State Bloggers Protest Credentialling Decision

by: Matt Stoller

Tue May 20, 2008 at 15:28

The issue here is simple, and doesn't have to do with any specific bloggers given or not given credentials.  State parties are clearly using blog credentials to reward bloggers they think support them best.  In some cases, in most actually, they are willing to reward critics.  In some states, though, particularly New Jersey and New York, it's possible that the decision cut out progressive activists because they are willing to speak out about problems within the party.  Leaving progressive bloggers out of the convention is a financial and political penalty for these small businesses, many of which will now shy away from being independent and progressive out of fear of retribution.

This is a problem.

Update:  Ok, apparently it's common knowledge that Cathleen Carrigan is an employee of Governor Granholm.  That is absurd.  Simply absurd.  An employee of the most powerful politician in the state was given convention credentials over a larger progressive blog.  This is just ridiculous.  Granholm can get her employees credentials, she doesn't need to take them from independent progressive activists.

Update again:  Carrigan is not an employee of Granholm, but is an employee of the Michigan Democratic Party.  This is a distinction without a difference.  I do find it frustrating that Carrigan refuses to answer my questions and then mewls on about being persecuted and misrepresented.  I am perfectly willing to issue corrections and sought her response before printing anything about her employment status.