Chapman issues release regarding poll questions – denounces tactic

While I was away on business, Lynn Chapman issued a response in regards to the poll questions asked of some Loudoun residents, allegedly in his name. There was another release back on the 10th that I couldn’t find on Chapman’s web site but that raised the strong possibility that there were “rogue” agents either thinking they were helping Chapman or trying to actually generate the controversy that arose. I received an e-mail dated the 16th that contained the text of a new release that does exactly what I suggested when I first wrote about this mess: denounces the actions directly.

August 14, 2007- Chapman Condemns Tactics and Focuses on Issues

– Ashburn, VA — Last week’s article in the Loudoun Connection titled “Telephone Poll Causes Buzz“ included accusations that I had authorized a poll which included questions suggesting that my opponent “harbors illegal aliens” and that he is a “closet homosexual”.  Those questions were not in our recent public opinion poll, contrary to the claims in the Connection article. 

However it does appear that calls were made to voters in the district that asked those questions.  I do not know who is making the calls.  It raises the prospect that they are being made by a third party pursuing their own agenda.  If the calls are being made by people who have the mistaken view that this tactic somehow helps my campaign, I want them to know that I am personally offended by such tactics.   Unfounded anonymous personal attacks against political candidates undermine the integrity of our fundamental democratic processes no matter who uses them and no matter how justifiable the cause may seem.  Personal attack politics may generate votes, but it does not create an informed electorate, which is essential for good governance.  I call on whoever is making these calls to cease and desist immediately.   

Good call and well said. Chapman also asks for Delegate Poisson to get his supporters to quit telling everyone that Chapman’s campaign was behind the questions and let this debate now proceed on the merits and not personal attacks. I agree and it would show a lot of class on Poisson’s part to do just that.

Thanks, also, to the Chapman campaign for updating the web site to include these releases. Really helps.

Back on the air

After dealing with the airlines’ ideas of customer service, once again, I’ve returned home. Good trip, very tiring, and I’m glad to be back.