Negative Campaigning in Walton

[DFSboy]

Well, well, well, as the Republican Primary draws nearer, it seems at least one Walton candidate (you guess who) is playing another card for his election bid. The card he’s now playing: Negative Campaigning. I guess that’s what you call it? Some may call it comparison, friendly reminders of an opponents record (only bad stuff), or whatever other political garbage one may term it in efforts only to ease a voters’ comfort. Either way, the truth is, I call it “Negative Campaigning.”

I’ll have to admit, however, if I were running for an election, I may, too, play the same card, although, I’d probably call it something else then. Maybe like “Informative Campaigning.” But as a voter, I’m a little torn by it.

Come on now, lets’ set aside what a political consultant may advise, what has worked in the past, or even what our national politicians engage in…What do you think about “Negative Campaigning?” Be honest now, like me, you may strongly support a particular candidate, yet he or she has or is now engaging in such Campaigning. Though don’t let that affect your true thoughts here.

Forget about satistics, what do YOU think about “Negative Campaigning” right here in Walton County? After all, we Waltonians are much different than our fellow citizens of this great State.

Will (Has) such Campaigning ever solely, or in large part, affect(ed) your decision to actually NOT vote for a particular candidate engaged in such practices?

Do you believe such Campaigning will (has) cause(d) you to lean toward the candidate actually spreading negative points about their opponent(s)?

Do you feel like you are being perceived as stupid when a candidate presents you (via mailings, newspaper, and TV or radio advertisements) with negative information concerning an opposing candidate?

Do you believe such Campaigning is effective for the engaged candidate any at all?

Do you think an opposing candidate that does not bounce back with such Campaigning seems more mature (fit) for the position in which he or she is seeking?

Have you heard people say (regarding such Campaigning), ‘I don’t want to hear all that negative stuff about the other person, I want to hear why (engaging candidate) is the best choice.’ And if so, do you agree?

I really look forward to hearing your thoughts. Heck, one day I may be running for election here in Walton County. Negative or not?

[seagrovegirl]

Once the negative campaigning starts the opposing party will have to defend themselves, thus negative campaigning starts on both sides. And it's almost impossible to stop.

A positive campaign would be; *Tauting ones strong points. *Ideas and how to structure change. *Why the voters should vote for him/her. Among other positive points.

IMO.....if a candidate starts a negative campaign, they have nothing possitive to offer the voters, therefore not qualified for public office.

[aleonard]

I think(and just IMHO) that this is a tactic of professional political advisers. Not something we have seen a lot of in local elections, until hired guns come in and run campaigns. :idontno: I guess we will have to wait and see how locals respond to it.

[DFSboy]

Once the negative campaigning starts the opposing party will have to defend themselves, thus negative campaigning starts on both sides. And it's almost impossible to stop.

A positive campaign would be; *Tauting ones strong points. *Ideas and how to structure change. *Why the voters should vote for him/her. Among other positive points.

OMI.....if a candidate starts a negative campaign, they have nothing possitive to offer the voters, therefore not qualified for public office.


seagrovegirl,

I appreciate your reply. I believe your thoughts as shared in your middle and last sentences will be similar to many other citizens of Walton County. It’s really hard to argue your points, at all.

However, in your first sentence I disagree with the statement "will have to defend themselves" once such campaigning has begun. I remember campaigns in this county when an opposing candidate never responded to such campaigning from an instigator, although I’m sure it was very tempting.

Sad thing is, when a strong candidate starts such campaigning, it may very well cause more harm than good, if a lot of people share your thoughts as believed. In a tight (especially crowded) election, this could be costly to the instigator.

[Andy A.]

Well, well, well, as the Republican Primary draws nearer, it seems at least one Walton candidate (you guess who) is playing another card for his election bid. The card he’s now playing: Negative Campaigning. I guess that’s what you call it? Some may call it comparison, friendly reminders of an opponents record (only bad stuff), or whatever other political garbage one may term it in efforts only to ease a voters’ comfort. Either way, the truth is, I call it “Negative Campaigning.”

I’ll have to admit, however, if I were running for an election, I may, too, play the same card, although, I’d probably call it something else then. Maybe like “Informative Campaigning.” But as a voter, I’m a little torn by it.

