All politicians have a bad week or two during their careers. But Jackson County Prosecutor and county executive candidate Mike Sanders has got to be wondering what he did he to Murphy (as in Law) to endure this week.
On Monday the issue of raises in his office got bogged down and turned into a campaign issue. Then The Star's editorial board questioned his credibility. Today brings a splashy article about child abusers getting probation that got radio talk show host Darla Jaye going this AM. So when Sanders was chortling to friends about putting up a campaign billboard next to the headquarters of Charlie Wheeler, his county executive opponent, well you 
know it had turn into a pain in the, er, grass....
And so it is that the Wheeler folks (note I said plural) are gleefully e-mailing me and Steve Kraske the image of Wheeler underneath the Sanders sign, which is right next to, yes you read it, an advertisement for: We Scoop Poop. (Click on the photo for a full-size version.)
Of course, Sanders' campaign manager Calvin Williford is on the phone now saying the billboard's placement appropriately shows that "Mike is going to clean up the mess at Jackson County."
Posted by DeAnn Smith at 4: 15 p.m.
Is this a race for 9th grade class president, or a race for an important office like county executive? Yet again, I can never cease to be underwhelmed with what the STAR decides to use its limited space and time covering: Some childish antics by an opponent, versus what are the real issues that affect the voters. If the STAR keeps giving juvenile behavior like this air time, and not real debate, then they can expect more of the same and for actual debate about issues to be lost in the haze of...well....BS.
Posted by: Undecided Politico | June 15, 2006 at 04:22 PM
One of the great things about Dr. Wheeler is his sense of humor. He is a man at ease with himself. It's hard for his political opponents to play "uproar" with a man who displays such a combination of self-confidence and internal integrity. They'll just keep shooting themselves in the foot.
No wonder the whole metro area loves him!
Posted by: Phil Cardarella | June 15, 2006 at 04:38 PM
.....or could this be an endorsement of KFC?
Posted by: rhinokc | June 15, 2006 at 04:57 PM
.....or could this be an endorsement of KFC?
Posted by: rhinokc | June 15, 2006 at 04:58 PM
What a crock. Phil Carderella talking about uproar is the really funny story. He and Glorioso invented the practice of creating uproar to avoid talking about real issues. What is Wheeler's plan for serving as County Exec? What is he going to do about the assessment department or collections or the corruption left by the Shields administration. My guess is nothing since his campaign seems to be run by Shields/Carderella/Glorioso gang. We will get the same corrupt practices that brought the FBI into the County under Shields (and yes, she has skated so far but that book isn't closed yet). sanders has the skills, the courage and the integrity to move us forward. I am sold now on the truth that a vote for Wheeler is a vote for 4 more years of the Shields gang. God Help Us if that happens.
Posted by: Dave Price | June 15, 2006 at 05:07 PM
The photo of Mr. Wheeler under the billboard just goes to show that in a political campaign humor can pop up in the most unusual ways. On a serious note, I am too young to remember when Mr. Wheeler was mayor. But to me, the most important aspect of the County Exec's race is deciding who will best serve the citizens of Jackson County. On the one hand, Mike Sanders does not have much experience. But he does have great potential and seems to have energy and intelligence on his side. Mr. Wheeler does have lots of experience, but I am told he is 80 years old. I am sure Mr. Wheeler is a nice gentleman with many fine qualities but I have doubts about his potential to be an effective administrator. I'm voting for the future - Mike Sanders.
PS - I enjoy reading the buzzblog.
Posted by: Maria Lopez | June 15, 2006 at 05:11 PM
How beautiful is Dr. Wheeler! Too funny! This race is already over. Dr. Wheeler is taking the inexperienced Sanders to school. Politics 101, Mikey! Now stay there and finish the term the voters elected you to do. Don't cut and run after two years. The master just took you to school! Dr. Wheeler will win this going away by 10 points! It's really unreal how many times the Sanders campaign shoots themselves in the foot. Wow!
Posted by: Undecided voter | June 15, 2006 at 05:23 PM
Unbelievable. If this blog is any indication of the "new direction" of the deepness of thought within the STAR on major elections, then I am checking out of this paper. I think this level of "National Enquirer" journalism is exactly what is wrong with this paper/society today; It attempts to appeal to the lowest common denomenator to sell sizzle and thus ignores the real issues that actually matter to the voters. In the past, I thought I could always count on the STAR to at least think deeper than the junior high level when covering major elections. Saddly, I may be wrong. I have read at least a dozen BLOGs by STAR reporters on this race, and not ONE has been about anything of substance - Unless of course your vote is cast based upon fecal matter jokes. Disgraceful for a major newspaper.
