Walberg vs. Renier -- an update

Sharon Renier continues her unlikely campaign to defeat the God 'n' guns candidate running for Congress down in these parts. Renier, a smalltime organic farmer, is campaigning her heart out, but I fear she may not be served by a very good campaign apparatus. I submitted all my info via her campaign Web site a week ago, saying I'd give money, food, blood, etc. I'll knock on doors, put signs in my yard... whatever. Haven't heard a word back from them. Hey Reiner people -- CHECK YOUR E-MAIL!!

Anyhow, some updates in the race:

The Ann Arbor News reports [1] that Walberg's volunteer coordinator, Daniel Coons (didn't make that up) awaits sentencing on a domestic violence charge for striking a 9-year-old foster child in his care. I don't know if that means a spanking or a slap on the face or what that might be. But he got himself convicted. And I wouldn't think this would be an issue for the Walberg campaign if they had simply let the guy go upon conviction -- but they didn't, and Renier has taken them to task for letting the guy hang around. Coons resigned the same day his conviction was made public.

Walberg's problem here mirrors Hastert's problem in the Foley scandal. Walberg seemed to tolerate his associate's crime for political expediency. While there was no sex involved in this case, a child was physically harmed. If he'd canned the guy on the day of the conviction, it would be a non-issue.

Here's a key quote from the article:

"She'd have a real chance if they could get some money coming in," said Republican strategist John Truscott, who acted as Schwarz's campaign spokesman.

Meanwhile, the Jackson Citizen-Patroit reports [2] that the Republican Party is shoring up the Walberg campaign with an infusion of money. Thus far, they've given him $5,000 -- he's the only Republican in the state to get money from the national party.

So, money's clearly the issue. I suggest that those of you who care about a Democratic Congress make an effot to give money -- something, ANYTHING -- to Renier. She has a shot, she has a case. But she has to have a little coin to make it happen.

[1] Ann Arbor News: Walberg slammed over staffer's crime

[2] Jackson Cit-Pat: GOP gives last-minute cash to Walberg


[3] Sharon Renier For Congress