“This is why blogging doesn’t get any respect,” New Mexico blogger Heath Haussamen wrote in his blistering response to the emerging Republican vote-buying allegations in New Mexico. He wrote that the entire matter was a “non-story,” based on “rumors,” before going on to mercilessly blast reporter Dennis Domrzalski, who broke several key elements in the story, and us, by reference, as “shameful” and “disgraceful” for covering it at all.
About the website of Domrzalski, who says he was not contacted by the indignant Haussamen for comment before the scathing story ran, he wrote “This is not a reputable journalistic site.”
Yet, incredibly, Haussamen failed to disclose, in his article on this yesterday, that Rep. Heather Wilson’s campaign spokesperson, Whitney Cheshire, wrote a weekly column at his blog site until October of last year, when she stopped to go to work for the Congresswoman.
In fact, it was Cheshire who forwarded Haussamen’s article, defending her boss, via email to the News Director at Albuquerque radio station KKOB, after reports had surfaced that they had spiked the vote-buying stories, broken by one of their own news anchors initially, reportedly after pressure from Cheshire herself. That News Director, in turn, forwarded Haussamen’s article, sent by Cheshire, to us late last night.
We took pains to include Haussamen’s criticism, even of us, quoting it at some length, in the detailed report on the allegations that we posted last night…
Indeed it was Haussamen’s former colleague Cheshire who’d called KKOB’s News Director, Pat Allen, several times, over at least two days, to complain about their news stories on the vote-buying allegations, as initially reported by award-winning afternoon news anchor Laura MacCallum. Inappropriate influence was brought by Cheshire, on behalf of Wilson, to spike the stories, according to MacCallum, who resigned after the stories were pulled by Allen.
Cheshire is spokesperson for Wilson’s U.S. Senate campaign for the seat being vacated by Pete Domenici. Allen admits to receiving complaint phone calls from Cheshire, though he denies that he had any political agenda in pulling the stories, even if his reasons for doing so have changed several times.
The BRAD BLOG asked for, and received, comment from Haussamen, after we’d heard of the apparent undisclosed conflict of interest. Haussamen is standing by his lack of disclosure that until recently Cheshire wrote a weekly column, titled, “Wednesday Morning Quarterback,” at his own site.
(It should also be noted here that Haussamen failed to contact us or MacCallum, in addition to Domrzalski, for comment, before he ran his article which blasted each of us in some way.)
That Haussamen did not make such a disclosure to his readers in the article, about his relationship to Cheshire, given, at the very least, the appearance of an inherent conflict of interest, is almost inexplicable. Given the tone and details of his scathing blog item, in which he railed angrily about being “a journalist who is working hard to try to bring some integrity to the blogosphere,” it is more unfathomable.
The reporting of this story in the “liberal blogosphere,” and presumably anywhere else but on his own blog, “make[s him] furious,” he declared.
“Whatever their motives,” he wrote in the article, “those who have spread this rumor as though it’s fact should be ashamed.”
Nonetheless, when we asked Haussamen why — in his article that, ironically enough, slams the ethics and questions the motivations of fellow journalists, several of them veteran reporters for decades — he did not feel it would have been appropriate to disclose that he was a colleague of, and indeed, publisher of a weekly column written by, the spokeswoman for Wilson’s campaign, who happens to be at the very heart of this story, his response was beguiling.
“The fact that Whitney Cheshire used to be a columnist for my site is disclosed on my home page, in the left column of the page in the ‘Other columns’ section,” Haussamen told us via email.
Somewhat astounded by that response, we replied to confirm if he was really going to stand by that decision, instead of simply apologizing to readers, and adding such a disclosure to his article, now that the issue was brought up with him.
“So it’s your feeling that that was disclosure enough when covering such a story, particularly with such an angle? Just confirming for the record,” we wrote in reply.
His response, which apparently continues to miss the point and reveals an alarming lack of understanding about the way transparency in journalism — even on the Internet — must work, follows in full…
That said, the home page of my site discloses the identities of the current columnists and the former columnists. If I thought further disclosure was necessary, I would have provided it.
