Questioning the Coverage
Political pundits and journalists who are supposed to be nonpartisan and objective continue to pander to one side, as is evident in the latest attack on Assemblyman Tom McClintock, candidate for the 24th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Tony Beilenson.
The Oct. 15 Times article, “McClintock Hired Firm to Solicit Campaign Funds” does a disservice to a man who has been fair throughout the entire 1992 campaign. However, The Times neglects some basic facts about Beilenson’s campaign contributions:
Beilenson’s second largest contributor is the American taxpayer. The media ignore the fact that the congressman increased his franking privileges to 11 times what he spent in 1991.
About one-fifth of Mr. Beilenson’s campaign contributions come from attorneys--the most destructive special interest in this nation.
The underlying reason is because he opposes tort reform in a society that is too litigious. Think of what Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh’s insane crusade against those involved in Iran-Contra cost the taxpayer: $30 million.
And how quick we are to forget that the congressman voted himself a 40% pay raise in 1989. His salary, in the middle of the worst recession in decades, is now $129,000. I ask the average taxpayer, how would you personally like a pay increase?
BRIAN GOLDENFELD, Woodland Hills
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
