New Conservative Campaign Strategy: What ever you do -- Don't Discuss the Issues!

"My opponent, Tony Larson, has refused to engage in an open public debate on the issues critical to Whatcom County. I've committed to every forum that has sent out an invitation, and Larson has agreed to none. Voters can't know how Larson will interact with the public, what kind of public servant he will be, with no more information than his name on signs and his face on flyers. If Larson doesn't care enough to talk to citizens before the election, why would anybody think that he would care after the election?" (Jean Melious)

It appears that local conservative candidates have adopted a new campaign strategy to propel them into office. The strategy? Don't discuss the issues. Talk about your family, talk about your last vacation, talk about your chickens, your military service, but whatever you do, don't discuss the issues!

The Cascadia Weekly Gristle  included a quote by County Council Candidate Jean Melious,  

“The prospect of a largely content-free election, based primarily on yard signs and glossy mailers, is depressing,” Melious said. If past elections are a clue, to those dogwhistles may be added a blitz of bogus claims in sleazy 11th-hour television and radio spots purchased by “magical mystery money.

In the post linked above, Tim Johnson reminds readers how Gary Lysne perfected the technique during his run for County Council against Seth Fleetwood back in 2005.

"Lysne refused all forums and interviews and, despite (or because of) this, came within a hairsbreadth of toppling incumbent Fleetwood. Lysne lost by fewer than 1,000 votes. His near-success cemented—with good reason—a conviction within conservative circles that there is little downside (and potentially much upside) to pissing on the notion of an informed electorate: “Ignorance is Strength.”

Kathy Kershner took this technique to new heights with pictures of chickens, her five year old son in cowboy gear and a campaign sign sprinkled with little caring hearts.  Oh, and let's not forget that $20,000 last minute campaign contribution!

Apparently, pictures of chickens and hearts and children in costume are a winning combination in Whatcom County. But what did we know about Kathy Kershner's positions on public safety or social issues? For instance, was there anything in Kathy's campaign literature that would have told you she would be casting a vote against the food bank? Did she ever bother to mention that she doesn't support funding water resource programs or flood prevention?

Now, Tony Larson and apparently Vince Buys are declining invitations to candidate forums; which -- in turn, denies voters the ability to study and learn about the candidates.

In tough economic times, we need candidates and elected officials who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and debate the issues. Openly, honestly, and transparently. There is no room in recession struck America for candidates or elected officials who are incapable of discussing the issues or presenting a plan to turn this country around.

Pictures of chickens and hearts or even the American flag may tug at your heartstrings, but they are no guarantee that the person you are electing will support essential public safety programs or even the food bank once they are elected.

Anyone who has sat with a loved one during a heart attack, stroke or other life threatening medical emergency can relate to the difference a minute or two can make in emergency response time. It's the difference between life and death.

Keep that thought in mind as we move towards the General Election. Your vote can determine whether you, or an unemployed neighbor or family member receives essential services like emergency groceries, flood protection services and/or emergency medical services.


The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. And the source of that freedom is an unfettered commitment to open, transparent government. 

Shame on you, Tony Larson!

And, Vince, you know better! (And that's coming from the lady that you once said is a bit too controversial to be friends with).

Windsocks...