Come on now, lets’ set aside what a political consultant may advise, what has worked in the past, or even what our national politicians engage in…What do you think about “Negative Campaigning?” Be honest now, like me, you may strongly support a particular candidate, yet he or she has or is now engaging in such Campaigning. Though don’t let that affect your true thoughts here.

Forget about satistics, what do YOU think about “Negative Campaigning” right here in Walton County? After all, we Waltonians are much different than our fellow citizens of this great State.

Will (Has) such Campaigning ever solely, or in large part, affect(ed) your decision to actually NOT vote for a particular candidate engaged in such practices?

Do you believe such Campaigning will (has) cause(d) you to lean toward the candidate actually spreading negative points about their opponent(s)?

Do you feel like you are being perceived as stupid when a candidate presents you (via mailings, newspaper, and TV or radio advertisements) with negative information concerning an opposing candidate?

Do you believe such Campaigning is effective for the engaged candidate any at all?

Do you think an opposing candidate that does not bounce back with such Campaigning seems more mature (fit) for the position in which he or she is seeking?

Have you heard people say (regarding such Campaigning), ‘I don’t want to hear all that negative stuff about the other person, I want to hear why (engaging candidate) is the best choice.’ And if so, do you agree?

I really look forward to hearing your thoughts. Heck, one day I may be running for election here in Walton County. Negative or not?




You managed to spend 11 paragraphs talking about "negative campaigning", which I abhor by the way, and never once mention who is doing the negative campaigning and who it's against. What, exactly, are you talking about? Please enlighten me.

[DFSboy]

I think(and just IMHO) that this is a tactic of professional political advisers. Not something we have seen a lot of in local elections, until hired guns come in and run campaigns. :idontno: I guess we will have to wait and see how locals respond to it.


aleonard,

Some “tactic” from a “professional political adviser(s)” may have a very different effect in Walton County than in other areas. Hiring one who is a Walton Native, or who knows a lot about this County may the thing to do, however. What do you think about seagrovegirls comments?

[DFSboy]

You managed to spend 11 paragraphs talking about "negative campaigning", which I abhor by the way, and never once mention who is doing the negative campaigning and who it's against. What, exactly, are you talking about? Please enlighten me.


Andy A.,

Listen. If I thought such campaigning would harm the instigating candidate of only one vote, and I was supporting that same candidate, I wouldn’t “mention who is doing the negative campaigning and who it’s against.”

With the use of 11 paragraphs, I asked, “What do you think about” Negative Campaigning? Sorry for the confusion, hope this enlightens you.

[aleonard]

aleonard,

Some “tactic” from a “professional political adviser(s)” may have a very different effect in Walton County than in other areas. Hiring one who is a Walton Native, or who knows a lot about this County may the thing to do, however. What do you think about seagrovegirls comments?


DfSboy,

I think you have brought light to a good topic. I am only guessing that you may be speaking about an ad I saw this week on the Sheriff's race. I know one of the candidates have hired a political firm to handle their campaign. That is why I mentioned we would have to wait and see how locals feel about the ads.

I agree with SGG that I personally would rather see candidates promote themselves in a positive manner. But, if I was a paid political adviser, I could understand the "tactic' to run comparative ads against the incumbent. It's a way for a candidate to take the focus off the others running and place a client in a lead spot by taking on the person holding office now. It's rather smart in my personal opinion,because it eliminates others from the race and makes it look like it's one against one) but that doesn't tell if it's right. Only the voters of Walton will have final say on it.:wave:

ps....there is a danger as well involved with this. Once a rock gets thrown, many from both sides may follow if there is evidence to support it.

[Andy A.]

Andy A.,

Listen. If I thought such campaigning would harm the instigating candidate of only one vote, and I was supporting that same candidate, I wouldn’t “mention who is doing the negative campaigning and who it’s against.”

