Where do blogs end and campaigns begin?

Posted at 8:52 AM on June 19, 2006 by Bob Collins (2 Comments)

A few months ago, I caused a firestorm when I asked whether any bloggers were tied to any campaigns. Apparently it was perceived as innuendo, and when it comes to blogger-MSM innuendo, it's a one-way street.

At the time, the one prominent blog I never heard from was Minnesota Democrats Exposed, a must-read blog that dares to say what no campaign in this safe, poll-driven, mush world of campaign flaks and consultants would ever allow on its own.

What always interested me is the work blogger Michael Brodkorb did was invariably picked up -- as themes -- by the state Republican Party; not surprising since Brodkorb is a former communications boss with the state Republican Party under then-chair Ron Eibensteiner. Up until he got sued by Blois Olson, the identity of the writer of MDE was a secret, at least creating the illusion that there was a good reason for anonymity.

I don't believe that MDE was ever paid to blog by the Republicans or anyone else, but I have always been interested in the relationship between campaigns and bloggers.

Over at Norwegianality, the writer stopped blogging when he became a staffer contractor (see comments) on the Ford Bell campaign.

Today, however, MDE has announced he's going to work for Senate candidate Mark Kennedy, but still blog at MDE, since his ideas are his own. That's a shot-in-the-arm for the Kennedy campaign, as I understand Brodkorb is quite talented, and, for the record, according to DFL bloggers who met him at the DFL convention, a heck of a nice guy.
And he sure "gets" the responsibilities inherent in blogging.

Bloggers in Minnesota do a great job of policing other bloggers with undisclosed professional connections to campaigns. But the ultimate responsibility lies with each individual blogger to ensure they operate their blog without an inherent conflict of interest. As I am a Republican operative who exposes Minnesota Democrats, I am continually aware of my responsibility to disclose any conflict that could tarnish the effectiveness of my blog.

Brodkorb, however, says you might see a "small drop" in coverage of the U.S. Senate race. Even so, the relationship between MDE and the Mark Kennedy campaign is going to strain the ability of either side to avoid responsibility for the words and actions of the other. Like it or not, there is now a "connection" between the Kennedy campaign and MDE.

It'll be fascinating to watch. Best of luck to both.

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Comments (2)

Bob, first of all, I'm not on Ford Bell's staff. I'm on contract to produce a blog for the campaign, taking direction from Ford's staff, although I've been blessed with a lot of latitude on the links I use and how I write the posts.

I shut down Norwegianity because I saw it as an enormous conflict of interest even though I was not in contact with any DFL party officials. Contrast this with Mr. Brodkorb who, at the DFL convention, had state Republican chair Ron Carey sitting directly behind him feeding him quotes and, one would assume, editorial direction. [http://tildology.com/2006/06/14/dfl-confidential/]

I wish Michael well with the new gig but there are still countless questions about the real nature of Minnesota Democrats Exposed [http://www.startribune.com/587/story/163827.html], and whether or not PR maven Brodkorb is paid to write a blog for the Republicans from his desk at PR firm Weber Johnson. I do my work at home, do not have a desk at Bell HQ, but still saw my private blog as a clear conflict of interest.

I think you're right to contrast Mr. Brodkorb's actions with mine, and hope you will continue to monitor the work Mr. Brodkorb is doing for the Republican party.

Posted by Mark Gisleson | June 19, 2006 11:58 AM

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And Mr. Brodkorb was the one who shut down all debate at the GOP convention to make sure no one would question the ruberstamp/railroad of Pawlenty endorsement. He has always been in Ron's back pocket and will continue to be a shill for the Party Leadership

Posted by Sam | June 20, 2006 4:45 PM

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