Left In Lowell

Because newspapers never endorse candidates. The logic of this escapes me:

Charley and I are at the NECN studios to cover the MA-05 debate, which starts in a few minutes. We were sitting in the TV studio with the candidates and a couple of reporters getting ourselves set to watch and blog the debate.

Until a second ago. We were just unceremoniously hustled out of the studio because “our organization” had “endorsed Tsongas.” So now we’re in a conference room watching the large-screen TV.

I asked whether, if the Globe had endorsed Tsongas, they would be permitted to sit in the studio. No answer.

If indeed it was at the request of Ogonowski as David thinks, wow. That would mean he can’t tolerate differing views. (By the way, did he get his entire platform from GOP talking points?). Not that Ogonowski has shown much tolerance in general, what with his stance on immigrants (does he realize his platform of “deport them all” is not only really expensive, imminently unpractical, not to mention quite stupid economically?).

I’d really like NECN to answer the question about why David and Charley were not allowed to blog from the actual debate. It seems like they would have had the final say. I mean, I suppose a hissy fit from a candidate isn’t pleasant, but you could always disinvite him.

Back to the debate, which is on NECN now…SCHIP…there’s some talking points from Ogo. Niki points out the bill as it is does actually ask for proof of citizenship. Well done there.

UPDATE: David confirmed it was Ogo who evicted the two biggest local bloggers in MA. What a tool.

UPDATE II: FYI, live blogging at BMG. Check out multiple threads there. That’s where I’m hanging out while listening to this.