SOURCE Richard Leebove
DETROIT, April 27, 1998 /PRNewswire/
-- The following statement was released today by Richard Leebove
following a ruling by International Brotherhood of Teamsters Election
Officer Michael Cherkasky to bar his involvement in the upcoming
rerun of the election of IBT Officers:
"I am firmly convinced that the election
officer's (EO) decision to bar me from the rerun election is retaliation
for my role in uncovering the EO's misuse of $20 million in taxpayer
money in failing to detect Ron Carey's frauds. Numerous of Mr.
Cherkasky's assistants were involved in the cover-up of Carey
corruption. They undoubtedly pressed for revenge against the source
of their embarrassment. They are also, undoubtedly, eager to derail
congressional investigations bearing down on discovery of their
misconduct.
"I also find it no coincidence that
Mr. Cherkasky has disqualified me at the same time that his own
campaign for Westchester County (New York) District Attorney is
the subject of an investigation that could lead to criminal charges.
EO spokesmen made it clear that they blame me for exposing Mr.
Cherkasky's election problems, which involve possible illegal
laundering of $45,000 in last-minute contributions.
"I am reviewing the possibility of an
appeal of the EO's decision to disqualify me, based on the subjective
and loose criteria offered to justify that decision. Mr. Cherkasky's
major premise for attacking me is that I did not 'charge enough'
for my services to the Hoffa campaign. Apparently, the EO believes
all vendors should engage in reckless and unproductive fleecing
of clients for millions of dollars, in the manner of the EO during
the previous campaign.
"The specific methodology underlying
the EO's 'findings' against me is something of a joke. The EO
studied my cell phone bills, and simply attributes the majority
of calls to union officers and follow union vendors as 'campaign
related,' ignoring undisputed testimony from numerous credible
witnesses. There is no competent or direct testimony from any
source indicating that I underbilled. Mr. Cherkasky makes false
statements about press coverage that he claims is 'proof' of my
role as principal campaign spokesmen.
"However, my chief wish is to avoid
anything that will detract from Jim Hoffa getting his message
out to the Teamster membership. I am confident that Jim will win
this election, and go on to lead the Teamsters back to strength
and dignity. That is the real news of the EO decision."
Copyright 1998, PR Newswire
Contact:Richard Leebove of RL Communications, 248-557-8460, or pager, 810-450-0634