With the use of 11 paragraphs, I asked, “What do you think about” Negative Campaigning? Sorry for the confusion, hope this enlightens you.
The only ad I've seen regarding two opposing candidates is the one comparing the present sheriff's job performance to what Mike Adkinson would do in a similar situation or how he would more closely monitor funds. Outside of one glaring error regarding the funding of the 911 system by the present sheriff, I saw nothing negative about the ad. It pretty well described what has transpired under the present sheriff's administration. I don't view it as negative at all, except possibly, for the paragraph on 911 funding.
If this is not the ad or "campaigning" you are referring to, then I am still at a loss as to what you are talking about. On the other hand, if you support a specific candidate for office, say so. I feel that beating around the bush when talking about who will fill important offices in this county is a detriment to all of us trying to decide who is the best candidate available to us. Finally, I certainly do not appreciate or condone negative campaigning. I usually recognize it when I see it.

[JustaLocal]

Do you believe such Campaigning is effective for the engaged candidate any at all?

It was used against Herman Walker last election. He may have lost in any case, so who knows what impact it had.

I would prefer a candidate prove he is better, rather than the other guy is worse.

[idlewind]

The only ad I've seen regarding two opposing candidates is the one comparing the present sheriff's job performance to what Mike Adkinson would do in a similar situation or how he would more closely monitor funds. Outside of one glaring error regarding the funding of the 911 system by the present sheriff, I saw nothing negative about the ad. It pretty well described what has transpired under the present sheriff's administration. I don't view it as negative at all, except possibly, for the paragraph on 911 funding.
If this is not the ad or "campaigning" you are referring to, then I am still at a loss as to what you are talking about. On the other hand, if you support a specific candidate for office, say so. I feel that beating around the bush when talking about who will fill important offices in this county is a detriment to all of us trying to decide who is the best candidate available to us. Finally, I certainly do not appreciate or condone negative campaigning. I usually recognize it when I see it.
If this is what we are talking about (adkinson ad) then I find nothing wrong with the concept. :biggrin: Showing how you differ from your opponent is not negative. That particular ad sort of left me asking "where's the beef? :confused: It went into great detail about the shortcomings of the incumbent (which everyone should know already) but failed to give details of how the candidate was any better other than sharing some lofty platitudes. :yikes: I think in some cases the hired guns can tend to outsmart themselves. :bang:

[Santiago]

You managed to spend 11 paragraphs talking about "negative campaigning", which I abhor by the way, and never once mention who is doing the negative campaigning and who it's against. What, exactly, are you talking about? Please enlighten me.

ditto

[The Watcher]

All I can say about candidates bringing out negative campaigning to attack their competition is this; Those Who Live in Glass Houses, Should Not Throw Stones. 'Bout sums it up. ;-)

I guess if you don't live in a glass house, fire away...

[rapunzel]

For those of us who haven't seen the ad -- would those of you who have seen it characterize it as issues-based negativity or personal smears?

While I completely dislike any campaigning that tries to persuade me to vote against someone rather that for something, I do see a difference between attacking on issues and record in office and smearing someone or twisting words and misleading the public.

[Johnny Post]

I assume we are all talking about the Adkinson-Johnson comparison ad. If so, I would not call it a personal attack or a smear job.

It is a compare/contrast type ad. It lists a number of problems experienced by the current administration, and focuses on accountability, specifically fiscal accountability.

I agree with a previous poster, however, in that it did not detail Mr. Adkinson's plans for solving these problems. I guess we are to assume that the "ideals" espoused by Mr. Adkinson are his way of saying he won't do any of these things.

And to be clear, I do not view that as negative campaigning. How many people on here have bashed the current sheriff? Some of those comments would certainly be "negative campaigning". Pointing out that a candidate, especially an incumbent, has failed the public in certain ways is truthful and a fair stance.

I prefer to see that kind of campaign. After all, how many ads that simply say "I am a good person and will do a good job", or some variant, can we see. They aren't helpful, and are rather repetitive. I like to see issues at the forefront.

[booya]

