Despite statements to the contrary, it would appear that Republicans in Michigan's 8th District are feeling a little hot under the collar.
In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of Bob Alexander's campaign staff. Beginning Sunday, October 19th, we began to receive e-mails from residents (not necessarily supporters) who had received calls purporting to be "polling." According to one of these folks, the call claimed to be originating from "Wilkerson Associates," and another said the call came from "Vanguard." Oddly enough, a call to Mike Rogers campaign headquarters made by one of those "polled" indicated that the calls originated at one of the GOP’s "Victory Centers."
Those reporting the calls were consistent in stating that the caller asked several questions calculated to determine how the recipient intended to vote. The initial question concerned the Presidential race, and all questions that followed focused on Mike Rogers and Bob Alexander. If the answers indicated that the person was likely to vote for Alexander (or was undecided), the next question was "would you vote for Bob Alexander if you knew that..." followed by a list of statements mainly inaccurate and entirely inflammatory.
This kind of underhanded attack is certainly not unusual two weeks before the end of a major election. It is interesting, though, that Rogers’ campaign states that it is unperturbed by poll data showing that Alexander has at least a 50% chance of winning in November, while some entity based in a Victory Center is sufficiently unnerved that Ingham County residents are receiving persuasion calls under the guise of "polling."
The Alexander for Congress Campaign is posting responses to all of the statements known to be included in the "poll" calls on the campaign website at www.alexanderfor congress.com. Additionally Alexander will hold two press conferences in the District on Tuesday, October 21 to address calls. At least one of the recipients of the calls will also be present to answer questions. The first press conference will be held at 2:45 PM on the grounds of Michigan’s Capitol building in Lansing, next to the statue of Governor Austin Blair. The statue is located near the East steps of the Capitol building. The second will take place at the Livingston County Democratic Party office at 4:30 PM. The office is located at 10321 East Grand River Avenue in Brighton.
It’s nice to know that we’re making the GOP sweat a little, here in the 8th District, but flinging mud seems like an unlikely route to staying dry....