Ad Watch: Congressional Pay Raise Facts Elusive in Senate-Race Ad

WASHINGTON – Democratic Senate candidate Martin Heinrich’s new television ad accuses former Rep. Heather Wilson, his Republican challenger, of “voting herself” six pay raises in Congress.

The accusation is misleading in some respects, but Congressional Research Service reports show Wilson did receive the extra money in her paychecks.

Heinrich’s ad, titled “Since,” says “Wilson voted herself six pay raises” between 2001 and 2006.

In fact, Wilson never voted specifically to raise her pay during that period. However, through a series of votes included as part of broader spending or procedural bills, she either assented to allowing the pay raises or voted in a way that would prevent legislation to reject them.

Since 1975, annual congressional pay raises have been automatic unless Congress votes specifically to reject them, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Wilson’s paycheck increased each year from 2001 to 2006. Her pay was $141,300 in 2001 and $165,200 in 2006, with incremental increases each year in between, according to Congressional Research Service.

Wilson spokesman Christopher Sanchez disputed the Heinrich ad’s assertion that his boss voted for a pay raise.

“Congressman Heinrich’s pay raise charge is an outright lie,” Sanchez said in an email to the Journal on Tuesday.

Heinrich spokeswoman Whitney Potter stood by the ad. She also said Heinrich, who succeeded Wilson as the representative of the 1st Congressional District, has twice co-sponsored legislation to prevent – at least for a year – the annual pay hikes for members of Congress.

“Martin co-sponsored legislation to stop an automatic pay raise, and since elected to Congress, has never received a pay raise,” Potter said.

Congress – sensitive to the plight of constituents struggling in a weak economy – voted against increasing its pay in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Members of the House and Senate currently are paid $174,000 annually, an amount that went into effect in January 2009. Members who hold leadership positions earn more.
— This article appeared on page A5 of the Albuquerque Journal