Monday, September 11, 2000
TV appearance stirs political row
Rival's air time irks Roeding
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MITCHELL — Democratic state Senate candidate John Stephenson frequently appears on cable television public access shows, sometimes as a producer and host and sometimes as a guest on other programs.
But an appearance Mr. Stephenson made last week on a show hosted by fellow Fort Mitchell Democrat Jeb Holbrook is drawing a formal complaint from the Republican he is challenging, Sen. Dick Roeding of Lakeside Park.
Hayes Robertson, Mr. Roeding's campaign manager, said Mr. Stephenson promoted his campaign on Mr. Holbrook's show, which by virtue of appearing on cable access is funded partially by Kenton County taxpayers.
Mr. Robertson said he plans to file a complaint with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance to determine if the appearance on the show is a contribution
to Mr. Stephenson's campaign.
He said he may also file with the Federal Communications Commission to determine if Mr. Roeding deserves equal time on television under federal election laws.
“I'm sick and tired of this grandstanding, self-promoting windbag promoting himself and his so-called campaign at taxpayers' expense on the community cable ac cess channels,” Mr. Robertson said Friday.
“He can go door-to-door or buy air time or direct mail like all the other candidates do,” he said.
“It's not our fault he has so little credibility with voters.”
Rosemary Centers, the lead counsel with the Registry of Election Finance in Frankfort, said she could not comment until she receives a formal complaint.
Spokesmen with the FCC and the state Board of Elections could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Stephenson said he does not understand why the Roeding campaign is so upset “unless they are scared of me.”
Mr. Stephenson said he appeared on Mr. Holbrook's show as a guest.
Mr. Stephenson said he did mention his campaign, but that Mr. Holbrook invited Mr. Roeding to appear later.
Mr. Stephenson, a prolific public-access channel producer who is editing a program on the Americans with Disabilities Act, said he does not promote his campaign or political views on the programs he produces and hosts.
“When I was on Jeb's show I even invited Senator Roeding to my Oct. 7 political rally in Walton,” Mr. Stephenson said.
Mr. Stephenson has again challenged Mr. Roeding to a debate, which the Republican incumbent has so far refused.
In a letter to Mr. Roeding, Mr. Stephenson has suggested four two-hour debates.
Mr. Stephenson said, “He needs to quit hiding behind the bushes.”
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