Is it OK to be a campaign manager for a friend?

[RedSmithClone]

I have been asked by a friend in my hometown if I would be his campaign manager next time around - he lost by 300-plus votes in his first time ever running against two incumbent city councilors.

I work in another state, and cover high school sports. My current employer doesn't even come close to touching my hometown, aside from maybe a New England brief if something big happens - so say once in a blue moon.

Is it OK, ethically, for me to accept this offer?

 

[HejiraHenry]

No. You just can't predict what might happen in the course of the campaign that could turn around and bite you in the ass.

 

[Diabeetus]

I'd vote no, just cause politics and journalism don't mix well.

 

[BYH]

I vote yes. If it gets exposed, you'll be a national icon: The Republican who works at a newspaper. Right? Liberal media? All that?

 

[Fenian_Bastard]

Dodgy at best. I'd pass, unless you're intrigued by the possibility of a career change.
Of course, in the bigtime Beltway world, this happens all the time and nobody bats an eye.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

I'm sure your friend would love for his campaign manager to be in a different state. Are you planning on moving back there?

 

[Del_B_Vista]

I would say not to do it, but if you want to talk with folks who get paid to think about these matters, check out Poynter's ethics page. I've also dropped e-mails directly to folks on their staff, too.

 

[EStreetJoe]

No. You just can't predict what might happen in the course of the campaign that could turn around and bite you in the ass.

My thinking exactly.

 

[forever_town]

No. Not ever.

 

[Cansportschick]

No, it's unethical.

 

[RedSmithClone]

I'm sure your friend would love for his campaign manager to be in a different state. Are you planning on moving back there?

No I live in this town. It's my hometown. I work 30 miles away in another state.
I also cover sports and sports alone. Never touch the news-side or politics.

 

[OTD]

Don't do it unless you're prepared to leave the business. I mean, if this is a deal where it's a big city and you'll be his CoS or something, that's one thing, but if you intend to remain at your paper, no.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Ethics aside, he needs a campaign manager more plugged into the city where he's running for office.

 

[Boomer7]

RSC, did you ask your bosses yet? Knowing your newspaper (and its coverage area), I think it's fair to say there's no conflict of interest with where your candidate is. But I'd definitely clear it with the chain of command at your paper. Let them make the call.

Also, knowing the town/city (both?) where your candidate is running, I will say this: If you run on a platform of banning parents from all school sporting events, I will move back there to vote for you.

 

[RedSmithClone]

RSC, did you ask your bosses yet? Knowing your newspaper (and its coverage area), I think it's fair to say there's no conflict of interest with where your candidate is. But I'd definitely clear it with the chain of command at your paper. Let them make the call.

Also, knowing the town/city (both?) where your candidate is running, I will say this: If you run on a platform of banning parents from all school sporting events, I will move back there to vote for you.

Damn they do have some of the worst parents ever huh? God it makes me ill sometimes just going to see my Godson in little tykes football. Sad part is his daddy the coach is just as loud and crazy as the rents!

Oh by the way ... we are cleaning out the basement and I came across our yearbook from Middle School. What a friggin riot!