It's campaign season, and that means plenty of full-throated allegations of campaign ethics violations.
A tasty one emerged this week when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics said its position on the safety of genetically engineered foods was miscast by foes of Proposition 37 in arguments printed in the California ballot pamphlet.
"Respected scientific and medical organizations have concluded that biotech foods are safe, including… (the) Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics," reads the "Arguments Against Proposition 37" section of the voter guide published by the secretary of state. Turns out the group now has no position.
Opponents of the food-labeling measure said they based the statement on a 2006 report by the organization and didn't check to see if it was still valid.
"We apologize for the error," said Kathy Fairbanks of the No on 37 campaign.
Supporters of the measure, on the other hand, had weeks to verify claims being made by the other side before the voter handbook was printed, but apparently didn't make an effort to do so.
"We were naive to think they would tell the truth about an endorsement they had, so we didn't think to check it out," said Stacy Malkan of the Yes on Proposition 37 campaign.
– Laurel Rosenhall
CAMPAIGN WATCH
Health issues have prompted Assemblyman Dan Logue to abandon his bid to replace former Sen. Doug LaMalfa in the 4th Senate District. The Marysville Republican has been advised by his doctor to lie low while he recovers from kidney damage caused by an adverse reaction to antibiotics. He will remain a candidate for re-election to the 3rd Assembly District.
– Torey Van Oot
WORTH REPEATING
"New Sac Deli item. The Munger Sandwich. A piece of Brown meat between a slice of Rye and Sourdough."
ROB STUTZMAN, Republican consultant, gleefully tweeting a description of Gov. Jerry Brown's political troubles with the wealthy Munger siblings, Molly and Charles Jr.
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