King postpones Allen fundraiser

A fundraiser with three best-selling authors has been postponed because of a recent controversy.

Stephen King, John Grisham and Tess Gerritsen were scheduled to attend a June 7 fundraiser for Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen.

King made headlines after making the following comment in front of high school students in Washington D.C.:

“…but the fact is if you can read, you can walk into a job later on. If you don't, then you've got, the Army, Iraq, I don't know, something like that. It's, it's not as bright.”

The comment drew criticism from conservative bloggers and the Army.

King opted to postpone the fundraiser because he didn’t want to hurt Allen by turning the fundraiser into a political event. Those who have already registered can contact the campaign for a refund.

"My goal was and is to aid the Allen campaign, not to be a distraction," King said, according to a release from the campaign. "Since that might be the case now, it's best to do this event later, but it's just too good not to do at all."

Carol Andrews, communications director for the campaign, issued the following statement Monday:

"Congressman Allen and Stephen King are both focused on change for Maine and America. They agree that we must solve our energy and economic crises, implement universal health care, bring our troops safely and responsibly home from Iraq, and right the wrongs inflicted on this nation by the Bush-Cheney Administration and its allies.

"Our campaign truly appreciates the confidence of Stephen King, Tess Gerritsen and John Grisham. They are all great authors but more importantly Americans who believe strongly that we as a country can do better with a change in leadership."