Bristol Herald Endorsement “Factually” Incorrect
Brian December 30th, 2005
I was more than a little surprised by the Bristol Herald-Courier’s endorsement of Republican Shea Cook yesterday.
Kilo honed in on a strange quote by the BHC editor.
The editor said:
Democratic candidate Dan Bowling didn’t distinguish himself at the forum, looking and sounding like he would rather be somewhere else. He is to be commended for offering himself as a candidate, but his lack of enthusiasm lends some credence to rumors that he was nudged into the race by party leaders rather than entering it of his own volition.
Any “rumor” suggesting Bowling did not want the nomination is more than unfounded - it’s blatantly incorrect. To the contrary, Bowling won the nomination by just a few votes after working for the nomination for five hours at the caucus to defeat Mickey McGlothlin.
The Tazewell County Democratic Chair, Tom Brewster, sent this response to the BHC editor.
Dear Editor,
After reading Thursday’s editorial article from the Bristol Herald Courier, I would like to correct some rumors and misconceptions articulated by the author.
Dan Bowling is an eager and enthusiastic candidate who has been an active public servant and community volunteer for most of his life. His motivation to seek this office derives from his desire to serve the citizens of the Third Legislative District.
As Chair of the Tazewell County Democratic Committee, I know that Dan aggressively pursued the Democratic nomination. After spending time with Dan over the course of this campaign, I have witnessed first-hand his enthusiasm, hard work, and integrity. Make no mistake, Dan has a strong desire to serve the citizens of the Third Legislative District.
Sincerely,
Thomas Brewster
Chair, Tazewell County Democratic Committee
Falls Mills, VA
Even though I was disappointed by the BHC’s decision to endorse Cook, I would encourage it to stick with praising Cook (if they must) instead of making incorrect assertions about Bowling’s candidacy.
“but his lack of enthusiasm lends some credence to rumors that he was nudged into the race by party leaders rather than entering it of his own volition.”
The above quote is a complete statement. There is nothing misleading in saying the rumor is and his performance at the forum lends credence to back up said rumor. From what I hear the BHC reporters were all over the forum asking questions of many people, then conducted the forum and made the pick that Shea Cook is the best man. The same people who endorsed Kaine are now suspect to fabricating this story? That is pushing it a little Brian. Your the lawyer, but nothing you posted proves what the BHC said is untrue. With the info gathered and the forum conducted the BHC made the choice, just like they have in the past. This time they picked the right man.:)
The problem is not the BHC’s perception of the forum. In its endorsement, however, they created this “rumor” that Dan was somehow pushed into running.
As you know, Kilo, he faced serious competition for the nomination from McGlothlin. Also, the BHC itself reported on how he barely won the nomination because McGlothlin carried all of Buchanan County’s delegates.
I don’t think endorsements have a major impact upon voters in any election. Nonetheless, they are good to have if you are the candidate.
I too was surprised to see the BHC make this endorsement given their recent track record and Democrat bias. I expected they would pick the Democrat and back up their reasoning being it is a “Democrat” area. The BHC did make the right decision here and picked an excellent candidate.
I think things are looking better and better all the time for Cook. He is financed really well and performed well at the forum from all reports. The endorsement just goes to reinforce what a good candidate he is.
I won’t be surprised if this district lands in the GOP column on Tuesday.
Good points, Adam.
“I too was surprised to see the BHC make this endorsement given their recent track record and Democrat bias.”
However, I would point out the BHC endorsed Terry Kilgore (1st Dist.) this past election cycle, so its not exactly a “liberal rag”. They like you guys too!
Are you saying the BHC created this rumor?
Yes I agree about Buchanan County and it was close. I find it hard to believe the BHC would create this story. You say they create…I say they reported what they learned in research, and what they saw in Bolling’s lack luster forum performance and made the opinion. Nothing was misstated in the opinion. Do I know for sure? No. Maybe we can ask them to reveal their source.LOL
I love all the praise the newspapers recieved for endorsements in Nov, only now to be accused of creating rumors. Thats why that quote was included in my post instead of the several paragraphs of praise the BHC had for Cook.
You have to admit, for local politics, this is good stuff!
[…] nto the race by party leaders rather than entering it of his own volition. I pointed out here, that this “rumor” was nonexistent before the […]
[…] er love or hate the BHC. Sometimes they get it correct, but sometimes I think they get it wrong. See the trend there?
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