Today's Elmira Star-Gazette endorsed Randy Kuhl. Their editorial includes this statement:
That's not to say he hasn't disappointed us with his position on Iraq calling for a pullout as soon as possible but unwilling to label Bush's policy the failure that it is.
That sentence leaves the mis-impression that Kuhl's position and the President's position differ, but Kuhl's just too polite to criticize Bush. That's not the case: Kuhl has consistently supported continuing the war, and his position has been indistinguishable from Bush's. At a couple of debates, Kuhl express the "wish" that the war was over today, but everyone "wishes" that. A sentiment is not a position. He also criticized Massa's strategy, which would lead to an earlier pullout than Bush's.
It's incredible that a newspaper could be wrong on something so fundamental.
Comments
HUH?!? Bet Kuhl wull be pissed off that the Star Gazette says he wants to pull out of Iraq. He calls Massa the cut-and-run person. Be that as it may, this is extremely disappointing. I noticed there was no name attatched to the editorial so I sent an email to Lois Wilson, the managing editor, on how wrong they were to endorse Kuhl, especially given his and the RNCC's most recent Social Security ads. Her email is lowilson@stargazette.com. We probably can't change the endorsement, but let's give them an earful.
Disappointing is right. Now, if coupled with a Kuhl endorsement by the Corning and/or Hornell newspaper...this race may be over. I am surprised that the S-G embraced him. Oh well---it has been a spirited fight. How about someone like Wes Clark or heck even Spitzer doing a solid looking-in-the-camera not just defense of Massa on Social Security but outing of Randy's real and initial position? Otherwise, this thing just may be lost.
The Corning Leader also endorsed Kuhl by a split vote.
Very closed minded. They made it all about Pork. Wait till they find out where most of the Port goes. That is coming soon under new laws. Wonder what they will say then - "Randy, where the pork?".
But wait, the race may not be over! How many times I have seen someone endorsed just to see the other guy win! People don't take the editorial into the voting booth with them. In fact, often they are resentful because the newspaper editors tell them how to vote. Besides, newspaper circulation is very low when considering the population.
Most long-time newspaper readers know the general editorial slant of the paper they read and take that into account. But I do think newspapers influence marginal voters, those who don't want to spend time to learn a lot about candidates, but still want to vote.