Attack Mailer in GOP Primary
We received an attack mailer today. It is targeted at GOP Senate candidate Melanie Peterson.
The mailer labels Ms. Peterson as a “Top Liberal.” The main basis for this label appears to be that the Palm Beach Post endorsed her. This includes a twisted reference to Congressman Allen West, whose picture appears on the back side.
As far as we know, West has not made an endorsement in the race. So the use of his picture in the mailer is deceptive.
The supposedly liberal editorial is here: Palm Beach Post Endorses Peterson.
The burning part of the editorial?
Geoff Sommers, Ms. Peterson’s opponent, has four college degrees and is a one-day-a-week adjunct professor at George Washington University but his political philosophy never gets beyond talking points.
We like Mr. Sommers. He is genuinely pleasant. But we would prefer that he get beyond talking points and show some real substance on issues. Reading Sommers’ issues page, one wonders why a candidate for the Florida legislature would be talking about repealing Obamacare, dependence on foreign oil, or the US government’s relationship with Israel. If he’s concerned about foreign oil, does that mean he supports oil drilling off the Florida coast?
Of course, Peterson does not say much more on her website. But she has delivered substance at public events and apparently in her conversations with the Post as well. We hope Mr. Sommers will do so soon.
One final note: The mailer doesn’t indicate clearly who it’s from. It claims it’s “not authorized by any candidate,” but it sure seems aimed at attacking Sommers’ opponent.