Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of here.

Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune has condemned the behavior of not only The Whistleblower (a race-baiting rag-sheet written by GOP cheerleader Jim Schifrin, who uses the pseudonym “Charles Foster Kane"), but also Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters, who serves as a regional chair for John McCain’s presidential campaign.  Chris Redfern, chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, has already criticized the McCain camp for choosing Deters due to a past filled with scandal.  And let’s not forget the national headlines made when WLW big-mouth Willie Cunningham suggested Obama was a secret Muslim, an idea at least partially suggested by Deters and later repudiated by McCain.  Portune’s latest comments continue a growing trend of bi-partisan opposition to Schifrin’s racist language and Deters’ personal connections.

"The WhistleBlower has no credibility and quite often falls way below the pale in its attacks and the bigoted attitudes it presents,” said Todd Portune.  “Long ago I quit wasting my time by reading it.”

“Clearly the remarks made by Shifrin and Deters as quoted by you and the Beacon recently are inappropriate,” continued Portune.  “Coming, as they did, in the midst of, and on the heels of, the NAACP convention and Cincinnati, Hamilton County putting its best foot forward they were an embarrassing reminder of where the city has been, and unfortunately, where it may still be if certain people get their way.”

“Deters ought to know better,” concluded Portune.  “If what was published is what Joe really thinks and if John McCain is willing to overlook those kinds of attitudes and remarks the McCain campaign is in trouble.  It is anyway.”

On July 16th, we received the following message from a representative of McCain’s campaign:  “Your email has been forwarded to our staff members, and someone from the campaign will be in touch shortly.” Contrary to what was said, and follow-up by The Beacon, no one from McCain’s team has provided comment.

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