The Media

More Embarrassment in Virginia

This is actually happening.

The staff fired by the Associated Press this week for essentially serving as stenographers for the Cuccinelli campaign are being honored by a group of four prominent politicians.

A save-the-date invitation, a copy of which was obtained by TPM, was sent out Wednesday for a reception to be held Nov. 18 in honor of former Associated Press reporter Bob Lewis and former Associated Press editor Dena Potter. The reception’s hosts: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

As detailed this morning, the Cuccinneli campaign disseminated a blatantly false piece of opposition research against Terry McAuliffe and the Associated Press ran it without determining its authenticity and without waiting for a comment by the McAuliffe campaign.

The Associated Press staff responsible for the mishap were, in my opinion, rightfully terminated, but now they’re being honored.

Everyone involved in this should be embarrassed, especially Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.