A reader responds to Cal Hobson's call for unity For the first time in my life, I WILL NOT BE STAMPING THE ROOSTER! I live in Senate District 16 and got [a] letter in the mail about putting away my hate for John Sparks, so that Democrats can keep its majority in the senate. I DO NOT CARE IF WE LOSE THE SENATE! Because it will not [be] the fault of the voters who have every right to make their own independent decision. If we lose the Senate then just maybe it was because of bad candidates who are morally corrupt? Or because a consultant is perfectly fine with doing anything to win no matter who gets hurt in the process. IF we do not keep the senate then the blame should be place[d] squarely at the feet of the people who did something wrong. John Sparks and his band of terrorists. The voter is not to blame if we don't win. I'm really frustrated with all the pressure being placed on those of us who are not willing to sacrifice our own integrity just to get a Democrats elected - it's being made to sound like if Sparks' doesn't win it will be the fault of those of us who just can't stomach what came out of his campaign against Tim Emrich! I have also talked to many friends who say they are now being pressured to put their personal integrity and outrage aside in order to ensure that the dems keep SD16. If there is a loss, turn to Sparks - not those of us who hold integrity and honesty higher than getting any old dem elected! John Sparks was responsible for one of the dirtiest local campaigns in recent memory. A steady stream of attacks twisted the truth and smeared the character of his opponent Tim Emrich. Worst of all were the "push polls," which posed as poll-taking in order to enhance whisper campaigns against Emrich. Here are the facts, To the best of my knowledge: 1. The world is not going to end if the repubs win SD16. 2. John Sparks has not made any public statements stating that he has absolutely no knowledge of who was behind the devastating smear campaign against Tim Emrich. Nor did he do anything publicly to stop it. 3. John Sparks has not publicly responded to the ad placed in the Norman Transcript on August 27th by the Citizens for Campaign Integrity. 4. John Sparks did not sign the Clean Campaign Pledge - Tim Emrich and Derrick Ott did. 5. John Sparks has not responded to a simple 2 question e-mail sent by this author regarding his position on those issues. 6. Sparks appears to not be very concerned about proving he was NOT involve[d] in the personal attacks on Tim Emrich. Those Democrats who believe that what happened to Tim Emrich during the run-off campaign should not be so easily forgotten nor ignored should NOT be intimidated into supporting someone they feel conducted an unethical campaign! The guilt that is trying to be pushed by saying 'if Sparks' loses it will be because the Emrich supporters didn't get on board is insulting! If Sparks' loses it will be because an unethical campaign was conducted. Those Democrats who understand and care about what this has done to Tim Emrich and his family are to be applauded and more importantly respected and if they want to make a stand for intolerable campaigning tactics by withholding a vote for Sparks then let them make that choice - let them stay true to their own values and principles without being touted as disloyal to the party! Please, Cal, STOP badgering and intimidating them! I work hard for progressive causes, and I feel like the ODP have not been too helpful in getting real Democrats in to office. We all know that Tim Emrich was that candidate! Also with Sparks, family tie to Tom Cole and with his friendship to Scott Martin and with what He said to VAN in 2004, I DO NOT TRUST him! Shame on you John Sparks and shame on everyone who helped John Sparks steal an election. And now, I have hear that a "push polls" is being ran on the repub Ron Davis in Senate District 16. John Sparks refused to take responsibility for his own campaigns reprehensible tactics. I will NOT be VOTING for John Sparks! Posted at 10/17/2006 12:15:00 PM