Ad Watch: Democrat Durston 'shocked' by Lungren's torture views

[asdjrocky]

David Whitney, McClatchy Washington Bureau
Emergency room physician Bill Durston is again digging deep into his wallet for a second try at beating 3rd District GOP Rep. Dan Lungren. The Gold River Democrat recently began running radio ads, one of which challenges Lungren's views on torture. Following is the text of the ad and an analysis by David Whitney of The Bee's Washington Bureau.

Text of Ad: I'm Dr. Bill Durston, and I'm running for Congress against the Republican incumbent, Dan Lungren. I'm a Marine combat veteran of Vietnam and an emergency physician. I disagree with Lungren on almost every issue, especially torture.

When Lungren was asked about his position on torture, he said: "All I can say is some people confuse the question of torture with aggressive means of interrogation."

Here's what he said about waterboarding: "I cannot say that per se that waterboarding is torture."
I'm shocked that Lungren won't admit that intentional near-drowning is torture, and that he voted against prohibiting the use of torture by U.S. forces.

For the rest-
http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/771272.html

See the rest of the text of the ad at the link above. Here’s where it gets interesting, and here is where you see the spin the press can sometimes give to a story in “blue” California.

ANALYSIS: What motivates Durston is strong opposition to the Iraq war. His ads are running on KSAC (1240 AM), an affiliate of liberal Air America Radio. While the ad is not likely to broaden his base, it reminds Durston's followers he's back at it – and they should send money.

He could use it. According to recent campaign filings, he's trailing Lungren 5 to 1 in the money department, and a third of what Durston has in the bank is from his own pocket.

The Durston Campaign Responds-

The article begins, “Emergency Room physician Bill Durston is again digging deep into his wallet for a second try at beating 3rd District GOP Rep Dan Lungren.” After the text of the ad, the article continues, “Analysis: What motivates Durston is strong opposition to the Iraq war. While the ad is not likely to broaden Durston’s base, it reminds listeners that he is back at it, and they should send money. He could use it. According to recent campaign filings, he’s trailing Lungren 5 to 1 in the money department, and a third of what Durston has in the bank is from his own pocket.”

The campaign could indeed use more contributions. If you are offended by the tone of the Bee article, the best way to ensure that the Bee does not continue to harp on the fact that Lungren has more money in his campaign coffer than Bill does is to make a generous contribution yourself right now to the Durston for Congress campaign via the Durston for Congress website. And please encourage friends and family to match your contribution to a candidate who will uphold the U.S. Constitution, not undermine it.

Now, with just a little help from our friend, Mr. Math, let’s take a closer look at the story written by Mr. Whitney. More from the Durston Campaign-

The “recent filings” that Mr. Whitney refers to is the FEC report for the filing period ending December 31, 2007. As of that date, Bill’s 2008 campaign, which only began on August 31, 2007, had raised $153,860. Of that amount, $39,699 is listed on the FEC report as coming from Bill himself. Most of that $39,699, though, represents loans which Bill and Diane made to the 2006 campaign, and which they forgave so that the 2008 campaign would not start out in debt. Even if the entire $39,699 did come from Bill “digging deep into his wallet,” this would represent 26% of $153,860, not “a third,” as is stated in the article. Moreover, the KSAC ads were the inspiration of two generous Durston for Congress supporters who donated the bulk of the money to pay for the ads. None of the money for the ads came from Bill’s own pocket.

It might be boring, but these are the facts. Yes the Durston Campaign could use some more contributions; do you know of a campaign that doesn’t need funding? What we find the most disturbing here, is Mr. Whitney has taken a political ad on the radio running locally here in Sacramento, an ad about Lungrens endorsement of torture, and Dr. Durstons opposition to torture, and the short article turns this important subject into a discussion about money.

Here’s what you can do: Write a letter to the editor for us. Contact or write Mr. Whitney, or even send a few bucks so we can change the discussion from money, to the real issues that matter for the people of Ca-03, and in fact, all Americans. On the other hand, if you like torture, feel free to just sit on your hands. (I’m so glad there are no “hand-sitters” here at DU!)

Here are some good ideas for those letters to the editor-

-The fact that Lungren condones torture
- The fact that the bulk of the “analysis” in the article is about the Durston campaign finances, not the difference between the two candidates on the issue of torture
- The inaccurate statements concerning the Durston campaign finances
- Mr. Whitney’s statement about “What motivates Durston….”

And here is how you can contact Mr. Whitney-
[e-mail]
[phone]

For those of you in other states, that may think California is a wonderful blue oasis, please think again. We’re trying to beat many, many establishment repugs in this state, and it’s a constant struggle. Just as the battle continues throughout the south, the northeast, and in the heartland of America, the battle is also here on what so many people call the “left-coast”.

You’ve seen my stories about Lungren before, and gawd knows I’ve beaten you over that head enough about Bill Durston, so this time, take 5 minutes, write a letter, make a call, and shut me up!

Thanks everyone!

Peace.


http://www.durstonforcongress.org/

[asdjrocky]

1. Kick kickity, kick kick kick.

[katsy]

2. k/r

[asdjrocky]

3. Thanks Katsy. I have to say, I love the Congressional races.

[pleah]

4. K&R

[asdjrocky]

5. Thanks!

And I ask, as always, who would Jesus torture?

[waiting for hope]

6. Kicky to the GP with thee!

[asdjrocky]

7. Thanks, as always Hope!

It's all about Dr Bill.

[democrank]

8. K & R

~PEACE~

[asdjrocky]

9. Thanks!

And the Durston Campaign thanks you too.