Like sockpuppeting. He’s less sorry about “forgetting” to disclose that he’s been a paid consultant of Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s [Dem, NY] since June 5th, and has nonetheless blogged about her polling numbers and related issues.
But he is so sorry about his unnamed staffers taking part in sockpuppetry that I can’t see that his astroturfing/conflict of interest is anything that anyone should worry about. Nasty, cynical Moe Lane, however, has a question about this:
Trippi’s been caught out on the second [Astroturfing], and there’s probably evidence coming up that will show that his staff were heavily involved in the first [Sockpuppetry] on Congresswoman Maloney’s behalf; hence, the ‘acceptance of responsibility’ by blaming anonymous staffers.
But I’m curious. The check [first payment, dated June 5th] shows that Congresswoman Maloney could not but know that one of her consultants was going around telling people that he did not work for her – when in fact he did. Why didn’t she immediately put a stop to that?
She was too busy. Or she didn’t train her staff well enough, and interns were running the show. Or she was on the road a lot. Or something.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m certain Trippi is most sorry about being caught.
It’s only wrong if you’re caught, correct?
Rep. Maloney was busying reading legislation! Cut her some slack!!