Morning News Endorses Its Own Lawyer
The Dallas Morning News editorial board issued its endorsement in the House District 108 race last night, and the big winner was Morgan Meyer. In its editorial, the board said Meyer was more mature and experienced than Chart Westcott, and it dismissed Court Alley for his “hyperideology.”
The editorial did not mention that Meyer represented the newspaper when it was sued by a group of laid-off editors and reporters who alleged age discrimination. As a former Morning News employee, I know the editorial board is a separate operation from the general newsroom. But not disclosing the newspaper’s relationship with Meyer still seems odd.
Update at 11:05 on Feb. 13: The Morning News has added a postscript to its endorsement of Meyer, explaining that the editorial board was not aware of his legal work on behalf of the newspaper.
The editors also fail to disclose how Meyer’s “practical approach to governing,” which makes him their choice, includes “absolutely, positively” having the government keep the deceased Mrs. Munoz on machines. At least the other two Republicans seemed conflicted:
http://www.parkcitiespeople.com/2014/02/07/
108-hopefuls-differ-on-end-of-life-issue/
Reading just the title seems to lead me to the wrong conclusion. I don’t believe Meyer worked directly for the DMN did he? Wasn’t he simply part of a legal team hired to defend the company? Has he done anything for them since this case in 2011? How many other law firms have they had represent them since 2011? All that being said I agree disclosing it would have made sense. By the way, given the many political ads I see on this website, how much has each campaign spent on advertising with the Park Cities People paper? It seems like that might be worth disclosing as far as potential conflicts of interest go as well.
It’s a little concerning. I think they should have disclosed the paper has a business relationship with the candidate it recommended. This should be the case if Mr. Meyers directly worked on the case or filed it.
Whether he worked directly or part of the legal team, he was their lawyer and that was a slippery move by the DMN. PC People can sell ads to whoever they want and not disclose anything. If they make an endorsement, then disclose.