Lands' End Employees Say Tricked Into Seeing Giuliani

DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- Some Lands' End employees said Tuesday they were hoodwinked into attending a speech by former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at the company's Dodgeville plant.

Viewers said the company told them Giuliani's speech would be motivational in nature. Instead it was a political speach supporting President George W. Bush for reelection.

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Watch News 3 Report: Giuliani Stumping For Bush

Prior to the speech, CEO Mindy Meads e-mailed workers, saying, "Excitement is building this morning. In a few short hours we will hear from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Please note, Lands' End does not endorse any political candidate."

Many viewers expressed outrage at what ensued. (Read Full Story )

One employee said he "decided to attend the meeting after being told it was a motivational speech focused on bettering ourselves. The whole speech focused on bashing Kerry, using the fear of terrorism to sway your vote, and using nonsense like not remembering baseball players' names as an excuse for not voting for Kerry."

Another said, "I want the public to know that not all Lands' End employees support the Bush campaign, including me. There has been much passionate discussion among my coworkers regarding this."

A Lands' End spokeswoman told News 3 Tuesday there was no intent to offend employees, and that the company would welcome an appearance by Bush's opponent, Sen. John Kerry.

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