(I'm trying something new here. It's loosely modeled after various media watchdog blogs like Media Matters and NewsBusters.)

In a June 15 blog post, SWAC Girl suggested that the Staunton News Leader did not attempt to learn anything about Virginia 24th District Republican primary candidate Scott Sayre prior to the primary election. But according to News Leader opinion editor Dennis Neal, candidate Scott Sayre declined a request to speak with the News Leader editorial board.

SWAC Girl, "Modern day voter revolt?", June 15, 2007:

"Why didn't the News Leader look into Scott Sayre, the man, instead of attacking the volunteers who supported him?" (emphasis added)

Dennis Neal, "Out of touch? Who's out of touch? Part II," June 8, 2007:

"Speaking of Sayre, does the man really exist? We tried to get him to come in and speak with The News Leader's editorial board, but could never actually speak with him. All I could get were lackeys. That's not a good indicator for someone who is supposed to be accessible and available to "the people." In the end, I received a voice mail (post-midnight, so there wouldn't be any actual dialogue with me -- explanation being that I would "get it first thing in the morning") from a Sayre functionary who told me that the "campaign had talked it over" and had decided to "respectfully decline" our offer to meet." (emphasis added)