One of the problems Republican candidates have here in Todd County remains the radio and newspaper media coverage of any Democrat, but especially local Democrats.
My blog is a small attempt at trying to report a lot of the political facts that are just out there waiting to be published and brought to light. I think this type of reporting is an area that would actually increase local readership and advertising because it is interesting reading; however, I will explain why this reporting is not done by local media later on in this article.
One way the Republican messages can get out is to bypass traditional media using technology like the internet and maybe a blog. Might I even suggest passing this blog: America's Small City Mayor on to others that might be interested as a source for conservative political & local news and analysis? I plan on obtaining personal interviews of local candidates, video footage, and sound bites so that people can see and hear for themselves what our elected officials are saying.
You will find tremendous front page and radio coverage of any Democratic press release or event. Republicans received less than token coverage, and any coverage will be buried in some obscure section. Sure they will occasionally give a front page article to a Republican now and then, but it will be at a time that is politically unimportant, or does not pose a threat to the preferred candidate.
It is just one of the facts of politics in this area. A candidate needs to be aware of this, and should not be caught publically whining about it. Rather, he/she should develop a strategy and alternatives to getting the word out. (Side note: Letter to the Editor campaigns are useless for the most part because editors sensor these quite heavily too.)
I know Mary Ellen Otremba has not had a negative report on her or any article questioning her votes. She is untouchable from all of the papers and radio throughout this area for a few reasons.
- The newspaper & radio owners, reporters, and editors really do like Mary Ellen on a personal basis. (Mary Ellen is likeable if you have not met her) Mary Ellen is a very hard year round campaigner who is everywhere and at every event. It has lead to a strong relationship over the past decade, and the owners would personally feel bad about reporting something negative.
- Second and I think the real reason is a worry about loss of advertising and readership by many of the small papers and radio stations. This is close-knit, Minnesota nice area, and an article written about Mary Ellen or (Ingebrigtsen now that we have a Republican) that even shines a question to fundraising or voting records would flood the offices with unwanted phone calls. The papers here are family run businesses so controversial reporting just is not the general practice regarding politics or news otherwise.
This is why blogs and internet media have expanded in influence. I do not make money doing this, nor am I worried about losing advertising or readership. As a politician I like to hear myself talk so this is a perfect solution. (At least that is what my wife says when she sends me down here to my computer........LOL)
Anyways here are two events that went largely ignored by the press. I thought I would at least get them out there.
September 20051. During 2004, the Mary Ellen Otremba Volunteer Committee accepted $5,900 in contributions from special sources. These sources include registered lobbyists from whom the Committee accepted $200, and political committees or political funds from which the Committee accepted $5,700. The total amount of these contributions exceeded by $200 the applicable limit on aggregate contributions from special sources, which for this candidate was $5,700. The amount of the excess contributions was not returned to the contributors within 60 days as required by Minn. Stat. §10A.15, subd. 3.
2. By letter dated August 9, 2005, Representative Otremba indicated that she meant to return the excess amount within 60 days, but that she inadvertently misplaced the letter returning the check. Representative Otremba provided a copy of the check and accompanying letter returning the contribution on July 30, 2005.
May 2002
1. During calendar year 2001, the Mary Ellen Otremba Volunteer Committee accepted a contribution which facially exceeded the $100 non-election year limit for an individual contribution as set out in Minn. Stat. §10A.27, subd. 1(a)(5). The contribution exceeded the applicable limit by $25. The amount of the excess contribution was returned by the committee, but not within 60 days as required by Minn. Stat. §10A.15, subd. 3.
