The Free Lance-Star is known to many in the Fredericksburg Metro region as a tool of the political right. Their one-sided coverage is evidenced in their writersGÇÖ coverage and analysis of local politics and happenings. In fact they recently endorsed Jo Ann Davis and yesterday endorsed George Allen. Of course they are free to endorse anyone they want. However, it is alleged that they have taken their one-sided political endorsements beyond their pages and into the streets.
It is alleged that this weekend an Associate Publisher of the Free Lance-Star used intimidation tactics against OGÇÖDonnell (D-1st Congressional District Candidate) and Webb (D-VA Senate Candidate) supporters whom were distributing campaign literature in their neighborhood. In fact, allegedly this Associate Publisher followed these supporters in their car and aggressively cut them off. These supporters were distributing campaign materials by placing them in homeownersGÇÖ newspaper slots, NOT their mailboxes (which is against Federal Law).
It is further alleged that this Associate Publisher bolted from their car towards the supporters, ordering the campaign supporters to refrain from placing campaign materials in newspaper slots in their neighborhood. This individual went on to claim that all campaigns were notified of this policy from the Free Lance-Star and that it was against Virginia Law to distribute campaign materials or materials of any kind in newspaper slots. When asked to cite the law in question, there was no response.
I believe that neither the Webb nor OGÇÖDonnell campaigns have been notified by the Free Lance-Star of their beforementioned policy. I have received plenty of George Allen and Jo Ann Davis material in my newspaper slot, as well as restaurant menus, lawn service fliers, etcGǪ I believe that as a public service to the community that this newspaper serves, they should clearly publish this notification to the public along with the Virginia State Law preventing any materials being placed in newspaper slots.
I urge everyone to contact the Free Lance-Star and remind them that we are not a one party system; ask them to publish the supposed newspaper slot notification sent to ALL campaigns (including the Republican campaigns); and ask them to send you the supposed state law barring any materials be placed in newspaper slots.
You could also ask the Free Lance-Star if they plan on endorsing Republican Bill Colvin in the Stafford County Treasurer race. Mr. Colvin appears to be embroiled in quite a scandal, as first reported over here. It appears from this diary that this newspaper has no desire or simple curiosity to report the facts, so that voters can make an informed decision.
Free Lance-Star contact information:
Main Switchboard: 540-374-5000
Toll-Free: 1-800-877-0500
UPDATE: The Free Lance-Star apparently is quoting the following two sections of the Code of Virginia: -º 18.2-210. Stamping, etc., on newspapers, any word, etc., to cause belief it was done by publisher; circulating such newspapers and -º 33.1-206. Erection and maintenance of newspaper route boxes. This seems like quite a stretch. Are there any lawyers out there?
The publishers of all newspapers having a circulation in rural sections of the Commonwealth may erect and maintain suitable newspaper route boxes along and on the rights-of-way of the public roads and highways throughout such rural sections, in which to deposit such papers for their subscribers. The short name of the newspaper to be deposited in each such box, but nothing more, may be plainly printed thereon. All such boxes shall be so located as not to interfere with or endanger public travel on such roads and highways. All such locations shall meet with the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner.
No person, without first obtaining the consent of the publisher so to do, shall affix to, or place or insert in, or print, stamp or impress upon any newspaper or any part thereof, after the same shall have been issued for circulation by the publisher thereof, any word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement with intent to cause, or which when so affixed, placed, inserted, printed, stamped or impressed may cause, the public to believe that such word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement was affixed, placed, printed, inserted, stamped or impressed in and upon such newspaper by the publisher of the same as a part thereof.
No person shall knowingly circulate, distribute or sell, or cause to be circulated, distributed or sold, any newspaper upon which has been so affixed, placed, inserted, printed, stamped or impressed any word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement in violation of the terms hereof.
Any person violating the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(Code 1950, § 18.1-409; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 560; 1975, cc. 14, 15.)