With "friends" like these...

The Daily Times did decide to endorse a candidate. And, shockingly, it WASN’T Gary Comegys. They endorsed Jim Ireton for mayor of Salisbury.

I think.

Using some of the most twisted logic yet displayed in this campaign while simultaneously smearing Jim and praising Gary, they came to this conclusion:

          

    It's understandable how all of us might long for the days when inclusive-minded, big-thinking people who really understood what made a community special were in charge of our local government. Names like Frank Morris, W. Paul Martin, Sam Siedel and Elmer Ruark fit that mold. Can Jim Ireton demonstrate the type of leadership required to place his name onto such a list?

    A tall order, yes -- but he merits an opportunity to try.

So after spending, conservatively, 12 column inches accusing Jim of being “an impassioned but undisciplined neighborhood advocate”, of “employing the divide-and-conquer playbook”, and this gem, in the paragraphafter the Times says Ireton offers the best hope for the city...

There are questions about his temperament, as well as his ability to rise above the racket that will inevitably surround him. And, while some have been put off by his demeanor, there is ample hope that he can sufficiently stem any defensive tendencies and prove wrong those who doubt he has the people skills to lead.

...The Times editors decided to endorse Jim.

With friends like these, who needs enemies? I could spend lots of space and words proving the DT wrong on every charge, allegation and smear, in this endorsement, but we'd be beating our heads against the wall doing so. The Times isn't going to change, and there's no competition to force them to change.

So, gee, thanks, Daily Times, for endorsing Jim Ireton for mayor. I think.