If this is what has become of the STAR and its reporters, I will have to go elsewhere for actual news about real issues. Fortunatly, we have options in KC. This type of journalism is an absolute insult to the "thinking" voters of Kansas City. I'm not sure the STAR can go back to being a real investigatory newspaper that covers substance and not grade-school playground pranks; It is now all about shamelessly selling papers at the expense of educating or bettering the community. The STAR and Deanne Smith ought to be ashamed of themselves for setting the bar so low for both themsleves and our government leaders. ASHAMED! Cant she find anything of real merit to write about? Does she need a refresher course on civics? Isn't there a jail overcrowding problem within the county? Budget issues? Federal investigation? Road disrepair? Tax collection issues?Sexual predator list problems? Does any ot this MATTER to her or the STAR, because there has been ZERO coverage about any real issues - or is her mind and time just occupied by defacation jokes? Sad. Really, really, REALLY sad for my beloved city.
If Deanne Smith doesn't understand how much her low-brow reporting will damage our governmental institutions in the long-term, or she is not correctd by her bosses, then I'm afraid we are all in for troubling times ahead. As the philosopher said, "We get the government we deserve." What kind of government is the STAR and Deanne Smith helping us to create? A major newspaper can help mold and shape government, be a force for change and good. The STAR doesn't seem to care about anything above the intellectual level of he-said-she-said "cat fights" and poop jokes. I understand that real reporting takes some thought and work, but Deanne Smith ought to start doing her job, or go to work at Wal-Mart. This is just sad.
My mind is clear. I will not renew my subscription to this paper, and this is the last time that I will be either reading or posting on this BLOG. The STAR is becoming a waste of my time and thought. I never thought I would have said this before. It is a sad day for me and this community. I hope the STAR can find its way back to reporting on real issues, but I am not optomistic. Tonight, Deanne Smith should be too sahamed to call herself a journalist; One normally finds her level of drivel on the bathroom walls of high-schools.
Posted by: Alex Sanchez | June 15, 2006 at 06:06 PM
Doc Wheeler dropped by my office the other day and I had to ask him what the prostitute sued him for when he was mayor. "Restriction of Trade" was the answer.
Wheeler is old school, utilizing the old adage 'when someone wants to make an idiot of themselves, stand aside and let em have at it'.
Given Sander's lack of prosecutorial disgression and his soft on crime stance, he'll be too busy shootin himself in the foot to be much damage this election cycle.
Go Charlie!!
Sportster
...time to go mikey
Posted by: Sportster | June 15, 2006 at 06:25 PM
Geez Alex, chill out. Since when did a blog become a source of news? I believe if you will refer to the Star's "About this Blog" section, it states that this blog is intended to encourage an open forum for discussion. While I agree that there are many serious issues Jackson County should face, this is a blog. You might take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog.
I for one think the blog has been great. As for Ms. Smith, none of the other Star correspondents receive nearly as much response as her postings. That should at least indicate that she has the ability to get people thinking. Deanne, don't go to Wal-Mart. Some of us do appreciate you!
Posted by: Ian | June 15, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Hey, Deanne may be a hack. But at least she is OUR hack! She has finally seen the light. Sanders can't lead the County! He is no good. Wheeler is the man.
Posted by: Wheeler fan | June 15, 2006 at 06:36 PM
Alex:
You know, I hadn't put my finger on exactly what had been bothering me about Smith and the STAR, but you have crystalized it for me. They have quit covering real issues, and are becoming the People Magazine of newspapers. Any level of real analysis about real substance in this race has been non-existent. It is all about who is the best prankster or who has done something that we can try to embarass them to the public with so that we can sell newspapers. Is it just this race they are falling down in, or have they quit in all races latley?
Posted by: David Relihan | June 15, 2006 at 06:57 PM
I agree with Alex. I am embarassed that I even read that BLOG, the content of which by the way is monitored by the STAR and its editorial staff. The STAR is sinking to new lows in journalism - or at least Smith thinks its journalism. She, in her mind, will justify her lack of intellignet coverage by saying, "Hey, but look, people respond to my BLOGs in recoprd numbers." However, it's the type of repsonses that would embarass me if I considered myself a real journalist. I'm not sure she is even makeing the effort.
Posted by: Kelly Wilkinson | June 15, 2006 at 07:04 PM
Although I think that many of the shots taken at the STAR are largely unfounded (it still has some solid reporters) the critique of Smith is totally on target. I have found that she does not, as a rule, cover issues of any significance or substance because, unfortunatly, she rarely understands them. You can't write a story about some important issue in a campaign if you are too lazy to learn what the issues are or should be. She will just pick off the low hanging fruit, like poop jokes and who-likes-who stuff, and leave the analysis for others on the staff that can do it. If you are reading a Smith article looking for anything mentally beyond what an average high school paper does, then you need to look elsewhere. She isn't going to do it. She is like a low-budget gossip columnist. Take her for what she is, and dont try to make her into a Kraske or a Helling. It just isn't in her.
