When reporters rule in the land of confusion
Dave Kranz reports in his column today on the confusion surrounding Public Utilities Commissioner Bob Sahr's re-election. Problem is, he's the one who created it:
So far, we've got Dave reporting on it, and he's the only one reporting on it. And a select few offering comment in response to his inquries. This is all on a story that no one else will touch because of the anonymous allegations. So far, we don't have an accuser, nor has anyone been named as a subject of investigation. But, according to Dave, there's a story there.
On that whole subject, we're getting down to the wire on the convention, and this is going to be what people are discussing once they get there. There's going to be talk - let's just hope it stays within the realm of proven reality and doesn't wander off into the realm of fantasyland.
I'd like to hear what the candidate (or candidates if John Koskan pulls the trigger as Kranz is reporting) have to say on this, but more importantly, I think the delegates want to hear sincerity and leadership, and truth.
Not a version of reality or knee-jerk responses as driven by the Argus Leader.
Read it all here. Who are these multitudes of nameless people? And why, apparently, do they only talk to the Argus Leader, since the mystery letter went to literally every political reporter in the state.They all identified themselves. Most were Republicans. Some were wondering what was going on. Others offered the version they heard. Some presented "absolute facts" about what was going on with Sahr. Yet no one really seemed to know for sure, and it quickly became difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Common was the belief that Sahr would not run for renomination at this week's Republican convention in Watertown. Others speculated that his resignation from the PUC was imminent.Even though there were differing ideas about what supposedly brought Sahr to this situation, Sahr continues to dig in and stay in the race, even with news of a possible investigation.
About what is uncertain?
Sahr supporters immediately charged he was the target of an unfair blindside attack, subject of opportunism by people who wanted to see him out of the political picture. Republican doubters offered the "where-there-is-smoke-there-is-fire" defense for asking the questions.
So far, we've got Dave reporting on it, and he's the only one reporting on it. And a select few offering comment in response to his inquries. This is all on a story that no one else will touch because of the anonymous allegations. So far, we don't have an accuser, nor has anyone been named as a subject of investigation. But, according to Dave, there's a story there.
On that whole subject, we're getting down to the wire on the convention, and this is going to be what people are discussing once they get there. There's going to be talk - let's just hope it stays within the realm of proven reality and doesn't wander off into the realm of fantasyland.
I'd like to hear what the candidate (or candidates if John Koskan pulls the trigger as Kranz is reporting) have to say on this, but more importantly, I think the delegates want to hear sincerity and leadership, and truth.
Not a version of reality or knee-jerk responses as driven by the Argus Leader.
Comments
How could he go into convention. If it isn't true story it is a fact that some high placed GOPs have already talked to most if not all delegates and I've been told at least 3 or 4 different things about what Bob S. was supposed to be involved in. All based on the anonymous letter. At that point, truth seems not to matter.
Sad.
In the last week, I have not been outspoken on this issue in the press because I simply don't know all of the facts. I think too many people have spoken to the press or to their neighbor without knowing the facts. I have tried to avoid contributing to that problem.
I'm not sure where you heard your version of events. I don't agree with them. I won't discuss the content of the conversations that Bob and I have had on this issue, but it is unfortunate that you are so ready to believe that my motives are impure simply because I am younger than 30. It is also unfortunate that so many people have seemed focused on causing pain, whether to Bob and his family, to others directly involved, or to those of us that are on the periphery. At times the facts have seemed unimportant to people simply because we don't have them all yet. Far better to rush to judgment and to blame everyone involved, I guess.
I think you three did more for the PUC in the last couple of years than in the last 20. Thank you for all you have done for SD. Take Care.
Dusty I think PP would be a great addition to your team.