State treasurer under attack for TV ads
5:16 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2008
The race for Congress is heating up and the attacks have begun. The actions of state treasurer and Congressional contender Lynn Jenkins are being questioned by her opponent.
You may’ve seen the TV ads in which Jenkins is promoting the state-sponsored 529 college-savings plan. Over the last five years, more than $1.7 million have been spent airing the ads.
The ads are paid for by the administrator of the savings program, American Century Investments. The state treasurer’s office said Jenkins appearance in the ads gives credibility, attention and reassurance to the program.
But, critics say Jenkins’ appearance in the ads give her an unfair advantage in the Congressional race.
A document, obtained by KTKA, shows how much money American Century Investments has spent advertising the Learning Quest college-savings plan. Have a look at a PDF version here.
The campaign of Republican rival Jim Ryun said the ads raise ethical questions, in part because of campaign contributions Jenkins received from people close to American Century.
"The American Century ads appear to be a great way to butter up someone who continues to have direct oversight of a contract that generates $3.5 million of profits each year for their firm,” said Kyle Robertson, Ryun's campaign manager.
Watch the commercials that are the source of the dispute here.
"This (is) a baseless attack from a desperate politician who was thrown out of office in 2006 for serious personal ethical lapses, apathy, and being the epitome of a broken system,” said Patrick Leopold, Jenkins’ campaign manager.
Jenkins said she’s just doing her job by promoting the program, but Ryun’s camp said it doesn’t pass the smell test.
Jenkins and Ryun are vying for the second district congressional seat currently held by Rep. Nancy Boyda, a Democrat.
"Nancy is focusing on the job she was hired for, and that's representing Kansas in Congress,” said Thomas Seay, Boyda’s spokesman. “There has been plenty of infighting in the Republican primary, and she just isn't letting that distract her from her duties."
Jenkins' response
Comments sent to 49 News by State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins:
“I take my responsibilities and duties as state treasurer very seriously and always conduct the business of the state treasurer’s office with integrity and transparency.”
“The Learning Quest television advertisements under scrutiny have aired since the program’s inception in 2000 under the direction of former State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger. Not one dollar of taxpayer money is used to promote or market this program. Research conducted by American Century found that my presence in the ads reminds Kansans of my role in the program and brings credibility, attention and reassurance to Kansans considering opening a new account or making a year-end contribution. Given that fact, if I were to decline the invitation to appear in these ads, I would knowingly be doing a disservice to the program and the people of Kansas.
“Due to the proven benefits, treasurers appearing in ads promoting state sponsored programs is the norm in the 529 industry. I personally know Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Mississippi and Oregon State Treasurers’ all appear in their state’s 529 television commercials/marketing materials and I am certain there are more.
“I have a responsibility to do the job I was elected to do, and it is an honor to serve as the Kansas State Treasurer.”
Comments
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Mar. 4, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)Karl_Lynne (anonymous)
What a rediculous story. She runs the program. It's her job to be the public face of Learning Quest. No wonder people hate the press.
Karl
Topeka
Mar. 6, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)richscott (anonymous)
It is hilarious to know that Lynn Jenkins is so paranoid that she rallied the "troops" for her defense. It would be very interesting to know who from American Century has given to her campaign and what favours she has received, including sporting event tickets and fund raising events. Hiding under Conservative Tim's shadow is pretty pathetic. I think all of these ads should be banned. Oh, and if you want get credibility for a savings plan, I wouldn't use a goat. Way to go, KTKA!
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