Statement By Richard Leebove Regarding
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Election Officer's Decision To Bar His Involvement
in Upcoming IBT Rerun Election
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