Sometimes in politics people get carried away and say things that go a little too far. And somtimes those things get forwarded through the Forward Lookout spy network and we write about them here.

So in District 8, it’s Kyle Szarzynski vs Scott Resnick.

If you know Kyle, you know he’s an unapologetic progressive and has been active in local progressive causes. A common criticism of Kyle is that he is too progressive (as if such a thing were possible )…so imagine my surprise when I saw Kyle compared with Scott Walker! (bold and [bracket statements] are mine)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Steve
Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Subject: The people united will never be defeated!! Dont’ let them divide us!!
To: Steven Hughes

The Spring election campaign is underway and Scott Resnick’s opponent is already using Walker style cheap shots and using negative literature. Come out with us tomorrow and help us show our university what campaigning is all about. Help us to restore faith in the electorate by helping us run a clean race. The last thing we need right now is more divisions. Scott will help to unite UW-Madison and the city. Come out with us tomorrow as we do a simple literature drop around campus to show people the positive side of politics. We will be meeting at 5:00 pm at Gordon Commons. If you have any questions contact [name, e-mail, and phone removed]. I look forward to being out in the field with all of you again.

Also, we are putting the finishing touches on our Spring Election Field

[removed since I am supporting some of the same candidates that they are, and I don't want to potentially give away plans for those candidates]

I can not thank you all enough for all you do.
–
Thanks,

Steve Hughes
President of The Young Progressives
sehughes@wisc.edu
414-791-9494

I do like the 2nd half of the e-mail…Nothing says “clean race” like making a way over the top accusation, right?

Disclaimer: I am supporting Kyle Szarzynski for District 8 alder. We’ve actually joked about comparing Scott Resnick and Scott Walker by saying, “They’re both named Scott, coincidence?” But of course, that was only a joke because comparing either candidate to Governor Scott Walker is completely ridiculous. And I still think it’s ridiculous regardless of what Scott Resnick’s supporter says.

As for the comparison piece that Mr. Hughes doesn’t like, everything on it is true. The main thrust of the Kyle’s comparison piece is that there are differences between the two candidates and that Kyle is the best person to represent District 8 (gosh, imagine a candidate making an argument that they will do a better job than the other candidate).

For example, the piece mentions that Kyle has been endorsed by unions like AFSCME and the TAA and that Scott has been endorsed by Downtown Madison Inc. Those are different groups, yes?

If you want to talk about negative and divisive campaigning, I would think that comparing a progressive to Governor Scott Walker fits the bill….especially when it is possible to campaign based on issues and experience.

Kyle making a case for why he’d be the best person to have as District 8 alder is a fair and reasonable argument to make. It’d be nice if Scott Resnick’s supporters could keep their arguments reasonable and fair.