Analysis
This story is about Commissioner MayhueÂ’s complaints that Robert S. is using his position as a radio personality to promote his candidacy. Both Robert S. and Paul Mayhue are given camera time in the story. The reporter notes that Mayhue is issuing a complaint to the FCC and that Robert S says he is in compliance with the regulatory bodiesÂ’ rules. No information is given as to the reasons why Robert S is running against the incumbent Paul Mayhue. Nor is any information given as to what Mayhue has done as county commissioner. Nor is any information given as to the other candidate for this county commission seat, Jim Talon.
Transcript
WOOD 8 Newsreader – The race for county commission is starting to heat up now. Controversy is swirling around one of the newest candidates to jump into that race, a radio disc jockey. 24 Hour News 8’s Ann Schieber is here with more.
Robert S – …you make sure you put the word out there man…
Reporter – It is not everyday that broadcasters become political candidates. But this time it has happened and it’s causing waves.
Paul Mayhue (Kent County Commissioner) – The minute he becomes a candidate, now, I’m wondering in terms of election law, did he violate campaign finance rules?
Reporter – He is Robert Walmack, the WJMZ talkshow host known as Robert S. This year he is running against incumbent Paul Mayhue and Jim Talon, for the Democratic nomination for the 16th District Kent County Commission seat.
Paul Mayhue – He’s driving the company car, he’s using the companies airwaves, to promote himself.
Reporter – Womack claims he has followed the laws, at least as far as the FCC is concerned. He says he does not discuss his candidacy on the air, and he will not do his radio show during the number of days before the election that the FCC requires. Outside of that, he plans to keep it clean.
Robert Womack – We have so many issues that come in that need attention. I really don’t have a time to campaign and I am looking for an opportunity off air to truly get out there and meet people face to face.
Reporter – Mayhue says Womack campaigns every time he says his name on the air. That’s because on the ballot, he was not allowed to list himself by his radio personality name.
Mayhue – Now he’s got his friends and him calling in to the station saying aka Robert S. Now, you can’t tell me that that’s not campaigning.
Reporter – Womack says his opponents can call his radio show and get on the air anytime.
Robert Womack – They have had equal access before this campaign, they will have it during and after, and I am going to be more than fair
Reporter – At least Mayhue says he will not be doing that. He wants his own time. In Grand Rapids, Ann Schieber, 24 Hour News Eight.
Newsreader – Paul Mayhue has filled a complaint with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters on the name issue and the MAB says it will have its attorney look into it.
Total Time: 2 minutes 13 seconds
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