I scan the websites of the local papers hoping to find interesting articles, like this one about the naked running priest.
I found juicy gossip this morning! There is an article about this post on myDD from Raf Noboa, a Polis staffer.
This Noboa post is practically a case study in everything to do wrong. As far as I can tell, the post announcing a logo design contest (yawn) resulted in giving his opponents positive press, making his candidate look like a mud-slinger, and the campaign look like it is more than a little confused.
First, a true confession, I like Polis, and I support his candidacy. I like what he has done with and for education. I also like the fact he is young (even if he accused me of being over 30 while at yKos—I guess I can forgive that—wait, no, I can’t). There are other things, but this post isn’t about why I support him.
First, let’s look at the Naboa’s diary. A couple of choice bits:
... he made his first million selling scrap metal in the former Soviet Union over the `net while in college...
We know he is rich. Anyone in this district knows it because he has not been shy about all of the money he has given away. We also remember that it was his cash that helped win the last election cycle in this state.
However, I don’t think listing all of the places that Polis made money really endears anyone to him. Tell me what he did that was innovative. The Exxon CEO makes bank, but I am not endeared to him.
On Polis’ primary opponent Shafroth:
... who comes from the Colorado equivalent of a Philly Main Line family or something equally preppy...
... he has no deeply held convictions that anyone can see...
... will likely go on to lead the Caucus of the Obscure...
On primary opponent Fitz-Gerald:
Fitz-Gerald is your traditional main-line establishment politician. She's a state senator from Jefferson County, and she runs the Senate with an iron fist. Essentially, the folks that gave us 12 years of Democratic ineptitude are the folks who are backing her. If you love John and Ken Salazar, and you hunger for the kind of bold, visionary leadership that they provide, you'll simply adore Fitz-Gerald.
I’m not going to say anything about the veracity of the comments, but let’s look at the results. From the Rocky article:
Polis' campaign manager, Wanda James, hadn't heard of the posting until contacted today by the Rocky Mountain News. The dismay in her voice was obvious.
...
Shafroth established the Colorado Conservation Trust, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, river corridors and community open space. He previously served as the first executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado.
...
Noboa also went after Fitz-Gerald, Colorado's first woman Senate president, and other Democrats.
So, as far as I can tell, while trying to announce an initiative, Naboa succeeded in giving his opponents positive press, making his candidate look like a mud-slinger, and the campaign look like it is more than a little confused.
I'm curious to see how this Netroots candidate cleans up this one.
UPDATE--As I was finishing up, Noboa was posting that he had resigned. Thanks, johne, for pointing that out in the comments. Good for Noboa for apologizing and taking responsibility.
UPDATE 2--Over at SquareState.net johne has the campaign's press release.