June 25, 2008 - 21:18

UPDATED: Dems take heat over web video

One could say the Democrats' latest web video has gone viral since its release; but not the good kind of viral, more like the flu kind of viral. The video, which juxtaposes a black and white image of Dino Rossi with a series of local news reports about the BIAW's "mud-slinging" on Rossi's behalf followed by news clips talking about the BIAW's agenda.

No problem there.  

But it also plays the theme song to "The Sopranos" in the background, a move that is being harshly criticized by both the state Republican Party and the Italian Club of Seattle.

Earlier today the Italian Club of Seattle wrote a letter to Governor Chris Gregoire discussing their displeasure about "a recent online video posted by the Washington State Democratic Party attempting to associate Dino Rossi with criminal activity through the use of negative ethnic stereotyping is beyond offensive. Whether the State Democratic Party thought it clever to link Rossi to Italian-American criminals through the use of a popular mobster TV show is irrelevant; it is distasteful, and it is racist. Governor Gregoire, we believe we have your sympathy when we assert that using someone's ethnic heritage as a negative should not be condoned in this campaign."

They also called on Gregoire to urge the Democratic Party to remove the video from youtube, and for the resignation of state Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz.

The Republican Party jumped on the claim later Wednesday afternoon. State Republican Party Chair Luke Esser wrote a press release echoing the Italian Club's claims of racism and calls for the video's removal.

"Gov. Gregoire's political operatives have engaged in bigotry with this web video in order to shift the focus away from the ethical clouds surrounding Gregoire," said Esser,. "This video is offensive to every Italian-American in this state and should not be tolerated. 

"Furthermore, Gov. Gregoire, who dramatically announced last week that we had hit ‘rock bottom' with negative campaigning, should call on her party's Chairman to immediately remove this video and offer an apology."

UPDATE: The Democratic Party has removed the video, and will be re-releasing it soon with new background music. Read Party spokesman Kelly Steele's response to the Seattle Times below.

"Our video is in no way meant to allege or imply that Republican Dino Rossi or his extremist, right-wing developer allies have ties to the mafia or organized crime. It's a catchy song, which we thought jibed stylistically with our communication about Rossi's designated attack squad -- the BIAW -- who continue to pour millions into false and misleading attack ads against Gov. Gregoire. That being said, we’d like to apologize to Rossi’s friend Mr. DiJulio, his organization, and anyone else we may have inadvertently offended. The video will be replaced shortly with an identical message regarding Rossi and the BIAW’s sleazy attack campaign, using a different song.

"As an aside, Rossi doesn’t seem to have a problem with referencing The Sopranos when he’s attacking Gov. Gregoire. Here’s what he said in a speech just yesterday on Mercer Island:

'[Rossi] criticized the state's reliance on the gas tax and ‘sin’ taxes from alcohol and cigarette sales. ‘Sin taxes are so easy to raise,’ he said. ‘But they are already so high they are one of the highest in the nation. If we raised them anymore, Tony Soprano would want to get some of that action.'"

UPDATE: New video here

 

Bryan Bissell is a PolitickerWA.com Reporter and can be reached via email at noreply@politicker.com.

Comments

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10/09/09 5:40 am

Get Your Prom Dress Before


Get Your Prom Dress Before the New Year!
It's barely autumn, and the winter holidays seem to be a long way away. You are getting into a routine of back-to-school: homework, tests, friends, activities, and sports. With the possible exception of college planning, next spring is probably the last thing on your mind. Why should you start thinking about a Prom Dresses when the prom is so far away?

It is not well-known by most prom-goers, that the best selections are found prior to the New Year. Prom Dresses manufacturers are already shipping Sexy Dresses to the stores in October for the upcoming prom season. By the time the prom magazines hit the news stands in December, many people will already have placed orders of Sexy Dresses for the most popular dresses. How do they come across these new designs of Prom Dresses that have yet to be in the magazines? People start searching online. As soon as manufacturer photos become available, it's no surprise to find many internet Prom Dresses retailers adding new styles on their websites in early October.

You might say, "The prom is months away in May! Isn't March enough time to find a Prom Dresses?" If you are not wanting anything in particular, the answer is yes. If you have your heart set on a particular style or color, you may be disappointed if you wait.

Why would they vanish in this way? This is because prom dresses are a very seasonal product. Manufacturers cut a certain number of dresses intended for the following spring season in late summer, and they start shipping them to stores in October. Based on initial sales, the manufacturers will tailor the more popular styles starting in February or March. By then, the stores have pending orders for these styles. Production of more Prom Dresses stops after this happens. No one wants unsold prom dresses sitting in their warehouses all summer! It is possible that some styles may be suitable for homecoming in fall, but most of the time, even they are not available until at least summer.

Many schools have winter formals in December, January, and February, which is why the most popular dresses could be sold out or on back order that early. Because Prom Dresses are on the racks early, many of them are purchased for these earlier events. Also keep in mind that Prom Dress makers sell worldwide, not just to American consumers. Many online prom dress retailers sell globally, as well. The competition for the most popular dresses is intense.

10/09/09 5:39 am

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