Stop the tape!
Not just the Dems. GraniteGrok's Doug Lambert- a Republican- videotapes a candidate. (courtesy photo Rich K.)
Sometimes, the NH GOP just can't help but step in it. While I appreciate the efforts that state party chair Fergus Cullen has put towards rebuilding NH's Republican Party, there are times when he really leaves me scratching my head in amazement. The latest gaffe involves the practice of videotaping candidates appearing at party functions. As reported by our friends at PolitickerNH.com, Fergus Cullen, on the heels of asking a Democratic Party staffer to stop recording Mayor Giunta --a potential gubernatorial candidate -- at a GOP meeting, has sent emails to his Democratic counterpart looking to stop that practice.
Earlier this week, Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen requested that he and Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley, establish ground rules for the tracking of political candidates.
The report continues and reprints the entire email exchange between the two Party chiefs, with Cullen writing
I draw a distinction between what constitutes a public vs. a party-focused event. Surely you do not think it would be appropriate for an active Republican to attend a meeting of, say, the Grafton County Democrats.
At first blush, this sounds reasonable, right? Well, maybe, but, I'm a fairly well-known Republican in these parts... and I've attended several local Democratic Party meetings in the past year or so, AND I VIDEOTAPED!!!!
I cannot believe it, but I actually find myself agreeing with Ray Buckley on this one! In one of the emailed responses to Fergus' overtures, he writes
You may not be aware but the "tracking" of candidates for office has been a tradition done by opposing candidates and political parties for years. It is an accepted practice across the country and here in New Hampshire as well.
After all these years, I am surprised to learn that New Hampshire Republican elected officials and candidates now object to their speeches and answers to questions being recorded.
So true. Some of the Youtube videos GraniteGrok provided of certain Democrat candidates in NH presidential primary were shot at local Democrat Party events. It would be a shame if this would no longer be possible.
At least Republican politicians weren't in agreement with their party's leader on this one, as reported in the Union Leader:
Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., "is used to being tracked," but "respects the ground rules that hosts and sponsors decide for their events," said spokesman Barbara Riley.
Among the Republican 2nd District U.S. House candidates, Grant Bosse said he did not object to being taped at a public event, but, "Republican Party meetings are for Republicans to set their agenda and priorities."
Jennifer Horn said she would not tell local party chairs how to conduct their meetings, but, "When I'm speaking, I'm speaking to Democrats, independents and Republicans."
State Sen. Bob Clegg said, "I have no problem with the Democrats taping anything I say," unless, he said, they "intend to start cutting and editing" to distort his words.
Jim Steiner agreed: "It would not concern me a bit if the Democratic Party wishes to videotape or record everything I have to say before every group."
Exactly. We live in a new era. The days of politicians escaping close public scrutiny are over. People EXPECT to be able to see almost every moment, no matter how trivial, on video tape. Come on, Fergus-- get with the times!
