Comments on: Rob Pope Requests Recount

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:31:53 +0000

I’m flattered to be held to such a high standard. One of the problems with being a one-man show is that I usually can only debate myself on issues like this. I guess this is why news orgs have newsrooms.

I appreciate the feedback Jeff and Marty and will certainly consider it going forward.

By: B

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:20:14 +0000

“REAL” news for free! Yoohoooo! I get my cake and get to eat it too!

By: Jeff Kershaw

Jeff Kershaw — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:50:20 +0000

You’re right that this is “just” a blog, but it’s also a new source upon which many Decaturites rely. I think whether DM should strive to apply the journalistic ethics and standards as “real” news organizations is a legitimate issue. Reporting that Pope had requested a recount was in the public interest and should have been shared here.

By: Vincenzo

Vincenzo — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:10:03 +0000

I think the crux of Rob’s statement lies here:

“Many people have asked about a recount and I want to bring closure on the issue and move on with helping out in the schools.”

My take on it is that because it was a razor-thin margin, a recount (without necessarily disputing the results) is a prudent measure of due diligence, in accordance with the law. I have not gotten the impression that this is about overturning the result in any way. If his supporters (“many people”) have influenced him to ask for a recount–in accordance with Georgia law–so be it. His verbiage of “closure” and “move on” is significant.

By: Sweettea

Sweettea — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:42:53 +0000

Thanks Scott. Glad I asked. Like I said, street talk is no place for reliable news!

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:24:40 +0000

There were 105 absentee ballots cast in that race. 73 for Valarie, 31 for Rob, 1 write in.

By: Sweettea

Sweettea — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:10:36 +0000

Marty, Rob has every right to request a recount in these circumstances. Why are you so concerned about it? My guess is that he didn’t want to publicize it because it casts doubt on the race, and he would not want to do that unless there was very good reason to do so. It’s certainly possible that he was being courteous rather than sinister.

I’m actually fine with a recount in such a close race. From what I understand Rob “won” based on the actual machine voting on election day. However, Valarie pulled ahead with the absentee votes. Apparently they were unanimously for her. Someone please correct me if I am wrong though b/c I have no proof of that. I only have word on the street, and we all know that street word is not always accurate.

Speaking of protecting candidates, it was strange to me that Decatur ED TV never got out a video about Rob or Marc during the campaign. It seems that if one advertises that they are going to do features on all the candidates, one should actually do so lest that person appear to be favoring one candidate over another. Not a huge deal, and the person behind Decatur EDTV certainly has every right to publish whatever she wants. However, it is definitely something that I noticed and will keep in mind in the future.

By: james

james — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:09:46 +0000

I’m just glad this provides a chance for one more comments section full of election-related invective!