Find Your Valentine
Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, October 14, 2009
Politics Oh, Yes He Did
Posted by Dominic Holden on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Earlier today, Publicola reported that candidate for Port Commissioner Rob Holland said he didn't know a photo of him would appear in a television ad for mayoral candidate Mike McGinn:
Contacted by phone, Holland said he did tell McGinn he did give “initial consent” for McGinn to use the photo of the two candidates, taken at a labor council picnic, but thought it would be “part of a collage of photos” in a campaign mailer, not a prominent still in a TV campaign ad.
But The Stranger obtained the email exchange between Holland's and McGinn's campaigns, which shows that Holland's campaign did, in fact, give permission for his photo to appear in the TV ad.
Here's email sent by McGinn staffer Ainsley Close to Holland's campaign manager, Michael Martin:
——-Original Message——-
From: Ainsley Close XXXXXXXXX@XXXXX.com
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:17
To: XXXXXXXXX@XXXXX.com
Subject: photo try 2Michael,
Great talking to you and thanks to you and Rob for letting us use this photo. Could you just reply to this e-mail that we're okay to use the photo in the TV ad? At some point we're going to need a model release but we'll be good to go for today.
I'm a good first point of contact if you need anything from our campaign. Thanks again!!
-Ainsley
Martin replied:
From: XXXXXXXXX@XXXXX.com
Date: October 9, 2009 3:17 PM PDT
To: "Ainsley Close" XXXXXXXXX@XXXXX.com
Subject: Re: photo try 2
Reply-To: XXXXXXXXX@XXXXX.comGreat photo! You have the permission to use in mike mcginns campaign ad. Michael
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
So is Holland changing his tune now? He says no. "I don’t remember saying anything about a collage of mailers. I felt like it was going to be used for their TV ad," Holland says.
But he still wants his image pulled from the ad. "It wasn't my intention to make an endorsement for his campaign. And unfortunately, the way it is being perceived by the public is that it is an endorsement," he says. "I didn’t think it was going to be that big of a deal."
Who is "the public" making it such a "big deal"?
"Personal friends of mine, who I have worked with, and they have personally contacted me to say are supporting Mallahan," says Holland, when asked who is pressuring him about the ad. He hasn't endorsed either candidate. "The McGinn campaign has done nothing wrong here," he says.
But Holland, who we endorsed, is being ridiculous. Regardless of whether or not Publicola got the story wrong or Holland changed his story, Holland gave his permission to use the image in McGinn's ad. It makes no sense to retract his permission because a handful of friends—again, Mallahan supporters—think it sends the wrong message. Of course they think that. But giving your permission is giving your permission. Nonetheless, Holland says, "If the perception [of an endorsement] is there, I would want it removed."
The commercial in question is after the jump.
1
Rob...I like you, a lot. But this is poor form. If you gave your permission, you gave your permission. It's not difficult to understand that agreeing to the use of a photo with you and a candidate will be perceived as an endorsement. Having run several campaigns, that is an obvious consideration when you are asked this question.
Now, you have put the McGinn campaign in a tough position. I'd recommend they change out the ad, but by drawing attention to this, you've hurt both your campaign and the McGinn campaign.
Now, you have put the McGinn campaign in a tough position. I'd recommend they change out the ad, but by drawing attention to this, you've hurt both your campaign and the McGinn campaign.
2
Thank you for doing actual reporting on this, Dominic. I didn't even need to scroll back up to the byline to know it was you.
3
I wonder why McGinn either couldn't or wouldn't play the big man and work this out with Holland in some sort of direct way. Instead, he releases a copy of the embarrassing email. Is this our first glimpse of a bracing "don't fuck with me, boys" approach to dispute resolution? It seems a bit different from what the campaign had signaled would be his style. Gregoire best brace herself.
As for Holland distancing himself from the appearance of a McGinn endorsement, at this point in his campaign his war chest may be top priority. It seems clear enough that McGinn supporters so far tend to prioritize making and raising financial contributions way less than Mallahaners. Holland has to avoid pissing off the people who will support him with more than just offers to stuff envelopes on the weekend.
As for Holland distancing himself from the appearance of a McGinn endorsement, at this point in his campaign his war chest may be top priority. It seems clear enough that McGinn supporters so far tend to prioritize making and raising financial contributions way less than Mallahaners. Holland has to avoid pissing off the people who will support him with more than just offers to stuff envelopes on the weekend.
4
Yawn.....What is the story here? Mallahan supporters are playing dirty at the end of race. Did anyone expect anything else?
5
@3
Really?
McGinn's campaign shouldn't release an email showing they did get the ok to use the photo?
On what planet do you live on?
They are just showing that they have done no wrong here. Since they got the ok they shouldn't pull the ad or change it in any way. They can't at this stage anyway.
Also: McGinn now has more money than Mallahan, whose campaign is now thousands of dollars in debt. That's great for a candidate who supposedly is the pro business candidate.
But of course I'm sure you realize that since you probably are on his staff and are now worried that you won't be getting a paycheck, huh?
If you want to support big business, vote for Mallahan.
