Sen. Chambliss (R-Ga) Gets Angry When Asked About Role in Sugar Dust Blast [View All]

[Omaha Steve]

Also see this post:Imperial Sugar (14 dead 40 injured) May Have Injected Itself Into Key U.S. Senate Race http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=367x14650



http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/11/21/sen-chambliss-gets-angry-when-asked-about-role-in-sugar-dust-blast/

by Seth Michaels, Nov 21, 2008

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the anti-worker senator fighting for his career in a tight Georgia runoff election, is facing a subpoena to testify about his relationship with Imperial Sugar. As we’ve noted, Imperial Sugar—an ally and patron of Chambliss—is hoping to evade responsibility for a deadly sugar dust explosion that killed 14 workers last February.

Yesterday, Chambliss responded to a question about the subpoena by swatting away a camera held by a volunteer (see video). Not only is he dodging a court order, but he doesn’t want to discuss his relationship with the company or his attacks on a whistle-blower who exposed the dangerous conditions at the Imperial plant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5QSk1_e3UQ

As Firedoglake reported, Chambliss received $21 thousand in campaign contributions this election cycle from the sugar industry.

Chambliss faces off against pro-worker candidate Jim Martin in the Dec. 2 runoff. Union volunteers are working hard around the state to oust Chambliss and send Martin to the U.S. Senate. They’re reaching out to thousands of other union members through worksite leaflets, phone banks, door-to-door walks and local union mail.

Early voting already is under way and getting out every vote will be crucial in this runoff election. The winner could cast decisive votes on legislation from wages to health care to the Employee Free Choice Act. You can help support Martin’s campaign here.

___________________________________

Paid for by the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Political Contributions Committee, www.aflcio.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.