I agree we should have candidates spend more time telling us what they are going to do for us. A fine example of more negative waste was at the forum in Freeport where the same candidate that had this ad, spent much of his time to talk about himself telling us that the current sheriff was not in attendance. For many of us in the audience it was wasting time on something that was obvious and it showed how unproffessional he is. I think he is still angry that the county commisioners (some of them) finally done what is right and voted to pay for the 911 system and he had already posted his ad, sounds like he was told that they were going to vote against it prior to the meeting but it backfired? This same sheriff candidate mentioned that Johnson had asked for an increase in his budget, but failed to mention that he has raised his own budget by 90% or over 800,000 since taking office. I know we have all heard about the salary increases etc. Folks there are only 16-18 officers and the salary increase was only a small portion of the over 800,000.00 increase. I think you will find that his salary has been the biggest increase and close to 20,000.00. He talks about being a conservative and watching over our money better...just more of his misrepresenting the truth. Become an informed voter don't just believe what you are told. There is so much information out there on-line and for public view that will show the truth. For examlpe FDLE reports show that in 2007 the sheriff's office had an attrition rate (people leaving) of 15%, which is 1.5 for every 10 and not good. The same information will show that in 2007 the PD had an attrition rate (people leaving) of 28%, based on 18 officers, which is 2.8 out of every 10 and even worse. The PD had an attrition rate last year of double the SO. All this is shown in the reports below and easily accessible. And there is more.

SO
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_so_le.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_so_le.html)
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_so_le.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_so_le.html)
PD
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_pd.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_pd.html)
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_pd.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_pd.html)

[Johnny Post]

Is comparing a budget increase for DFSPD and a budget increase for WCSO a fair comparison?

Not trying to argue it, but like a lot of people down here in SoWal, I was under the impression the DFS department was lacking in a lot of major upgrades and had horrible pay rates. If the budget increase was for that, isn't that a good thing? Conservative or liberal... I think most will agree money spent to help fire and police forces is a worth it.

The issue of whether a department needs to add more to their budget in a time when the county has less money to go around is different in my opinion.

Maybe we need Mr. Adkinson's opinion relating to his spending plans if elected sheriff. Might not be as much work to do in the WCSO.

[seagrovegirl]

Is comparing a budget increase for DFSPD and a budget increase for WCSO a fair comparison?

Not trying to argue it, but like a lot of people down here in SoWal, I was under the impression the DFS department was lacking in a lot of major upgrades and had horrible pay rates. If the budget increase was for that, isn't that a good thing? Conservative or liberal... I think most will agree money spent to help fire and police forces is a worth it.

The issue of whether a department needs to add more to their budget in a time when the county has less money to go around is different in my opinion.

Maybe we need Mr. Adkinson's opinion relating to his spending plans if elected sheriff. Might not be as much work to do in the WCSO.

Health, safety and welfare of Walton Co. citizens should be the #1 priority when considering budget cuts by WCC. Then education.

With the hefty budget that RJ HAD, he still could not upgrade the 911 system adequately...it is still not up to par for this community.

Questions: Can 911 dispatch trace to location of a cell phone call? Why don't the hand held radios the deputies use work in most locations in sowal? Did the new upgrade address these issues?

Have these questions been addressed by the commission to RJ? Do they have a clue?

[5th Gen Local]

Face it. If you say anything about the record of our current sheriff, it will have to be negative. That is his history and legacy of actions and decisions that he has left us with.

If he did not have some fine people in those patrol cars, he would have already self destructed. Let's save our heros in green from this NEGATIVE leadership, by any means necessary that includes ads that state the cold, hard, negative truth.

They tried to play nicey nice and not take him on four years ago and he went back in. I admire Mike Adkinson for taking him on, man to man.

In my opinion this makes the other candidates weak. A leader speaks the truth, even when it is not convienent.

Give him heck MIKE!

[DFSboy]

Face it. If you say anything about the record of our current sheriff, it will have to be negative. That is his history and legacy of actions and decisions that he has left us with.

If he did not have some fine people in those patrol cars, he would have already self destructed. Let's save our heros in green from this NEGATIVE leadership, by any means necessary that includes ads that state the cold, hard, negative truth.

They tried to play nicey nice and not take him on four years ago and he went back in. I admire Mike Adkinson for taking him on, man to man.

In my opinion this makes the other candidates weak. A leader speaks the truth, even when it is not convienent.

Give him heck MIKE!

5th Gen Local,

I'm a sixth by the way. Anyhow, does a cadidate for office have to say anything at all, negative or not, about their respective opponent(s)? After all, its no different than applying for a job. Most employers would think a employee candidate is crazy if one were to start talking about the person he or she is trying to replace maybe due to retirement or whatever.

I don't think it is totally destructive to a campaign ("Negative Campaigning"), but I bet most voters here in Walton would rather a candidate not say anything at all about their respective opponent(s), and stick with why he or she (the candidate) should be hired (elected) to the job. Well?

