UPDATE: The answer, it seems, is no.
But at least one blogger was questioning the announced plans of U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to join his realm.
Buckeye State blogger Left of Ohio ("The political views and opinions of a young, liberal voter living in a battleground state") noted that Capito was slated to offer guest commentary today and Thursday at The Rail, the blog hosted by West Virginia Media Holdings.
"Is it legal and/or ethical for a current member of Congress to write for a blog ran by a newspaper? Does this situation call for equal time for the opposite party? I'm not making a call one way or the other, I just find the situation interesting," this fellow writes.
I would note that newspapers routinely publish op-eds and columns from their local congresspeople. For some papers, they are a regular feature.
Members of Congress have also been blogging since at least 2005, my brief research shows. I also recall congressional candidates included blogs on their campaign web sites last year.
My specific worry was if the situation called for equal time for the other party since the blog was tied to a media outlet and she was supposed to be posting for several days. I don't have any problem with Representatives setting up their own blogs, I'd even encourage it. It's a great way for them to interact with their constituents.
ReplyDeleteEvery body needs an editor. Yea, verily. "to write for a blog ran by a newspaper"!! Surely Capito could do better, even if she is a native West Virginian.
ReplyDelete