Attacking the attack

Lynne Martinez campaign distributes direct mail pieces in response to Washington attacks

Posted
Thursday, Nov. 3 — With the City Council general election less than a week away, the Lynne Martinez campaign has taken on her opponent by name for the first time.

“We’ve been relentlessly attacked by Jody Washington since three days after (primary) election day to the extent that she’s going door-to-door and saying negative things about Lynne at the doors,” said Stephanie McLean, Martinez’s campaign manager, who was speaking on her behalf.

In response, People for Lynne Martinez paid for a direct mail piece addressing those tactics. The front of the piece has a picture of a crying baby and reads:

“It’s so sad … Why is Jody Washington attacking Lynne Martinez?”

The back reads:

“It’s sad. It’s disappointing.

“Haven’t we had enough of mudslinging, half truths and fighting, from people who are trying to get elected?

“Haven’t we already lost millions of dollars and too many jobs in Lansing because Lansing City Council can’t stop bickering long enough to do the job we elect them to do?

“Isn’t it time for a change from politics as usual?

“Isn’t it time we have City Council members who care more about people than politics?

“Vote No on politics as usual.

“Vote No on Jody Washington.”

Washington said this morning that she was surprised that the Martinez campaign was sending out negative pieces.

“For somebody who’s so upset about negativity, they sure are pushing it out,” Washington said. “This is just straight up negativity. There’s no point or anything.”

McLean disagreed and said the piece was not meant as an attack on Washington.

“We’re not attacking Jody, we’re attacking the fact that she’s attacking us and we’re disappointed the campaign reached this level,” McLean said.

McLean said the baby on the front of the piece expressed the campaign’s desire to have adults, not babies, on City Council.

“There’s already enough fighting and backstabbing on Council, which is why stuff doesn’t get done,” she added. “I don’t know if we’re going to win or we’re going to lose. Either way, we’re going to win or lose with integrity.”

Washington said the piece would not cause her to change her campaign strategy in the final days leading up to the election.

“I’m just going to keep in touch with First Ward constituents because they are my concern,” she said. “I’m just going to that finish line and doing the best I can.”

Martinez was unavailable for comment.

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