PS T-Mobile's service sucks. Do we really want that type of service for Seattle?
Really?
McGinn's campaign shouldn't release an email showing they did get the ok to use the photo?
On what planet do you live on?
They are just showing that they have done no wrong here. Since they got the ok they shouldn't pull the ad or change it in any way. They can't at this stage anyway.
Also: McGinn now has more money than Mallahan, whose campaign is now thousands of dollars in debt. That's great for a candidate who supposedly is the pro business candidate.
But of course I'm sure you realize that since you probably are on his staff and are now worried that you won't be getting a paycheck, huh?
If you want to support big business, vote for Mallahan.
PS T-Mobile's service sucks. Do we really want that type of service for Seattle?
6
what the hell did holland think he was agreeing to? did he think having your picture in someone's campaign ad somehow wouldn't imply endorsement of that candidate? duuuuuuuuh.
7
So... Publicola said that Holland said he'd given consent? And the Stranger's "scoop" is that he gave consent? What a joke. Nice try, kids.
9
Rob Holland...here's the way that Mallahan supporters are characterizing this interaction. Is that true to what you think happened? If not, you can come forward and clarify.
* Source: http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.c…
Speaking of ad buys and commercials -
when is McGinn going to stop airing his current commercial with Port Commissioner Candidate Rob Holland.
Mr. Holland has not endorsed McGinn, didn't sign a waiver granting permission for his image to be used, and has asked Mr. McGinn to remove his image from the commercial; however, McGinn has REFUSED.
This complete lack of integrity and obvious pandering by McGinn to both the African American and Gay communities is disgusting. There is absolutely no excuse for this type of behavior by a person asking voters to elect him to the highest position in the city.
* Source: http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.c…
10
Dominic, let's try to think about this from Holland's perspective, rather than McGinn's. Why would he want to alienate a sizable chuck of the Seattle voters, who probably were favoring Holland over Daud by a large margin already? Seattle is Holland's base, and he needs every vote in order to overcome support for his opponent on the Eastside. Electorally, Holland has Seattle all but locked up, why would he intend risk that by pissing off a bunch of Mallahan supporters? He's got to run his own race, and he's admitted to making a bonehead mistake by allowing McGinn to use him.
Also, I seem to remember the Stranger giving Jamie Pedersen a lot of flack for using images of Sims and Gregoire in his campaign without their endorsements. Shouldn't McGinn be judged by that standard, too.
Lastly, just as a general observation, I would imagine there is a line between advocacy journalism and acting as a shill for McGinn. You should think about which side of that line you are on.
Also, I seem to remember the Stranger giving Jamie Pedersen a lot of flack for using images of Sims and Gregoire in his campaign without their endorsements. Shouldn't McGinn be judged by that standard, too.
Lastly, just as a general observation, I would imagine there is a line between advocacy journalism and acting as a shill for McGinn. You should think about which side of that line you are on.
11
Jus, of course they can release it, but it's interesting what they didn't do - the less gotcha, more politic thing. Did they choose not to, or didn't they recognize it as an option?
And I'm no Mallahan supporter, much less on his staff. He's a grinning vacuity. I'm not a McGinn supporter either. Instead, I'm one of the undecideds.
I've done my best. I've met and talked to them both at some length, watched their campaigns, read their platforms, and heard from their most enthusiastic supporters. It's left me more skeptical than ever. This remains the most boneheaded mayoral contest I've ever seen.
I could let it freak me out a little that my hometown can't do no better, but I prefer to acknowledge that it is, overall, pretty hilarious.
And I'm no Mallahan supporter, much less on his staff. He's a grinning vacuity. I'm not a McGinn supporter either. Instead, I'm one of the undecideds.
I've done my best. I've met and talked to them both at some length, watched their campaigns, read their platforms, and heard from their most enthusiastic supporters. It's left me more skeptical than ever. This remains the most boneheaded mayoral contest I've ever seen.
I could let it freak me out a little that my hometown can't do no better, but I prefer to acknowledge that it is, overall, pretty hilarious.
12
Holland made a mistake mixing campaigns. Never done without really good reasons.
Now, he needs to live with it. He still has my vote, but, Rob, many more of these and you will ruin your supporters sense of good decisions.
Signed, Terry
Now, he needs to live with it. He still has my vote, but, Rob, many more of these and you will ruin your supporters sense of good decisions.
Signed, Terry
14
Lame move, Holland. Anybody running for public office in this day and age should be smart enough to check what promises have been made on their behalf by their campign staffers before issuing a public denial. You've failed a basic qualification for an office that has already been plagued by scandal and you've done nothing to justify voting for you vs. your opponent.
Also, this incident illustrates why it's a good thing that Erica C. Barnett left The Stranger. Her focus on local politics is commendable but her desire to own the scoop clearly trumps any better judgement she might possess.
Also, this incident illustrates why it's a good thing that Erica C. Barnett left The Stranger. Her focus on local politics is commendable but her desire to own the scoop clearly trumps any better judgement she might possess.
