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Politics Blog

Does Benton still support James in 17th District?

Thursday, October 30 | 7:27 p.m.

Sen. Don Benton loaned fellow Republican Joseph James his campaign consultants. He celebrated with him on primary election night when James survived the top two primary in his campaign to succeed Rep. Jim Dunn in the 17th District House race.

James considered Benton a mentor. He was proud to post Benton’s endorsement on his Web site.

Now, days before the election, Benton’s endorsement has mysteriously disappeared from the site.

Contacted Thursday, Benton said he didn’t have time to discuss the matter. No word on whether his change of heart is related to the revelation that James diverted a credit card payment intended for dog boarding services directly to his campaign.

Kathie Durbin

by Pat Campbell : 10/31/08 9:04am - Report Abuse

My guess is that Don understands James' credit card payment diversion is not just a PDC matter, but will likely trigger an IRS audit of Mr. James' business. Don doesn't want this or need this nor would any other politician.

by Peter Van Nortwick : 10/31/08 12:27pm - Report Abuse

Don Benton has his own race to consider. As a voter in the 17th, I use to just disagree with Carrier, but when you get multiple attack pieces a day from a candidates "friends" it turns to disgust that he would let his campaign degenerate to that. I haven't seem one attack piece from Deb Wallace or Joseph James and they should be commended for that. David Carrier, focus on the issues not sending me crap mailings that go right into the trash. I thought Carrier was "green" and going to use the internet. He was different. Turns out Carrier is just like all the other politicians, but at least they are honest about it.

by John Howes : 10/31/08 1:42pm - Report Abuse

Peter,

If you had looked at most, perhaps all of those mailings, you might have noticed they were not sent out by David Carrier or his campaign. They are what are called independent expenditures and these mailings are not endorsed by the candidate. By definition, an independent expenditure is a political activity intended to assist or oppose a specific candidate for office which is made without their cooperation, approval, or direct knowledge. (definition from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_expenditure).

So the "green" issue mentioned in your post is not applicable to Dr. Carrier. He cannot prevent organizations from sending out these mailings nor be responsible in any way for their content.

by melinda kohl : 10/31/08 3:05pm - Report Abuse

It's a waste of time to speculate about who is supporting whom in this hotly contested race. Since both of these candidates are no names anyway, the person who wins will be the one who gets the most exposure. I think this is just a ploy by the James campaign to generate more attention and get his name out there. I think the Columbian has fallen for this old trick and is now an unwitting supporter. No thanks to you for helping him get elected.

by Frank Heller : 10/31/08 3:14pm - Report Abuse

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid. Everyone is sick of the campaign hate mail filling our mailboxes--with one exception--Joseph james. I have not seen or heard him say or mail anything negative! In fact, if I were him, I would not even respond to any of this stuff. He's got my vote and I can't wait until he gets elected because he appears, unlike any of the other politicians, to be focused on the issues. He deserves to be there for all of his hard work. I just wonder if he has a life because I see him waving signs on every street corner. Go get'em Mr. James!

by D Sousa : 10/31/08 6:53pm - Report Abuse

I think it speaks volumes about Joseph James if his "mentor" and top supporter retracts his endorsement, and for good reason. Joseph James has messed up too many times. He was caught shifting illegal, tax-free contributions from his business to his campaign. Before that, he was caught sending out made-up facts in his campaign mail, twice. What next? Do we really want this guy representing us???

by Pat Campbell : 11/2/08 1:30pm - Report Abuse

I've gotten mailers from both Probst and James. I don't remember either candidate sending out any negative mailers. If there are any problem mailers those were sent out by others. Good campaign guys!