I feel the need to correct a serious error in reporting in the article in the Oct. 12 print edition. In the article on the VFW Post 28 candidates’ debate, reporter Melissa Steele reports accusations by Republican state auditor candidate James Spadola that the Democratic candidate, Kathy McGuiness, has a conflict of interest because she has accepted funds from elected officials.
The story then states that Ms. McGuiness said that Mr. Spadola also accepted such funds.
Ms. Steele stated that she looked at Mr. Spadola’s financial report and that there were no elected officials contributing. I conclude that Ms. Steele is not familiar with all Delaware elected officials, and did not check any of the names, nor did she have someone more knowledgeable of Delaware politics look.
The facts are that Mr. Spadola received large contributions from three Republican state senators, including the two most right-wing members of the caucus - both big no votes against minimum wage increases, equal pay for women, marriage equality, conversion therapy bans and are also the two who walked out of the Senate chamber when a Muslim cleric was asked to give the daily prayer. The two are Colin Bonini and Dave Lawson, and the third is Anthony Delcollo.
The reporter also stated there were no contributions from any “high-ranking government officials.” What about $900 from the current state auditor, Tom Wagner? The reporter actually mentioned Mr. Wagner’s name in the article but failed to see his contribution.
Mr. Spadola claims he will be an “independent voice,” yet by accepting the contribution from the incumbent Republican, Mr. Wagner, as well as $14,426 from the Republican State Committee, and additional thousands from the current Republican state chairman, party subdivisions, its former state chair, national committeewomen past and present, a former candidate for U.S. Senate and the PAC of the former Republican congressman, it is obvious that Mr. Spadola is totally beholden to the powers that be in the Delaware Republican Party.
But then, since Mr. Spadola says he did not accept any contributions that would be a conflict of interest, I guess he means he is somehow above the ethical standards he applies to everyone else.
Mitch Crane, Esq.
Lewes
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