NOW who's playing favorites, Mayor McDermott? w/ Poll

[Cross-posted at South Shore Progressive and Blue Indiana]

Last week, foxsucks81 brought to our attention the hissy fit  a Northwest Indiana Mayor was having over a school field trip.

The mayor of Hammond, Indiana, has complained to the Northwest Indiana Times about the local practice of bussing students [Ed: of Gary Public Schools] to polling places.  Field trips have been organized to encourage civic participation, but the Mayor believes the practice benefits Obama.

Believe me, the comments section in the online version of the local papers have been buzzing over this 'controversy'. Well, imagine my surprise when I ran across a little fact that seems to show Mayor McDermott has perhaps embraced the value of 'political education'.  Or not.  

So, what's the problem? Just a little snippet tucked in at the end of an article about a visit to Whiting, Indiana by Bill Clinton.  A little context for you...

About 700 people were expected to pack the gym for what Whiting Mayor Joe Strahura said could be the city’s first-ever presidential visit.

"It’s a historic day for Whiting," Stahura said.
Source

And the money quote:

Students at the school were let out of classes after half a day in order to attend the event. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and East Chicago Mayor George Pabey were among the area politicians attending the event.
Source

I'm wondering if this will make the headlines like his first outburst did?  At the very least he should explain his sudden change of heart. At best, he should issue an unconditional apology to Mayor Clay and the Gary Public Schools.