Though most of the feedback about the Kramer fiasco has been positive and sympathetic, a few people have also wondered if maybe we did not cross the line in terms of propriety by protesting outside of Eldon Kramer's house. It has even been suggested that we might offer an apology, if only for the positive media coverage that might result. I for one do not feel that we crossed over any lines or that an apology is in order. It is important to remember that:

 

1. Kramer was supposed to be holding an open house for Republican candidates. The Event was listed in the Daily Sun Calendar on April 30 and May 1. He claimed on television that the event was canceled weeks ago, but that has not been verified. Maybe the truth is that nobody showed up because he's Eldon Kramer.

 

2. We were standing on a public sidewalk probably more than 50 feet from his house -- not right in front of his house but off to the side. We were not making any noise or bothering anyone.

 

3.  We were exercising our constitutionally protected rights to speak up, our right to assemble peacefully, and our right to hold candidates accountable. 

 

Though the report on KNAZ TV on May 2 focused on the negativity of the campaign and suggested that our protest only contributed to this negativity, I don't think this is a good reflection of the reaction of most Flagstaff residents. We were getting lots of thumbs up, etc. from passersby. The few negative responses we got probably were the result of Kramer calling his friends and telling them to come over and give us hell.

It may also be worth noting that in the KNAZ report of May 2, polling expert Fred Solop is quoted as saying that negative campaigning only depresses voter turnout. It appears from the context of the statement that he is condemning the protesters' actions. However, I spoke to Solop later and he explained that he had tried to make clear on camera that there was a difference between dirty campaigning and a constitutionally protected protest against such campaigning. These remarks were not aired. I also spoke to the reporter who intervviewed Solop and she confirmed that the comments from Solop that aired were not intended to disparage the protest in any way.