I WAS GLAD TO READ that Ninth District congressional candidates Mike Sodrel and Baron Hill have pledged to “fight fair” during this election season, choosing to take the high road and not stoop to throwing mud at each other.
That’s all well and good, and I applaud that decision; but I can’t help but wonder who else has signed on to this pledge?
Like many of you, I have been receiving recorded phone messages on an almost daily basis. Each message warns me of the certain destruction that will come upon the life of my family and my community if: (A) Mike Sodrel gets reelected; or (B) if Baron Hill is returned to office.
In my position as the editor of your newspaper; I get emails (plural, meaning MANY) on a daily basis from everyone from local campaign offices to state and national political party offices.
Each one blasts the other candidate on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq to trade issues to prayer in schools.
They talk about family values and international trade agreements and new highways and bridges.
One side (either, pick one) would have you believe that the other is constantly on the lookout for new ways to take money out of your pocket and bring grief to your daily life.
Look, I know both Mike Sodrel and Baron Hill personally. Both are fine men of outstanding character; and no matter what the other side says – this county and this district will be well served by whichever man ends up serving another two years in Congress.
Of course, as the balance of power in the House of Representatives means that legislative agendas are either full steam ahead or dead in the water; everyone from the First Lady to former presidents are coming to this area to campaign.
In the midst of all of this, we have two men who have pledged to take the higher course and stick to positive issues; but the real concern is whether or not the other people in the room are also on board with this type of campaign.
I’d be willing to wager that as Election Day nears and the race gets closer, someone or some organization is going to break ranks and throw some mud.
When it happens, the candidate will disavow any knowledge of the problem.
Which just might be the problem in the first place.