Posted by: Dave P. | June 15, 2006 at 07:25 PM
The title of this blog "Piling It On Sanders" is inappropriate. This guy does it to himself! He's not being ganged up on....he simply makes numerous mistakes publicly. This is politics and, yes he's new to the game but if the facts be known this is his unbelievably lucky week as the picture of him wearing a cowboy outfit complete with cowboy hat, neckerchief, boots and lasso giving the thumbs up signal hasn't been made public yet. This photo is hilarious. I think all our blogger friends need to see this. Now a really bad week would be that picture getting in the Star or hitting this or any blog site. It is a real Roy Rogers or Hopalong Cassidy getup! This picture was used on an invitation to one his fundraisers. Didn't he learn anything from Mike Dukakis and the tank picture??? OK he probably wasn't born yet! Or Kerry in the astronaut suit? Geez...to think, one mistep after another and this man with very little experience in a position of authority wants to handle over a half a billion, yes that's with a B, of our taxpayer money. Please Deann or Steve post that cowboy picture for all to see! These are stressful tims. We all need to laugh!
Posted by: Vince Thomas | June 15, 2006 at 07:35 PM
Vince:
I don't know what you are talking about as you are obviously a campaign insider, but if even Deanne sinks to that level of foolishness she ought to hang it up. Is that all this office is about? Cowboy hat pictures and poop advertisements? Holy cow people are stupid!
Posted by: Dave P. | June 15, 2006 at 07:43 PM
Mayor Wheeler has been asking Mike Sanders to debate him for several months now. This invitation to debate was issued in Sugar Creek and thus far Sanders won't respond, as if he didn't hear the challenge. Senator/Doctor Wheeler wants to get the facts out on the table and having been a two term Mayor of Kansas City he knows and understands not only the needs of Jackson County citizens but also what is realistic and what is impossible. A debate between the two candidates will show who has real knowledge of the intricacies of the County Executives office. Why won't Sanders debate Wheeler?Simple...there is no way a a prosecutor could have the depth of experience a former two term mayor and state Senator brings to the table. The obvious tactic is to stall for time and plaster his name wherever possible (yes even next to poop billboards)and stand behind criminals on the news. I think the voters of Jackson County will see through the likes of Mike Sanders.
Posted by: susan sullivan | June 15, 2006 at 08:16 PM
I want to see that cowboy picture! Sanders in Brokeback Mountain gear, come on we all want to see it! Will someone help me find it on the web or tell me where it is posted? Let's have a contest and pick a fitting song to go along with the picture! If it's as good as it sounds maybe "Rhinestone Cowboy" or "The theme from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". I bet after I see Mr. Brokeback I'll think "Unbelievable" by Def Leopard might work!
Posted by: Tom Haynes | June 15, 2006 at 08:25 PM
If this BLOG is an indication of the intelligence level of Wheeler supporters, Wheeler is in serious trobule.
Posted by: Dave P. | June 15, 2006 at 08:53 PM
Agreed, Deanne Smith is not much on the IQ scale. But hey, she tells a good fart joke, right?! Isn't that enough for a reporter in a major town? I mean, hey, maybe this race can be decided by a pie-eating contest? Or a Yo Mama routine? Dance off anyone? Thinking makes my head hurt, so I want Deanne to ask what type of underwear they wear, or who is their most dreamy date ever. Most importantly, Deanne needs to find out what their favorite type of Dog is. I don't need to know about budgets, debates, jail overcrowding, taxes, assessments, or anything that really matters! Let's dumb this thing down to the 6 year-old level so Deanne doesn't have to do any real work for the taxpayes like us! Ignorance is bliss, and Smith is in heaven right now kids!
Posted by: Felix the Cat | June 15, 2006 at 09:09 PM
All this campaign has come down to is a Poop billboard for Deanne Smith. LOL. Somehow fitting for her "fertil"-izer mind.
Posted by: County employee that hates Sheilds | June 15, 2006 at 10:44 PM
I got it now. Maybe Deanne can write a heavy-hitting series next on which man's feet smells the best....or which candidate eats more cheese.....or who can down the most sausages in 60 seconds! Now that's what I'm talkin' `bout! Real journalism baby! You know, give the readers some real substance to chew on before going to the polls!
Posted by: Felix the Cat | June 15, 2006 at 10:51 PM
By the way all of you fools, read the blog, its spelled DeAnn. If the Star is going to go to bat for my man, then I insist that at least you morans get her name right beyatches!
Posted by: Wheeler fan | June 15, 2006 at 10:56 PM
All in the Wheeler clown parade need to figure it out: The picture is a MOCK UP people! It is not Sanders in a real cowbout outfit! Hello! It is a charicature with his face on it! Good God, get a grip losers.
Posted by: DaTruth | June 15, 2006 at 11:37 PM
My man Charlie is laying the smack down on his whitey behind! He's the man, and the Star finally gets it and is helping us expose Sanders as the village idiot. And as charlie has said since the beginning to us, "Before this is over I'm going to bend Sanders over and stick it to him, he just hasn't figured it out yet!" Charlie is so cool and it's an honor to be helping him in this campaign! Anyone wanting to join us can signup at wheelerintergrity.com. Let's keep the power in KC!
Posted by: Wheeler fan | June 15, 2006 at 11:54 PM