Colorful analysis or editorializing?

I attended the recent Leagues of Women Voters forum and was appalled at the behavior of some in the audience.

The Herald carried a front-page story of the event that erred on two counts.

First the article stated that 14th Congressional candidate Bill Foster was “loudly jeered” at one point, which was correct, but the reporter went on to write that this occurred “during an attempt to sling mud at Republican challenger Randy Hultgren.”

Since when does a news reporter determine that someone is “slinging mud” and print that? On what factual basis did the reporter characterize what was being said as “slinging mud?” Does he have credible evidence that what was being said wasn't correct, has he verified that?

Reporters are supposed to report unless they are writing editorials. This was editorializing.

The second error was one of omission. The reporter said forum attendees packed the audience and that allowed boos, applause and sarcastic comments to rain down on the candidates. He neglected to mention that it was Hultgren supporters, clearly identified because they were wearing Hultgren T-shirts, who attended in large numbers and did the catcalling and booing. This omission suggests biased reporting, especially when combined with asserting a candidate slung mud.

The Herald needs to do some correcting and better editing of what are supposed to be news reports.

I have attended many candidates forums in the Fox Valley and elsewhere over an extended period of time. Never have I witnessed such rude, uncivil behavior.

Hultgren did not request greater civility, perhaps he thinks this behavior appropriate. That's unfortunate; you are known by the company you keep.

Maureen McKeough

Geneva