Mr. Haussamen: We couldn’t care less what your Guest Bloggers’ particular political affiliations may be. We don’t care if they gave their work to you for free (though, arguably, that presents even more of an appearance of conflict of interest, since you would appear to be still more in their debt for their generous gratis contributions to your website.) In fact, we applaud you for offering works which feature diverse political perspectives.
The problem is that you failed to fully disclose that one of the women — at the very center of an issue that you are writing about, critically — donated her efforts to your blog, until as recently as late last year.
That the spokeswoman for Rep. Heather Wilson, who is facing allegations of vote-buying, wrote for you until October of last year, when she left to go work for Wilson, does not, in and of itself, mean that your article defending her interests was written as a quid pro quo. Your opinions, whether we agree with them or not, may be perfectly independent and appropriate.
But that you do not seem to understand that such a conflict of interest should be fully and transparently disclosed, so readers can be fully informed in order to form their own opinions, is simply astounding — particularly for a blogger indignantly claiming to be “a journalist…working hard to try to bring some integrity to the blogosphere.”
To quote your own article, sir: “This is why blogging doesn’t get any respect.”
Your failure to disclose such an obvious conflict, and worse, your willingness to stand by the very clear journalistic error, even after being asked about it, to quote you again, is something about which you “should be ashamed.”
We hope you carefully consider our criticism, and take it in the spirit in which it’s intended, since we applaud your efforts in the cause of working to bring more real journalism and respect to the blogosphere, just as we are working to do. But you’d be wise to mind your own glass house carefully while you’re busy tossing stones out from within it. We live in a similar glass house ourselves, and thus, take pains to avoid as much broken glass as possible.
You’d be wise to do the same.
UPDATE 3/7/07 12:10pm PT: Sadly, Mr. Haussamen, who we had found to be a previously impressive reporter, seems dead set on running his reputation into the ground. Now he is refusing to allow comments on his blog item from either ourselves or even Laura MacCallum. He has let one or two of our posts go through, but not the ones in which we pointed to either this item, or the original detailed report outlining the actual allegations. Mr. Haussamen seems dead set on becoming what he claims to have beheld. We hope he re-thinks that strategy before destroying all of his previously credibility for no good reason.
“Book em all Danno”, or should I say Brado? Can’t you just hear that music?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=507vsWgvPzU
Seriously though Brad, I agree with NY Times you deserve a Pulitzer!
I’ll take it, Ancient! Does it come with a cash prize?
(Yes, that was a bald attempt to help folks notice that their support, via our Fundraiser this month would be greatly appreciated! Lotsa swell premiums, that I’d love to send out to someone!)
Good work again, Brad!
I’ve been saying for a while(and I’ve heard others say it, too) that we’re the new Roman Empire, meaning sort of beyond decadent and falling. But now I’m thinking we’ve transcended the Falling Roman Empire and that they’re not even in our league anymore. This is my country and I can’t imagine leaving, but it’s getting too crazy here. Every day dysfunction, dishonesty, and denial reach new heights. Or depths. I’m thinking of dropping out for a bit. I can’t take it.
But thanks, Brad, for being a voice of sanity and humanity.
David Lasagna
Who does this Hauss’s ass think he is anyhow . . .
I can’t help thinking of the similarities between what Haussamen has done here and what Bob Woodward did in the Plamegate affair. Both appear to have been tone deaf in regards to the ethical issues raised by their lack of disclosure about a potential conflict of interest in the stories they whined and opined about.
Yeah Brad, it does from me…as soon as I’m done with these new coarses (I’ve already contibuted) and get a new f ing job, cuz I won’t take money from sleazy, queazy, makes me uneasy employers! You know, like 2/3 of the congress ought to feel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And might I just add 9/10 of the media?
Excellent point Steve #7. Like way too many who used to hear the calling, it looks like a bought and sold thing now!
Haussamen looks like the worlds biggest douchebag.
She looks like Woody Harrelson with a blond wig.
This movie is:
Wextry, Wextry read all about it. New garage industry emerges in well red states:
Sponsored by the managers of wannabe truth tellers, locally controlled by biggy brother.
