49 News web poll has congressional candidate on the defensive
6:17 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Lynn Jenkins says she’s just doing her job by appearing in ads for the state-sponsored college-savings program.
Opponent Jim Ryun’s campaign said Jenkins’ appearance in the ads raises ethical questions and is unfair.
After we aired a story about the issue Monday night, Jenkins’ campaign sent an e-mail to her closest supporters.
Watch the commercials that are the source of the dispute here.
The e-mail said, “KTKA TV in Topeka is conducting a poll regarding this story and we need you to support Lynn by voting "No, it’s her duty to promote the program". Forward this to all your friends and vote here tonight!"
The e-mail was only sent to 74 people, but spread quickly, said Patrick Leopold, Jenkins’ campaign manager.
“If we were trying to skew the poll results … we would’ve sent it to the thousands of e-mail addresses that we have,” he said. “This is just an e-mail to keep our supporters informed about what’s going on … This was something they could do to help out the campaign.”
Read the e-mail sent to Jenkins supporters here.
Loran Smith, 49 News political analyst, said he thinks what Jenkins’ campaign did was fair and he can’t blame the camp for responding to our unscientific web poll, because of the way it was worded. He said it’s politics as usual.
“This is another example of a paranoia that occurs,” Smith said. “They’re deeply afraid that something is going to give their opponent an advantage.”
Watch the report that sparked the reaction from the Jenkins' campaign here.
Coming soon, local, young television talent will shine on 49 News Kidcasts. Check back to see local kids, 4th through 8th grade, to give the weather on TV.
Comments
Note: ktka.com does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor vouch for the factual claims made therein. Nor do we review every post.
Mar. 4, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)IWantRealNews (anonymous)
You're joking right? With all the news that is going on in the city, state, country and world, you all decide to run this story??? Just wondering - is this really a story? Can you call this news?????? Based on this "report" I guess this means that I can't send an e-mail to all my friends telling them to vote for KTKA as the #1 news program in Topeka during the next Best of Topeka competition. I would hate for it to appear that this is an "example of paranoia" during the competition. KTKA - PLEASE try harder to find and report on real news that will honor your distinction as "station of the year."
Mar. 4, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)doctshields (anonymous)
This is the number two story on the 10pm news? It even trumped coverage of the presidential primaries that are going on tonight. Egad. What I can't figure out is a) why this is even on the news b) why this e-mail is considered "paranoia", and c) why KTKA doesn't look into Jim Ryun's ties to Jack Abramoff. Considering how biased KTKA's coverage appears, I'm sure we can expect such in-depth reporting as whether Jenkins' dog has its rabies shots, whether she has her oil changed every 3,000 miles, and which way she puts toilet paper on the holder in the bathroom. Gripping television ahead from the Station of the Year.
Mar. 5, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)coyoteffl (anonymous)
She doesnt **have** to be in the commercials. She is using her position to keep getting her name out there. Please keep in mind that I am a Lynn Jenkins supporter.
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Chris Biggs is another elected official who uses his position to get his name and his face "out there".
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We can advertise programs without putting elected officials in front of the camera.
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