Crotty Cogitation: Attorney General’s Office Changed Press Release on Bob Filner’s Voting Rights

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Attorney General’s Office Changed Press Release on Bob Filner’s Voting Rights

December 10, 2013

Over the past few weeks, California politicos have been quietly talking about whether former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner violated the spirit of his plea agreement by voting in the mayoral special election.

Back on October 15, the Los Angeles Times reported, “During his probation, Filner may not vote, serve on a jury or own a firearm, prosecutors said.”

CalNewsroom has obtained and verified a copy of Filner’s voting history, which shows that Filner, in fact, voted in the special election for his replacement. Does that mean Filner has already violated the terms of his deal?

A month ago, 10 News reporter Mitch Blacher answered that question.

Former San Diego mayor and convicted felon Bob Filner has cast his vote for mayor in the special mayoral election.

The state Attorney General who prosecuted Filner’s case confirmed Thursday that Bob Filner can vote, including for the person to fill the office he resigned.

How, then, did so many reputable outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, get the facts about Filner’s voting rights wrong?

CalNewsroom.com believes we have a plausible explanation for the rumor. The original misinformation came from none other than the office of Attorney General Kamala Harris. Here’s a copy of the original news release distributed by the AG’s office regarding Filner’s plea.

An October 15 press release, titled, “Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Guilty Plea by Former San Diego Mayor,” stated, “As a consequence of the felony plea, Filner may not vote, serve on a jury or own a firearm while he is on probation.”

Original AG Office Press Release on Filner Plea:

But, if you go to the Attorney General’s website today, the same press release now states, “As a consequence of the felony plea, Filner may not serve on a jury or own a firearm while he is on probation.”

Kudos to 10 News’ Mitch Blacher for getting the story right. Some of the best journalism, contrary to conventional wisdom, is happening at the local level. It’s also an important reminder that you can’t always believe everything you read, even if it’s from the Attorney General’s office or Los Angeles Times.

See more at: http://www.calnewsroom.com/2013/12/10/attorney-generals-office-changed-press-release-on-bob-filners-voting-rights/#sthash.fCxIyaU6.dpuf

No comments:

Post a Comment

Crotty Consulting Inc

Political Campaigns

Crotty Consulting, Inc. (CCI) was founded on the belief that successful political campaigns require innovative thinking, strategic planning and plain old hard work. The agency has handled a number and variety of campaigns across the United States, and its strategies have paid off with an impressive string of successes.

The agency’s political services include general campaign consulting and strategy, research, messaging, voter targeting, media relations, collateral, print, direct mail, Internet and broadcast production. CCI campaigns are marked by their style, technical sophistication and ability to deliver highly targeted and persuasive messages to voters – as well as by their success.

Communications

CCI specializes in complex, often controversial issues, and produces compelling communications that are distinguishable and effective. Agency clients have stories to tell and messages to get across. CCI frames the message, crafts it and delivers it in a manner that gets the audience’s attention. The agency develops targeted campaigns that reach audiences in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible.

The agency’s award-winning writers and designers also know how to spark a specific audience’s interest directly through eye-catching graphics and unforgettable communications. By stressing creative, unified direction and a mastery of message and layout, CCI puts it’s client's communications top of mind, whether with voters, consumers, specifically identified and targeted groups and organizations, or in the marketplace. From concept to completion, our creative team combines innovative and imaginative ideas that get results.

Public Relations

CCI understands all types of constituencies and is able to create messages that resonate with various target audiences. The agency takes intricate research results and translates them into cogent and convincing messages and themes that are accessible and understandable. CCI strives to convey a singular and consistent action message to every targeted audience by ensuring that the various media share and support a coordinated, integrated look and feel. The agency’s public relations professionals then strategically influence and move identified constituencies to action.

CCI knows how to shape and mobilize the public's opinion of people, issues, ideas and products through integrated public relations campaigns – an essential factor influencing, selling, completing, or achieving a project to satisfy a client’s objectives.