These guys think a GED is “gummit educashun duhvice”, and when they become bigger brother, they squeeze out turd blossoms:
(Yahoo News). Their basic sentiment is “fear was good enough fer daddy, so its good enough fer me and I’m uptite fer Amurka.” What they don’t know is that that al is under their own Amurkan control and is a false flag op against America.
American flag waived, Amurkan flag waved.
Momma, don’t let your little brats grow up to be hussa men or kos suckers:
(Think Progress, emphasis added). American flag waived, Amurkan flag waved.
Ok, you want disclosure, you got it.
I write a free column once a week for Heath. This same column also appears in a number of newspapers the next day.
But for Heath it is free. Whoeee, this is America, who wants to live forever or die rich, eh?
And, I met Whitney once when she worked for Steve Pearce a number of years ago, though our time in a room together wouldn’t make a three-minute egg.
I have never met Wilson or White. I have never been to a state meeting for either Republicans or Democrats. I would rather return to 8th grade than attend one of those meetings.
I was a registered lobbyist at the New Mexico Legislature twice in the last 22 years, the last time when Bruce King was governor. In fact, Casey Luna, the Lt. Governor made me a Colonel Aide de Camp which impressed my mother but otherwise made no difference in my life.
And I have met Dave Cargo aka Lonesome Dave a number of times.
Let’s see other disclosures”¦ hmmm, I worked for KOB-TV when Nixon was president. At one time or another I have written for many New Mexico newspapers as a stringer. I once had a dog named”¦ oh, I guess you don’t need to know my dog’s name but it was a political name.
Gosh, I hope I have disclosed enough”¦
The problem you have is the 79 year-old Cargo, who at 37 was one of the nation’s youngest governors has been beat (like a rented mule) in every subsequent election in New Mexico and Oregon. I like bitter in my coffee and ex-wives, but not as someone to hang a story on.
In my brief time with Governor Cargo a couple of years ago he did not impress me with his insight or acumen about New Mexico, though we both enjoyed the steak at the Broadcaster’s Annual Convention in Albuquerque where I picked up an award and he was introduced to polite applause.
Before going too far with this story as the very independent Heath advises”¦ think carefully about how pissed off Dave Cargo is with the current Republican establishment.
Sorry, I had to wipe the laughter out of my eyes for a minute at the two words, “Republican Leadership.” They can’t hit water from a boat.
Now on Heath’s blog I defended Democrat Brian Colon last month and there was no flame.
You get the zippo award for just biting to be biting. But, as they say in piranha water, biting to be biting only goes so far in polite company.
What I said on Heath’s blog is:
“One possible correction is the esteem that Dave Cargo has in Republican circles. I am not speaking for anyone but myself here. After watching “Lonesome Dave” for several decades, it seems to me that he has always been a somewhat likeable loose cannon. Contrast him with Carrey Carruthers, also a Republican governor who is very well liked on both sides of the isle and you can see why Cargo feels left out.
Look at what (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_F._Cargo) wikipedia has on Cargo and then think of his comments. Might be true, but you are correct that we should be careful that sour grapes are not talking.”
Anyway, hope you get to the bottom of this story without making up a story.
And, like Heath, if you find that the bunny trail is just a bit too strange, I hope you are gutsy enough to just say so and endure whatever flame comes your way.
Regards,
Michael Swickard
Well, I guess Haussamen is now the laughing stock of the blogosphere! It does suggest that he’s personal friends of the Heather Wilson crowd. Three cheers for Brad!
Michael Swickard: You could at least get the name of former Governor Garrey Carruthers right. Garrey, not Carrey.
You imply the story contains no facts because you personally view Dave Cargo as a “loose cannon.” Does that view also pertain to State Sen. Joe Carraro and State. Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, who not only have made similar charges about vote buying, but have also come out publicly to accuse NM GOP operatives who support Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White’s primary candidacy for Congress in NM’s first district of threatening them with a smear campaign and more if they would challenge White in the primary?
http://f-brilliant.blogspot.com...mear-jobs.html
OT ~ Just thinkin, Since the lobbyists are the inside players or stuper delegates in this demcrockracy there should be a registry for scrutiny.
