letter in a democratic country !! Do they not read the bible where is supposedly says 'Love thy enemy'
What, the Koch's are to high and mighty to buy out the DNC?
Actually, it's called hedging.
Companies routinely hedge by giving some to both sides. No matter who wins they still have influence.
Yeah, well maybe Republicans can tell me they keep robo calling ME! Or why they sold my phone number to the NRA? I was able to reverse lookup the NRA number and when I called them THEY were actually responsive and removed my number. Guess I need to send a nasty-gram to my local Republican leaders.
What a prissy little nincompoop this Ellender is. Yawn. I'd expect that kind of hissy fit from a 4 year old, not an ALLEGED adult.
Democrats can't do anything right.
Maybe the Democrats felt in light of all the tax breaks and new rules the Republicans are shoving down our throats, they might want to say thank you for the democrats being such wimps and going along with it all.
Every Republican businessman out there should be giving money to Democrats- they seems to do even better with them in office lately
"The Koch brothers and their company – the largest privately-owned company in the U.S. – are known for their involvement and contributions to conservative causes, including the tea party movement and conservative Heritage Foundation."
Oh, good God, what nonsense is this? Fact is, the Koch brothers OWN conservatives causes. The Koch brothers OWN the tea party movement. The Kock brothers OWN Heritage Foundation. And most importantly, the Koch brothers OWN each and every congressperson associated with any one (if not all) of these organizations.
Thanks, now I have an answer for all of that junk I get from the Republicans, including calls inviting me to listen in to
the conversations, survey forms, and what???? donation requests? Well, I'm insulted too.
Good for him. I am sick of Democrat's hypocrisy.
SERIOUSLY – Who cares. Do what I and the rest of us American's do toss the letter delete the voice mail and get on with our lives. It is ridiculous that you contacted a government official with this nonsense. They have more important matters to attend to then Mr. Ellender getting a letter and or a phone call. It's like a six year old crying "Mommy Tommy's touching me". Grow up.
A simple "no" would suffice.
Koch Brothers aka Republican Party including Karl Rove et al.
In a letter obtained by CNN, DSCC Executive Director Guy Cecil wrote to Ellender, saying the "form letter" and follow-up solicitation were a staff error.
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Apologize for what? I wonder what would happen in the event that he got a letter calling him to jury duty? Do you think he would be willing to participate? For some reason, I don't think he would be pleased with performing his civic duty. Doesn't pay enough.
Koch executive to Dems: Why did I get solicited?
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Oops, erh ah. IQ Test?
Who the He– cares about this Greedy women,or the Koch Bro,s????? American terrorism at its best!!! Go away,Traitors!! Robber Barons! Get a real Job? I would like to see this women and Corporate Thugs,"Walk down a street in Americas Projects. Their to "Chicken to do that" Out of sight,out of Mind!!!! Shame be brought to you!
Poor rich girl. Cynical? If anyone would know cynic and lies it would be you and your people!
The koch brothers are crooks!!! And you missy are also!
Go back to your mansion. Go, go, hurry before the little guy soils your path!
Poiticians screw the American people constantly...and yet we still get phone calls for donations. Why should you be any different? Grow up!
Just let me get this straight them.
The Koch brothers HAVE NOT & WILL NOT make any donations to an Democrats? Is that what you are saying on the record?
So we can expect Koch Industries to only do business in areas where Republicans are elected, right? They will have no business interests and seek no favors or legislative support from Democrats? GOOD LUCK WITH THAT even with your riches.
I dunno. Maybe because the Kochs have bought the Republican Party, and pay to keep the anti-American Tea Party rolling? They obviously have the cash
Hey I'm not a big powerful big wig in any organization, I am a senior citizen collecting my Social Security check and I am a registered Democrat and I have been getting a letter a week from the Republicans running for office in 2012 for my support and contributions.....I just tear them up and throw them in the trash......In all past elections I have never received GOP mail and I have always been Democrat but they are sure hoping us old elderly senior citizens are senile enough to send them money......well think again!!!!!!!!