The Repository endorsed Janet Creighton when she ran for mayor of Canton (2003) against Canton City Councilman Bill Smuckler. She won by 300+ votes. Did the endorsement make the difference? The Repository endorsed Janet Creighton when she ran for mayor against state Representative Jamey Healey. He won by 1000+ votes. Would she have lost by 2000+ votes but for the endorsement?
As painful as it may be to newspaper editors, the truth of the matter is that their endorsements have lost their clout. In fact, some voters vote the opposite of a newspaper endorsement as a matter of practice.
The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) believes that endorsements in general (not only newspaper endorsements) are highly overrated.
On September 17, The Report received an e-mail press release from the Travis Secrest campaign publicizing the fact that Secrest received the endorsement of the Canton Police Patrolmens' Association (CPPA).
The Report understands that a first time candidate would be excited at being endorsed by anybody. Larry Dordea is making a big deal out of the fact that the Stark County Educators endorsed him over Tim Swanson in the sheriff's race.
The impressive thing to The Report about Secrest is that he is addressing the issues that are relevant to the commissioners' office. Harmon is not. At least not publicly. In fact, Harmon asks if anyone has any ideas to solve Stark County's severe economic problems. And, that's fine. But how about Harmon himself?
So what voters ought to fixed on in Secrest is not CPPA or even a Repository endorsement (if hit happens). Rather on his specific proposals and whether or not he can separate himself from Stark County Republican Party "talking points."
Are you influenced by endorsements? If so, why? If not, why not?
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