I am very upset that the local media have not done journalistic inquiries into our local races in light of the revelations that were exposed on the Andy Caldwell show as of Monday, Oct. 27. It was my unfortunate duty to have to explain to my high school son how low and despicable politics has become after hearing Mr. Caldwell play both a current Lois Capps radio commercial and the full-length sound clip her Democratic campaign operatives succinctly edited from a Chris Mitchum stump speech.

They chopped it down to only saying, “I will not be going to Washington to represent the people of the 24th District.” Yet, as Mr. Caldwell played for his audience, the clip’s original next words were “to get monies for baseball fields” or something of the nature. Both my son’s and my jaw dropped at the outright lying intention of the ad. It was so wretchedly out of context as to be construed to be libelous—yes, it was that bad. And then it continues with, “I am Lois Capps, and I approved this ad.” My question for the journalistic community, if there still is one out there, is why? Why no follow up? My kudos to the Andy Caldwell show, but he is not a journalist. He should be reporting on the discovery of other local journalists’ reporting. Why? Does Mrs. Capps simply get a pass?

I am not a Lois Capps supporter—never have been, never will be—because I caught onto her a long time ago. I, as a local voter and someone who believes in our system of government, though, should not have to teach a 17-year-old early on just how crass, crude, lying, and deceptive the Washington crowd is, no matter where they started. I want him to believe that honesty in politics and good ideas are what make good candidates and public servants. And in this case, Lois Capps needs to not just pull these ads, but at least have the integrity, guts, and Christian character to admit they are wrong and publically apologize to Mr. Mitchum for them. That, at this point, would allow her to end the campaign season with at least a modicum of respect.

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