I was even more distressed, however, to find that at least one member of the Minnesota press corps thinks that this incident might “backlash” against DFL candidates. Mary LaHammer, a reporter for TPT, is usually very good and I enjoy her “Almanac at the Capitol” during the legislative session. But this post is absurd:
Democrats have a lot going for them when it comes to the tide of politics right now, but images like these could have a backlash. The vandalism of mostly Republican members of congress’ homes is horrible. I don’t take a lot a strong opinions here, but everyone can agree there is no place for vandalism. If these images get a lot of attention I wonder if this could evolve into something like the Rick Kahn comments at Wellstone’s memorial. As Michele Bachmann has found out, any misstep can turn into an avalanche when the stakes are high and emotions are strong.
First of all, both DFLers’ and GOPers’ homes were vandalized. In fact, the only metro-area member of Congress who wasn’t targeted was Betty McCollum (and I am pretty sure she lives in an apartment - feel free to correct me if I am wrong - which would make her home harder to vandalize). There is absolutely NO evidence that DFL activists, or anyone supporting the DFL, had anything to do with this and it is criminal to suggest otherwise, particularly when you are a member of the press. LaHammer’s spin that the attacks might hurt Democrats is so absurd even Michael Brodkorb isn’t trying to push it.
I am really disappointed in Mary LaHammer.
UPDATE: Mary responded in the comments of this post:
I am sorry to see that my comments were taken as they have been. When I wrote the post this morning, I only knew of “mostly Republicans” being targeted as the post said. I have been away from my computer working all day and preparing for the most intense show I’ve done in years on the Senate candidates’ life stories that premiered tonight. The excerpt above is unfair because it totally omits the second half of my post which praised the DFL for its swift response. I never said a Democrat was responsible.
Belive me I have just as many Democrats as Republicans complaining about various posts. I hit both sides regularly. In fact last week on WCCO Radio on my weekly segment, I praised MNPublius for its scoop on the Bachmann stats. But taking my comments out of context is disappointing for a site I regularly direct people to.
And hey you can rip the hair, but please try to spell my name right
Amen to that. Mary LaHammer should know better. Some crazy guy or girl going around spray painting peoples houses should have no affect on this election or on either party.
Besides, what’s to say the act wasn’t committed by an extremely disgruntled Republican who feels betrayed by their own party. The vandalism is obviously an act of rage. Most DFL’ers I know are practically giddy with anticipation that there will be a Democratic landslide in a couple of weeks. Those kinds of acts would not be committed by happy people.
To be fair, WCCO was reporting for a few hours it only happened to republicans. I don’t think it was discovered on Klobuchars, or Ellision’s place until much latter in the day.
Mary knows better. And she is doing a show called 3 big moments, tonight at 8. It is about the senate race.
I agree that vandalism is bad, and furthermore, it ALWAYS backfires.
But let’s keep this in perspective. What’s spraypaint compared to the deaths in Iraq and all the other tragedies that have occurred because of U.S. policies.
There are a lot of angry people out there. One of them got himself a can a spraypaint and a fast car.
I agree with Sarah. The Republicans are old hands at being “victims” of their own crimes. Rove co-authored the playbook on that down in Texas with a phony wiretap of his phone or bugging of his office. I can’t remember the details, but with a quick Google search, someone could find it. No reporter should go off half cocked like this against either party on such slim stuff as this. This is shoddy reporting.
I’m so through with her bending over backwards for Norm Coleman. Instead of trying to prove she’s not a liberal, how about just reporting and if you are going to engage in commentary, prep us for it. And, just cause I know she’s reading this, she needs a haircut. So there.
The vandalism is a criminal activity. Anyone performing it is a criminal who should be arrested and thrown in jail. I don’t care if it is a group of crazy angry Democrats, some kind of twisted Republican, a gang member, or a 15 year old.
If a pattern emerges, then yes. It would reflect on a political party. But I don’t see any patterns here, other than crime.
I am sorry to see that my comments were taken as they have been. When I wrote the post this morning, I only knew of “mostly Republicans” being targeted as the post said. I have been away from my computer working all day and preparing for the most intense show I’ve done in years on the Senate candidates’ life stories that premiered tonight. The excerpt above is unfair because it totally omits the second half of my post which praised the DFL for its swift response. I never said a Democrat was responsible.
Belive me I have just as many Democrats as Republicans complaining about various posts. I hit both sides regularly. In fact last week on WCCO Radio on my weekly segment, I praised MNPublius for its scoop on the Bachmann stats. But taking my comments out of context is disappointing for a site I regularly direct people to.
And hey you can rip the hair, but please try to spell my name right
The use of a biblical quote suggests it might be a “religious” act. In any case it was stupid and vile. The exact opposite of Democracy… intimidation.
DTM…I actually agree with you for a change…stupid act by a stupid person.
Maybe the vandal has libertarian political leanings, as he targeted reps from both parties, perhaps motivated by the recent trillion $ bipartisan wallstreet bailout.
for more bipartisan agreement- this time that Obama is the best choice to lead the country at this time- check out this video http://www.conservativesforchange.com/
and story related to how it came to be produced
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-hirshberg/republicans-voting-for-ob_b_136997.html
going after Lahammer here is really out of control. if you actually read her post she was just asking a question, not making some ruling. i never read any blame into it. she later pointed out how it was the media that was making the Colemans central to being seen as the victims. the Colemans were everywhere and dems no where on this. way to kill the messenger. kind of a hyper-partisan post that this indepenent voter does not appreciate. i have always appreciated her non-partisan point of view. think you need to say sorry dudes.
Wow, I didn’t think anyone looked at this site other than the 10 to 15 people who regularly comment.
Props to LaHammer for showing up and making her case here, but I don’t think Zack was out of line.
I see Lahammer’s point, but I do think even using the “Democrat’s have a lot to lose, and Republican member’s of Congress” line tilts to the left side with possible leading….maybe I’m stretching hear, but this late in the campaigns it doesn’t take much to create waves for one party or the other. I usually like Mary’s interviews, but find many times they are “light” in her questioning and she misses opportunities for follow up and digging in questions to candidates. It seems when she interviews she’s too intent on getting to her next question, rather than letting the interview or debate moderation go where it needs to go.
I find Ms. Lahammer’s (and other posters) concern/outrage to be a bit disingenuous. Where was the concern/outrage when Al Franken’s offices were vandalized over the past year? It happened twice, as far as I know, and not a peep out of any of you.
Vandalism is wrong, regardless of target. Ignoring it is worse.
I think the vandalism is stupid. But, look around people, graffiti is all over the cities. I own a business in the lyn Lake - uptown area and you cannot believe the time and money, I and my neighbors have spent cleaning up the graffiti and etchings that have occurred in our neighborhood for the last 10 yrs. If the government wants to investigate the politicians garages being hit, how about the property of citizens who have been dealing with for years. If your property gets struck w/ graffiti the city gives you less than 10 days to take care of it or else they’ll send out a crew and they’ll try to clean it and charge you several hundreds of dollars. Usually it is not gangs or a group, it is punks who think they’re cool for doing the graf. I bet if you go to any of their websites, pictures of their work have already been posted.