LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Anything to get elected?

OPINION:

Voters can expect similar deceptive tactics from Virginia state Sen. Mark Herring in his campaign for Virginia attorney general as those used by Terry McAuliffe in his efforts to smear Ken Cuccinelli in the governor’s race (“Fables from Terry McAuliffe’s gifted imagination,” Commentary, Aug. 16). Having run against Sen. Herring twice, I know his ads typically level false accusations rather than focus on issues.

In one instance, Mr. Herring authorized an ad with a made-up “quote” and ascribed it to The Washington Post in order to use that paper’s reputation to give credibility to his attack ad. Mr. Herring’s “quote” actually stated the exact opposite of what was written in the Post article. Michelle Boorstein, the author of the Post article, later wrote me concerning his fabrication, saying, “I was disgusted at how the piece was used.” Unfortunately, when provided proof of Mr. Herring’s deceptive and unethical misuse of their paper’s reputation, the editorial staff of The Washington Post declined to rescind their endorsement — twice. That speaks volumes about the liberal bias of the Post’s editors.

Given my experience, I expect many more deceptions from Mr. Herring, Mr. McAuliffe and the Democratic Party of Virginia as they attempt to abuse voters’ trust this fall. The office of attorney general requires honesty and integrity as an absolute minimum requirement. Mr. Herring’s decision to run consistently deceptive campaign ads disqualifies him from this high position of trust. Mark Herring will say anything to get elected — and apparently so will the rest of the Democratic ticket.

PATRICIA L. PHILLIPS

Sterling