Swickard’s comment is a lot of words with no where to go. He doesn’t say Cargo is a liar, or even that he distorts the truth. So what is the point? If he thinks Cargo is lying then he should give his reasons for thinking that. Actually I’d like to hear more from Swickard, because I think his background and experience gives him a base to work from. We all might pick up some valuable insights about what going on there.
Brad:
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but this story is becomming a PROCESS story and not a FRAUD story, and pretty soon, not even your regular “gaggle of geeks” (as I like to think of your regular blog commenters) are going to care much.
Isn’t there some other thing happening here in the USA? Isn’t there some sort of primary-like election going on to decide whether or not the Democratic candidate against John McCain who will receive 47.1% to McCain’s 48.3% in the General in November will be a white woman or a black man?
Stop for a minute Brad and take a look at the table from 10 feet up and verify that your emphasis has not drifted too far in one direction.
Just a thought.
charlie L
Portland, OR
Michael Swickard #14
I think you have missed your calling. You should write opinion columns or the like. I will hold off on suggesting a list of periodicals you would find favor with. I have to figure out why you think “defending democrats” is a cause celeb first. 😉 Have you ever tried Bad Frog beer?
Do not write things that give credence to what anyone other than
justicejust us requires, and I could move ondot org.There may be an opening at the Department of
JusticeJust Us … oh wait … Gonzo has gone now … perhaps sweet home alabama hath an opening in the apologetics department?Oh … that’s right, really, really right, they stopped making mistakes and “don’t need no stinkin
apologiesapologetics no more”.And remember the famous last words of the treasurer of the House GOP campaign money, who is up to his gills in FBI agents, “He who flames could be need deep in water”.
A striking resemblance.
Michael Swickard –
Your attempts at swiftboating Gov. Cargo (R) are all well and good. Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, they do not speak to the charges that have been leveled not only by Cargo, but by State Sen. Carraro (R), State Rep Arnold-Jones (R), and now others.
Strawman arguments and red-herrings are all well and good if one is trying to cover one’s ass.
Fact-based reporting concerning the possible commission of voting felonies is much better if you’re a journalist, as I am, and as Haussaman claims to be.
JoJ #21
Right on the f**king money JoJ!
… based on his picture I would have voted for him! He is an adorable lovely looking man.
Yet he willfully participate in the holocaust of the 1940’s.
And some Amurkans posing as Americans have participated in the Iraq holocaust, including the “anti-holocaust” senate “democrat” Joe “Snow-Job” Lieberman.
But I haven’t asked that question ever since the revolution.
You figure out when that was.
Love to all, it is such a wonderful realm!
All of Swickard’s points about Cargo amount to a hill of…nothing. There is clearly systemic corruption in the New Mexico Republican Party. Not only did State Senator Joe Carraro also make the accusations concerning the vote-buying operations where Darren White is concerned, he also claims to have been threatened by the New Mexico Republican Party if he continued with his bid for Heather Wilson’s CD 1 seat, and others have claimed to have been threatened also. The same blogger, Dennis Dormzalski, broke this story also, excerpted at the DFNM website.
As I am on the ballot for my state senate district in New Mexico, all of this bodes well for me. Voters are simply tired of corruption, Democrats and Republicans alike.
Hey Carlie L, wasn’t it you who suggested before the 06 election “we” should game the damn dre’s for our side? Real great solution ace.
That was suppose to be CharlieL #19. I remembered cuz it blew my head you would have even suggested such a stupid thing!
Brad, tell Pat Allen and 770 there is one more site out here covering the real political news of New Mexico. I’ve just started barackoutwithmycockout.blogspot.com to highlight stories just like this one.
I just discovered your site and have saved the link. Keep up your good work.
New Mexico Statute:
(New Mexico Law, emphasis added).
CharlieL said:
Wait for it, Charlie.
Seems like that one’s being somewhat covered elsewhere, as I recall.
I do that every day, my friend. You may want to join me up here at 20 feet. The air is much clearer, and you can see the forest for the trees.
Stay tuned.
Sometimes I have the tinfoil fear that we are being set up for McCain. The ptb’s could astroturf that, sadly enough, America isn’t ready for a woman or African-American as President.
There’s no way in hell McCain could ever be elected legitemately. If McCain is elected, without doubt the system is rigged.
I agree.