On Balance

Michael Bersin makes a good point about Jon Rust's response to the gay-baiting letter he printed from Josh Bill, former chief of staff to the late U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.  What does Rust mean when he writes, "people close to the Emerson campaign crossed the line in mudslinging too" (emphasis added)?  Rust offers no examples what the Tommy Sowers campaign has done to justify this suggestion that both camps have been equally slimy. 

Also: Several readers have wondered if Rust would be willing to print a similar letter speculating about the sexuality of a Republican candidate based on (1) his or her marital status or (2) the fact that he or she patronized a business that doesn't have a problem serving gay people.

Based on the silence or endorsement of Jo Ann Emerson, Missouri GOP leaders and their GOP bloggers -- one can only conclude that all would be completely fine with this sort of speculation about any of their candidates.