Politics: Wasted words in the 18th District race
There are 1,871 words in this “day in the life” of the candidate’s piece, and by the time it’s over, readers have learned not one damn thing about where Aaron Schock, Jim McConoughey, John Morris or Dick Versace stand on ANY issue. And what’s even sadder is that even after all these words, readers really don’t know all that much more about the candidates as a person. Except, for one thing: That part about how Morris gleefully passed out business cards to Irving Middle School 4th graders. That’s classic John Morris glad-handing. No one works a room like Morris. And who’s to say that he isn’t going to get one or two votes from these kids’ parents?
This piece is a classic example of coverage of the horse race, and not the issues on which the candidates are running. And I absoloutely guarantee readers that when these four people go out and meet the public, they are getting questions about the issues, and the candidates are answering. But almost none of that stuff makes it past the MSM filter, which seems more interested in who’s winning and how the game is being played.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Actually, you get the same answers from Jim, John & Aaron, except when it comes to Taiwan.
Dick gives an answer, but it’s usually in his sleep, about a day and a half after the question is asked.
The Journal Star wrote the only article about these four that roughly 31.87% of its readership would take the time to read. The rest move automatically on to the Parade and Dilbert.
http://meatballmansion.blogspot.com/
The article certainly showed that these four were running for office, but what their positions were on Iraq, health care, the environment, the deficit never came out. Perhaps they weren’t asked. They certainly didn’t tell.
Those of us who saw Ray LaHood interview C-Span in September, where LaHood spoke with frankness and wit about politics and why he was retiring from it, can’t help but realize that none of these candidates yet deserve a chance to take LaHood’s place.
God knows that Ray LaHood and I have our differences on the issues. And I’ve faulted him for ducking some answers regarding his travel and who pays for it.
When LaHood wants to be, he can be witty and charming. But he can also be a tad abrasive when you disagree with him. I covered his a decade ago when I worked in Jacksonville. He didn’t hesitate to meet and greet and deal with constituents AND the press.
I think it’s a big relief for him to not have to worry about re-election.
Hey, I learned that McConoughey and Schlock had enough cash to give their campaigns 50G each. Morris raised a respectable amount of cash. Other than that, a nice fluff piece devoid of issues.
The entire article was worthless. The people need to hear what these candidates have to say. We need a worthy candidate in Washington.