Being the political watchdog will save local media

Posted September 9, 2009

So, today the early political hubbub in California was not about the Obama healthcare speech, but rather about SoCal rep Mike Duvall.  The married Republican who consistently runs on a platform of family values got outed by a local newspaper / blog and the local TV station.

  1. My problems with the congressman:
    1. Was caught on tape talking about your sexual acts with WOMEN who were not your wife
    2. Denied these in statements to the media point blank.
    3. However, you ran on a platform of family values.
    4. Won award for family values as recently as year 2000
    5. Campaigned against Prop 8 because it opposes traditional marriage
    6. Are a complete hypocrite who can’t even stand up for his own actions.  (Which is somewhat understandable because if you admits guilt, you’re in for a heap of trouble at the state and federal level)
  2. My problems with the purported lobbyist. (or any lobbyist in general)
    1. Mr. Duvall was the vice chairman of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee
    2. You are an energy lobbyist.
    3. You took a ethics test.  It’s recorded on the state’s website
    4. You have now made EVERY LOBBYIST look corrupt

While many blogs and syndicated news outlets have picked up the story, the effect is much greater as the original sources are from his electorate.   (As a side note, NYTimes and Fox News do not have the story, so they likely are holding to their philosophy that internet syndicated content should be paid content.)

As I sit here having trouble telling the difference between the Contra Costa Times, the Argus and the San Jose Mercury News, it’s refreshing to know that at least in one market, the local media has its sights on its local politicians.  I think having increased scrutiny on local government rather than the Republican vs. Obama du jour argument will continue to truly show the value of the media and rebuild a sense of community around the local media.

Please to all local media.  Please give us insight into our local government representatives.  Please cover them with the vigor that the sports guy covers “local boy made good in the pros”.  Local government is AA ball.  State government is AAA ball.  Federal government is the pros.  Stars are made at the AA and AAA level.

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