Earlier this week, I asked Dee Durham and Mike Katz to respond to a negative ad released by the Katz campaign. Katz did not respond.
As a Democrat, I was insulted by Katz’s negative ad. It is my strong belief that is contrary to how we want to present ourselves as a party and, most importantly, it shows a lot about the character of the individual slinging the mud. Come Sept. 9th, I will be voting for Durham.
Here is Durham’s response in its entirety:
Hi David,
Earlier this week my opponent made a startling and unexpected personal attack upon me. He portrayed me, in an expensive mass mailing to the district, as both a political opportunist changing skins, and a dishonest person. While I have had myriad opportunities to attack my opponent’s values I choose not do play politics-as-usual - my goal it to get beyond such tactics. I run on my record, my character, and my promise to make positive changes for the environment, land use, education and the state budget.
I am accused of not being a lifelong Democrat, as if that is a crime. I “inherited” my R from my parents in this R weighted district. The Republican leadership in D.C. has certainly not represented my own values for quite some time. My core values have long been aligned with Democratic thinking - preservation and community service. I made the overdue decision earlier this year to change parties given my values. Like my opponent, I
have not been deeply involved with any party. My advocacy work has always been and will continue to be as a consensus builder across party lines.As for my opponent’s accusation of dishonesty, I was in a private meeting where my intent was simply to express my full support for Barack Obama. I take full responsibility for making a misstatement. I recognized my error immediately and should have corrected it, but the conversation quickly moved on. Apparently there are those who think that all is fair in love, war and politics, but I choose not to attack the character of others who also live in glass houses.
This is not an issue about what party I belong to, or whether, being new to politics, I fumble a sentence or two; it is about what I can do for the district. It is about my commitment to preserving our community character, environment and quality of life. And, it is about my pledge to be fully and selflessly dedicated to serving the residents of the 4th district - a promise that certainly sets me apart from my opponent. Unlike my opponent, I have a proven track record of legislative accomplishments working with elected and agency officials of all parties and selflessly geared toward enhancing our community and our state. My community service has no self gain except to know I may have left the world a better place for my children and others. I am a lifelong resident of the district and am fully dedicated to providing responsive constituent service, continuing the work I already do as Executive Director of a membership-based organization.
For those who know me, you know that I run a forthright campaign, just as I strive to live my life. For those of you who don’t yet know me, I invite you to learn more at my web site, www.deedurham.org or give me a call at 656-9109.
Dee







