Somebody is None Too Happy with the Gazette

From the Chillicothe Gazette editorial page:

I would like to thank the Gazette for its report on the Republican Party Lincoln Day dinner. I was pleased for the coverage given to Jo Ann Davidson, co-chair of the National Republican Committee. To have a woman of her stature was indeed an honor.

What I can't understand is that none of the people who were recognized by the party for service to the city, county or the party were mentioned. We did not read about the Clark Alexander Award being given to Bill Stansberry, who almost singlehandedly kept the city pool open last year. Nor did we read about Margaret Cryder and Ron Leeth receiving awards for their many years of service to the party.

But, we did learn about James Harris from Columbus.

Instead of reading about the tribute to veterans or the moving song performed by Marine Corps Master Sgt. Stan Clark, we read about Harris' desire to debate Congressman Bob Ney.

Instead of reading about the many dignataries that were there such as Sen. John Carey, Rep. John Sclichter, State Auditor Betty Montgomery, Liz Ney and the many campaigns represented, we read about James Harris. He received a total of 34 lines out of 101 lines, or seven paragraphs as to three for Davidson. For some reason a person from Columbus received more exposure than anyone in Ross County.

I guess it was business as usual at the Gazette, which is "let's bash Bob Ney anytime we can." Why would you build up a man who moved to an area so he could run against Bob Ney and registered to vote only one week before announcing he wanted to run for Congress? There was a lot more to say about that evening that was positive than reporting on this total stranger.

Diane Carnes

Chairwoman

Ross County Republican Party

There are quite a few tidbits in there.

James???

3:00PM Update

Harris replies in the comments; I have promoted them in to the permenant record below:

The Gazette had scheduled an interview with me previously, and we met on the 16th. I and other Republicans encouraged them to cover the Lincoln Day dinner, which was the same day. Ms. Carnes and I both would have preferred separate articles about the Lincoln Day and the Harris-Ney campaign, but since the interview was the same day as the Lincoln Day dinner, it evidently was the Gazette's choice to merge both articles, and put mention of me at the end of the Lincoln Day article. I can't object, but hope this race gets continued independent coverage as there are important policy differences between the candidates. Although Rep. Ney could not attend the Lincoln Day dinner, his representatives did attend, and at that time all primary candidates visiting from around Ohio received an impartial and fine welcome from the County GOP. I look forward to working with Chairwoman Carnes in the weeks and months ahead.

Well, there you have it...I guess.