15
Lame move, Holland. Anybody running for public office in this day and age should be smart enough to check what promises have been made on their behalf by their campign staffers before issuing a public denial. You've failed a basic qualification for an office that has already been plagued by scandal and you've done nothing to justify voting for you vs. your opponent.
Also, this incident illustrates why it's a good thing that Erica C. Barnett left The Stranger. Her focus on local politics is commendable but her desire to own the scoop clearly trumps any better judgement she might possess.
Also, this incident illustrates why it's a good thing that Erica C. Barnett left The Stranger. Her focus on local politics is commendable but her desire to own the scoop clearly trumps any better judgement she might possess.
16
Total NON-STORY! Holland says he has not endorsed McGinn. That clears it up for me. And if he HAD endorsed McGinn, so what? Endorsing in this race is like being in Latvia in 1940, and having to choose between Stalin and Hitler.
Seattle is fucked whichever one of these lamers becomes mayor, and Holland is still a better candidate for Port Commission that Doud. So this photo means jack shit.
Seattle is fucked whichever one of these lamers becomes mayor, and Holland is still a better candidate for Port Commission that Doud. So this photo means jack shit.
18
Hey Dom -- A more interesting story for readers might be about Holland's opponent, who is running horrible attack ads on KIRO and other radio stations against Rob, implying he is a welfare cheat. Seems like thinly veiled racial stuff (mentions ACORN).
19
@10 There's also a line between going negative on McGinn and completely fabricating shit out of thin air. What side are you on, and the Mallahan campaign? I'd be shocked if Mallahan doesn't fire Charla Neuman after this; she's gone too far.
20
Hooboy @19, Charla getting fired? That would be marvelous. And for what, though - maybe I'm not following too well.
If Charla disappeared and Tina started puppetmastering Mallahan, how weird but cool might that be?
If Charla disappeared and Tina started puppetmastering Mallahan, how weird but cool might that be?
21
Too bad the mallahan folks rained fire down on Rob (he's the best candidate!), but an unintended result is that McGinn's tv ad has been watched by everyone who read this story.
Hmmm: Rob gets squeezed (can't imagine he's a happy camper right now), McGinn commerical gets watched over and over and Mallahan looks like a vindictive ass.
As doctor phil says: how's that workin' for ya?
Hmmm: Rob gets squeezed (can't imagine he's a happy camper right now), McGinn commerical gets watched over and over and Mallahan looks like a vindictive ass.
As doctor phil says: how's that workin' for ya?
22
Maybe I can add some insight to this situation. I spoke with Rob in some detail about this issue last night after reading all of the responses. From my conversation with him, this is what I gather:
Rob did give permission to use the photo, and he would have given permission to Mallahan as well. He thinks both candidates have many good ideas that they can bring to the table. His permission would be in no way an endorsement of either candidate.
I think Rob would want people to know that:
1.) He supports the tunnel because it will brings much needed jobs to our region, and provide traffic congestion relief for The Port of Seattle.
2.) He is a strong advocate for the environment and supports efforts to reduce green house emissions, clean the Duwamish, and utilize green measures in construction projects.
3.) He supports building a consensus amongst progressives so that we can stand strong to fight for equal rights for all, and move forward to approve ref. 71.
We need to stand behind Rob because he is one of the few chances we have at getting a true progressive on The Seattle Port Commission. Right now he is facing racist and homophobic attacks from his opponent over the airways and in print. Now is not the time to take our eye off the ball, we must get out the vote! Tell everyone you know to vote for Holland and other progressives (or the Republican commercial real estate developer David Doud may win).
Rob did give permission to use the photo, and he would have given permission to Mallahan as well. He thinks both candidates have many good ideas that they can bring to the table. His permission would be in no way an endorsement of either candidate.
I think Rob would want people to know that:
1.) He supports the tunnel because it will brings much needed jobs to our region, and provide traffic congestion relief for The Port of Seattle.
2.) He is a strong advocate for the environment and supports efforts to reduce green house emissions, clean the Duwamish, and utilize green measures in construction projects.
3.) He supports building a consensus amongst progressives so that we can stand strong to fight for equal rights for all, and move forward to approve ref. 71.
We need to stand behind Rob because he is one of the few chances we have at getting a true progressive on The Seattle Port Commission. Right now he is facing racist and homophobic attacks from his opponent over the airways and in print. Now is not the time to take our eye off the ball, we must get out the vote! Tell everyone you know to vote for Holland and other progressives (or the Republican commercial real estate developer David Doud may win).
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
SL Letter of the Day: Pill The Homos! by Dan Savage
-
Dear Huffington Post... by Dan Savage
-
Slog Bible Study: Deuteronomy 21:10-14 by Goldy
-
The AP Is Reporting That Whitney Houston Is Dead by Paul Constant
-
SL Letter of the Day: Daddy Loves Who? by Dan Savage
-
Because Guns Make Us Safer by Goldy
-
The Rick Santorum Rally in Tacoma Probably Could Have Gone Better by Paul Constant
-
Gay Kids Are Still Killing Themselves by Dan Savage
-
Because Guns Make Us More Safer by Goldy
-
Gregoire: "This is signed!" by Eli Sanders
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (22) RSS