San Diego, CA— Yesterday, Congressman Bob Filner, who missed more votes than any other member of Congress, was asked to explain $38,000 in free travel he received from special interest groups. Filner defended his actions and vowed to continue the practice should he be elected Mayor.

“I plead guilty to trying to understand the world, trying to make sure that we have relationships with other countries,” Filner declared, according to a report by NBC San Diego. “I will take money for trips...” the Congressman continued.

“This is not about understanding the world; this is about paying your own way,” DeMaio stated. “Bob Filner makes $174,000 a year as a Congressman, but apparently feels entitled to supplement his finances with handouts from special interest groups. I don’t even accept a cup of coffee, but Bob Filner says as mayor he ‘will take money for trips’ from special interests. Bob Filner’s behavior demonstrates that he will continue his pattern of self-entitlement and privilege at City Hall.”

DeMaio noted that since taking office as a City Councilmember, he has had a self-imposed voluntary gift ban on himself and his City Council staff. “I have not, and as Mayor, I will not accept gift travel from special interests,” DeMaio affirmed.

According to Congressional disclosure reports since 2000, Filner has traveled to Havana, Cuba; Istanbul, Turkey; and Paris, France among other venues.