Don Cunningham, Infidel

Despicable.

That's how Allentown Republican Scott Armstrong has described Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham's letter (via campaign manager Dan Kelly) complaining about opponent Scott Ott's living arrangements at a Zionsville church, especially since it includes a cc to the IRS. Armstrong was never a Cunningham supporter, but this has made him angry.

Now I support Cunningham, who is perhaps the finest County Executive I've ever seen in both counties. But even I would agree this letter is a mistake. On Saturday night, I was preparing a post to condemn this tactic when I started receiving information that Ott really is using the religious community to further his campaign. Even in the People's Republic of Northampton County, religious groups and home schoolers are getting Epistles from Saint Scott, entitled "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches."

Uh oh. Get the pitchforks.

Ott tells his religious audience that one reporter called Cunningham's letter a "big mistake," but then complains that the very same press is refusing to cover the story. He fails to tell his evangelical readers that most news organization impose a blanket on covering campaigns in their waning days. Moreover, aside from a response to Ken Petrini, he's made no attempt to reach out to the blogosphere.

If Ott is really keeping church separated from state, why is he trying to inflame religious groups as far away as Northampton County?

"Don Cunningham's camp must be rattled after yesterday's debate. In what one reporter calls a 'big mistake,' Don Cunningham has tried to create a side circus so he does not have to deal with the main issue of the campaign: avoiding the 2011 tax increase. Despite the copy list at the bottom of Dan Kelly's letter it is unclear who exactly received this letter. They did not send it to us, for example, despite the implication that they did. We only found out about it when a reporter asked for a response from us. So far only Ken Petrini has covered this story. Even though this could be a valid issue (though the facts, which Cunningham's camp must not have researched very well considering they addressed the letter to an organization that hasn't used that name for over 50 years, show that the allegations are baseless), there is no denying this issue was handled in a very unprofessional and un-executive way. Below you can find the letter and Scott's response to it. Sean

After yesterday's debate (10/29), Don Cunningham's campaign sent the following letter to my former employer (although he apparently doesn't know that the denomination changed its name back in the 1950s). I have included my response below the Cunningham camp's letter. I have also sent it to local reporter Ken Petrini (who first sent me the Cunningham letter), and to Bobby Gunther Walsh at WAEB 790AM, who has mentioned it, and may read it on air this morning. Feel free to circulate. Scott Ott"

I like Scott. I believe him when he says his living arrangements are part of his compensation package and not some sort of hidden political contribution form those damn Mennonites. But by the same token, sending missives to religious groups in Northampton County, entitled "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches," prove Cunningham was right to ask him about his living arrangements. He's clearly using his religious connections.

Update: The letter from the Cunningham camp is located here.