I don't know about you, but the politics of mudslinging and campaign rhetoric turn my stomach. I support efforts to reform “politics as usual” and would not choose to vote for a candidate who could not respect, or knowingly maligns, his or her opponent in public speaking, campaign materials or media outreach and coverage.
Thus, when Rep. Patsy Keever signed a Clean Campaign Pledge for those running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in N.C.'s 10th Congressional District last Tuesday, April 3, and invited her two opponents to do the same, I applauded her for initiating this, in the spirit of fair play and party unity.
The content of the pledge includes promises to avoid personal attacks on one another, character slurs or false accusations; to not misrepresent or distort an opponent's record or position (in media, mailings, materials and campaign appearances); to have staff, advisors and volunteers uphold the same terms; and to support the winner of the May 8 Democratic primary in the General Election.
By April 4, candidate Timothy Murphy had joined Keever and signed the pledge. Kudos to him! To date, the third candidate, Terry Bellamy has not. I sincerely hope it is her intention to do so, making all three Democrats agreed. In the 10th District, registered Democrats and Independents are watching to see what kind of leadership to send on to the General Election and to Washington. We want folks we can be proud of, who help end the ugly campaign tactics rampant in our country.
It is an honor to run for office, to represent the people, and our candidates should be honorable, and eschew negative campaigning. Please sign the pledge, Mayor.
— Aile Shebar
Asheville
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.