To point out the lie, or not?

I'm hesitant to critique Andy Zinke's latest campaign letter, which a reader forwarded to me today. The risk is that he will fire his letter-writer and hire a more competent person. But, since I've heard that he says he never reads the Woodstock Advocate, maybe he'll keep using the same person.

First of all, who really cares to receive wishes for a joyful Christmas from somebody running for office? Those wishes should be reserved for people you really care about, not for strangers who you hope will vote for you.

The most serious error in his letter is this: "Less than 90 days from now, voters will go to the polls on March 18, 2014, and choose the next Sheriff of McHenry County."

That is absolutely untrue. If Andy doesn't know that statement is false, then Aurora University ought to rescind his new MBA, and Nygren ought to stop talking about Andy's "leadership" skills. We all suspect that candidates for office might stretch the truth from time to time. But to lie outright?

Voters will NOT choose the next Sheriff of McHenry County on March 18. What they will do is select who the Republican candidate for Sheriff will be in the General Election on November 4, 2014.

Next, he writes that "...since I became second-in-command, the Sheriff’s Office has become the top-rated Sheriff’s Office in the state."

The other day a friend asked me if I knew what "megalomania" is. Little did I suspect that I'd think of it again so soon. What is it? "... delusional fantasies of power, relevance, or omnipotence, ... characterized by an inflated sense of self-esteem and overestimation of their powers and beliefs."

The Sheriff's Office certainly did not become the top-rated S/O in Illinois (if, indeed, it is) because of the second-in-command. It achieved that rating because of the deputies who work hard every day, in spite of having to constantly be looking over their shoulders, so they don't get caught in a "gotcha" moment.

Why is Andy seeking the job as top cop in the Sheriff's Department. Think maybe $145,000/year has something to do with it?

Andy announces a fundraiser on January 14 in Richmond. Let's hope the DUI patrols haven't exhausted all their funds before then.