I was disappointed and disheartened to read The Herald account of Kerry Watkins’ campaign for the state Legislature (“Watkins scaling back campaign, apologizes: He admits errors about Schmidt’s record,” news story, Oct. 6). I can’t imagine why this negative story about Kerry was considered front page news unless, as Johnny Carson used to say, it was “a slow news day.”
The story seems to be that when Kerry Watkins discovered he had printed incorrect information about his opponent, he corrected it, apologized to his opponent and issued a public statement. Perhaps that is news – after all, how many times do we find politicians with the character and honesty to admit their mistakes? The next time you talk to someone who tells you he never made a mistake you had better start running in the opposite direction, because he’s likely getting ready to pick your pocket. Kerry’s biggest error though may have been talking to a reporter, who while complaining about negative campaigning, proceeded to write a hatchet job on him instead of helping the voters to understand the many differences between Kerry Watkins and his opponent on important state issues. It’s clear that negativity in campaigns doesn’t always originate with the candidates.
I’m writing to you because I know Kerry Watkins, and he is a friend of mine. He is bright, articulate, passionate in his support for human rights issues, well informed, and has many qualities that will make him an excellent state representative for the people of the 44th Legislative District.
Marysville
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