July 24, 2008 - 4:38pm
A sad day in Buckeye State politics
By Wally EdgeThis latest episode demonstrates how in politics, opponents' first instinct is often to assume the worst about each other.
The Ohio Republican party accused 15th Congressional District candidate Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) of having a body-double take her place in a parade last weekend, but it's unquestionable that she wasn't trying to pull a fast one on the crowd. It's certainly an unforced error for State Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) and the GOP. On the other hand, by bringing up their volunteer's "intellectual disability" in a press release, the Kilroy campaign's latest response turned an innocent volunteer into a political football.
It's not the best day for either side.
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I guess I don't get your
I guess I don't get your point. There is no shame in having an intellectual disability, any more than having a physical disability. You, Wally, only perpetuate the shame-mythology by your words here. But, really, why shouldn't the Kilroy people have clarified that fact, especially when the Stivers folk were making hay over the purported imposter's "waving as if she was the candidate". Certainly, such additional information might 1) provide context as to certain actions, and 2) show the clear idiocy the Stivers campaign found itself a party to by trying so behave oh-so-cleverly.
I think, if anything, the Kilroy campaign should be applauded for providing the opportunity for those with physical, neurological and other challenges to participate in our democratic and cultural traditions, even if it draws attention to an absent candidate. Did the Stivers team think to drive their more vulnerable supporters during the parade, or are only the fittest welcome by their GOP?
anonymouse has an intellectual disability
Wally, you should be ashamed, you shame-mythology promoter you!!!!
But seriously, while I disagree with your contention that this was somehow some unforced error by the GOP (in fact, it seems fair game), you're absolutely correct that the Kilroy Kamp's throwing this person's alleged intellectual disability into the mix was pretty low. They could have easily said that it was a winded campaign worker (who nonetheless looks pretty enthusiastic on the video) and left it at that. But they didn't.
The real question is intention: did the Kilroy Kampaign try to pull one over on the good people of Madison County. Jury is still out it seems. Someone with an intellectual disability could easily be mistaken for a Franklin County Commissioner.
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