Marc Katz Fails in Attempt to Launch Campaign for Lt. Governor

unbelievable! (0.00 / 0)

This isn't ALMOST sad... its the saddest thing I ever saw.
The guy is dead in the water after this. Just what we need as Democrats.
I'm not a fan of Ken Herman, but he got the first scoop of the next election cycle here. Katz should have given Herman a cheesecake to keep quiet!
and that aide should be fired.

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by: armandcamera @ Thu Sep 17, 2009 at 18:08:20 PM CDT

I am conflicted (0.00 / 0)

For the most part, I like the content and humor in Herman's Austin American Statesman newspaper columns. However, at some point he should have pointed out to Katz, in very strong terms, the errors of his ways. He should have cut off the filming when he got out Katz's convertible after he pointed out to Katz the problem at hand. To go along and film the the full sequence of events after that is somehow cruel and pointless in my opinion.  At some point, he goes from being a reporter to a participant observer.

I am part of a very small political subculture that pays very close attention to filing opening and closing dates for public offices. Also, who meets residency requirements and who might not, for the offices candidates are running for. Herman should have gone "dude you are wrong", walked away, and then wrote his story. Am I missing something? I am posing an ethical question for "mainstream media"  reporters with this post.

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by: ssuits @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 00:30:45 AM CDT

For him to claim to be a serious candidate (0.00 / 0)

and then NOT know the deadlines, or where to file, or even what to file (all he should be filing is a campaign treasurer appointment), is an embarrassment.

The fact that his staff doesn't know either, further demonstrates his novelty candidate status. I'm part of that small political subculture, too.  If Katz was serious, he'd have found at least one of the nerds like us before calling the press.  

Herman tried several times to tell Katz that he was wrong. Filming the whole thing doesn't bother me; in fact, I'm glad he did, since it shows just how block-headed this campaign is. Had he been goading Katz on, I would be upset. As it is, he just went from reporting to documenting.

That's my take on it, at least.

Full Disclosure: Former Political Director for Lee Leffingwell for Mayor of Austin, and now nonpartisan Executive Director of LWV-TX

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by: sccs @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 00:45:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

As far as I can tell, Herman tried telling him he was wrong. (0.00 / 0)

00:38 in:
Herman:  "I don't think the filing period has started yet, has it?"
Katz: "Yes it has."

Just because Katz didn't listen isn't Herman's fault.

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by: MeanRachel @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 09:30:23 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I think it crossed a line (0.00 / 0)

Telling the world that Katz doesn't know the basics of filing for office is 100% legitimate. Katz should know, and the fact that he didn't says a lot about his campaign. But Ken Herman's video piece went far beyond that, into gratuitous public humiliation.

Candidates for public office expect their enemies to try to humiliate them. It comes with the territory, and if you can't take the abuse you shouldn't run. But neutral observers like the press are another story.  

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by: LSadun @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 11:55:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

#FAIL n/t (0.00 / 0)

Full Disclosure: Former Political Director for Lee Leffingwell for Mayor of Austin, and now nonpartisan Executive Director of LWV-TX

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by: sccs @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 00:31:23 AM CDT

I'll have a Fail on rye (0.00 / 0)

hold the mayo.

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by: citizenx @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 07:52:56 AM CDT

Oh boy (0.00 / 0)

With winners like this at the top of the ticket, I am sure we will be able to rally Democratic voters and take the House of Representatives! (Please note the EXTREME sarcasm.)

Hmmm, Marc Katz for Lt. Gov and Kinky for Gov? Wow. All we need is an athlete on the ticket, too. What's Earl Campbell doing nowadays?  

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by: el_longhorn @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 11:26:33 AM CDT

Note to Katz: (0.00 / 0)

If you're going to run as a Democrat, don't use phrases like "It's time for the state to be run like a business."

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by: Garrett Hall @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 11:47:18 AM CDT

feel bad (0.00 / 0)

for him. wants to run as a democrat and is clearly anxious to get started. definitely needs some guidance.

any of you aspiring young political consultants should hit him up. bet his checks clear.

for the record, it isn't as though any other candidate inherently knows what to do...someone tells them. katz just needs to be smart enough to get someone to help him.

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by: colin @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 12:24:21 PM CDT

I can't help it (0.00 / 0)

I gotta tell ya, "Klown Kollege Never Kloses!"

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by: Rich Bailey @ Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 20:58:45 PM CDT