The Manchurian Candidate Pingree invests in China, lives in the Virgin Islands, "represents" Maine

The Manchurian Candidate 

Pingree invests in China, lives in the Virgin Islands,  

"represents" Maine      

AUGUSTA - Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's financial disclosure is now available online, and what a story it tells.  Pingree was the only member of Maine's congressional delegation to request an extension from the May 15 deadline, and it is her first since marrying billionaire hedge fund manager and Democratic string-puller Donald Sussman.   

Here is a sampling of the investments disclosed in Pingree's report:  

• Chilton China Opportunities, LP
• China Aoyuan Property Group
• Cathay Investment Fund Limited  
• New China Investment Management Inc.
• New China Management Corp. 
• TAM China LLC

Pingree is especially invested in The Cathay Funds, a private equity firm that invests in China.  It is closely affiliated with New China Investment Management Inc. and New China Management Corp.  Through Cathay, Pingree helps create Chinese jobs in manufacturing, chemicals, mining, consumer products, and more.  Meanwhile, Pingree racked up a meager 29 percent score with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for her voting record during the 112th Congress.   

"Clearly her priority is profiting off of her investments in China rather than casting good votes for businesses here at home," said Maine Republican Party spokesman David Sorensen.  

"Pingree parks her money in China, her private jet in the Virgin Islands, and her political ambitions in Maine," said Sorensen.  "I think this heavy investment in China is just another example of Pingree being out of touch with the average Mainer."

China has come under heavy criticism for years over its currency manipulation, trade practices, copyright infringements, human rights record, and territorial disputes.  "The hypocrisy of Democrats like Pingree, who oppose private equity and espouse local investment, and then invest in China, really is astounding," said Sorensen.   

Pingree's opponent, state Senate Majority Leader Jon Courtney, owns and operates Courtney Cleaners in Sanford.  "He's a regular Mainer who knows what it takes to make a payroll and run a business here in Maine," added Sorensen.