Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Monday, October 16, 2006

Your view: Shame on you, Paul Nelson

By MARGARET BAECKER / Independence, Wis.

I am writing in response to Reid Magney’s article about Paul Nelson’s false advertisement.

I was shocked at the news that Ron Kind’s opponent would make and try to air such a negative ad. I was shocked at the false content. I was shocked at the negativity. And I was shocked at Paul Nelson’s apparent readiness to spread lies about a good family man and public servant like Ron Kind.

Ron has a beautiful family and a sturdy moral compass. His values truly reflect those of western Wisconsin. For Nelson to try to smear Ron Kind only to further Nelson’s soon-to-be brief political career is unethical, immoral, un-American and un-Christian. Mr. Nelson, what about Rep. Kind’s wife and children? Why would you spread your lies and try to hurt a good man?

I’ll tell you why: It’s a cheap stunt to gain media attention to your failing campaign at the expense of another man’s family.

In a perfect and just world, Nelson’s ad would be ignored. Unfortunately, the La Crosse Tribune and other media outlets played right into Nelson’s hands. I commend the TV stations that showed good judgment and refused to air the ad. Shame on Nelson for creating such filth, and shame on the Tribune for printing it.

Margaret Baecker is chairwoman of the 3rd Congressional District Democratic Party.