Nevertheless, unlike many others on here, you've apparently expressed your thoughts---you prefer such Campaigning.

[Seeker1]

Face it. If you say anything about the record of our current sheriff, it will have to be negative!

I admire Mike Adkinson for taking him on, man to man.

A leader speaks the truth, even when it is not convienent.
\


MM hmm, Not much positive things that ralph can claim.

I have found mike to be too fast on the draw.

Im with ya, a leader speaks the truth even when its not convenient. I have not found him to be that leader myself as yet. But theres always a chance and I'm waiting, ............ still.

[Seeker1]

I agree we should have candidates spend more time telling us what they are going to do for us. A fine example of more negative waste was at the forum in Freeport where the same candidate that had this ad, spent much of his time to talk about himself telling us that the current sheriff was not in attendance. For many of us in the audience it was wasting time on something that was obvious and it showed how unproffessional he is. I think he is still angry that the county commisioners (some of them) finally done what is right and voted to pay for the 911 system and he had already posted his ad, sounds like he was told that they were going to vote against it prior to the meeting but it backfired? This same sheriff candidate mentioned that Johnson had asked for an increase in his budget, but failed to mention that he has raised his own budget by 90% or over 800,000 since taking office. I know we have all heard about the salary increases etc. Folks there are only 16-18 officers and the salary increase was only a small portion of the over 800,000.00 increase. I think you will find that his salary has been the biggest increase and close to 20,000.00. He talks about being a conservative and watching over our money better...just more of his misrepresenting the truth. Become an informed voter don't just believe what you are told. There is so much information out there on-line and for public view that will show the truth. For examlpe FDLE reports show that in 2007 the sheriff's office had an attrition rate (people leaving) of 15%, which is 1.5 for every 10 and not good. The same information will show that in 2007 the PD had an attrition rate (people leaving) of 28%, based on 18 officers, which is 2.8 out of every 10 and even worse. The PD had an attrition rate last year of double the SO. All this is shown in the reports below and easily accessible. And there is more.

SO
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_so_le.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_so_le.html)
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_so_le.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_so_le.html)
PD
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_pd.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_pd.html)
www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_pd.html (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_pd.html)

[/QUOTE]

Booya,
I visited those sights and they are on the money. Well done, thanks for the info. You tossed a YAHTZEE with the statement of the truth being out there and so easy to find. But it must be looked for. ANY information hand fed by a candidate should be verified and validated before making any decision.
I have a few sites myself I may post. Not right now, but soon.
Let a few dig deeper. THEN see who backpedals the fastest.

[Starfish2008]

Adkinson is quick to tell all about RJ's shortcomings but sure hates to have his own questioned. Everyone should be like Tom Cooper and tell what they want to do and how they plan to get there. Stay positive!

[5th Gen Local]

Let's not pick on poor RJ... He really deserves our respect and admiration for the great job he has done, and superb manner in which he treats his staff.....poor, poor, RJ...it just ain't fair.

Give me a break....If a candidate will not stand up to RJ will he show the same meek and "compassionate" manner in dealing with violent criminals, or those that would otherwise seek to prey on the public. The way you handle a bully is to stand up to him.

Stay positive that is just what poor, pitiful RJ wants, and if you can pull a few votes that will help him as well. And I am not sure Tom would want you to characterize him or his campaign in this manner. It sure want help him win.

[DFSboy]

Let's not pick on poor RJ... He really deserves our respect and admiration for the great job he has done, and superb manner in which he treats his staff.....poor, poor, RJ...it just ain't fair.

Give me a break....If a candidate will not stand up to RJ will he show the same meek and "compassionate" manner in dealing with violent criminals, or those that would otherwise seek to prey on the public. The way you handle a bully is to stand up to him.

Stay positive that is just what poor, pitiful RJ wants, and if you can pull a few votes that will help him as well. And I am not sure Tom would want you to characterize him or his campaign in this manner. It sure want help him win.


5th Gen Local,

Overall it seems that most people here in Walton County are against, or at least would rather not notice, any Negative Campaigning at all. That dosen't mean these same people would NOT vote for a candidate soley due to him or her engaging in such Campaigning, however.