Obviously, that is not an award which should be referenced as proof of importance or qualifications in a presidential campaign.
A google search shows a connection between the Merklingers and the Dorean Group, in that Alex is named on the Dorean blog as a Dorean broker.
Christine Smith is listed on the Merklingers' website as "manager" for one of their "Mysteries of the Mind" presentations in Colorado, so she's definitely involved with these scammers on some level beyond just an interest in little green men.
I received the following comment today, suggesting a further tie between Merklinger and Dorean:
Does anyone here have any information about the Merklingers and their scams, their affiliation with Dorean, or anything else pertinent to this mess?Alex and Ardeth Merklinger of the “Institute For Human Potential“. aka mysteries of the mind are career con men. Alex Merklinger served 33 months in federal prison from 1992 to 96 for wire and mail fraud on 68 counts. He attempted to swindel $39,000,000 from the Dept of the Army.
Both Alex and Ardeth are at it again. They are being investigated for Grand theft of $125,000 and tax evasion. They also are connected with the Dorean Group Morgage elimination scam of which victims are attempting to have the FBI charge them as well as the dorean owners now found guilty.
The Merklingers have always led a hidden life. They never give out a home address only PO Box.
Every thing Alex and Ardeth Merklinger endorse or say would be recommended to shun them.
I am a monatary victim of the Merklingers having had $125,000 stold from me. Alex Merklinger said he was an investment Banker at the time. He is not. He is a convicted felon. And Felons can not vote in America. What the hell is some politician taking a bogus award the Merklinger criminals gave her. I would run from anything these thieves gave out. This time Ardeth Merklinger will be going to jail with her sociopath husband Alex G. Merklinger Federal inmate number 22616-013. Her is proof of Alex Merklinger being a felon http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderSe ... &x=26&y=18