News-Leader: Steelman has a credibility problem

The Springfield News-Leader Editorial Board has taken a different approach to its endorsement of Kenny Hulshof in the Republican governor's race- it opens with an attack on Hulshof's opponent, Sarah Steelman.

In fact, if you did not read through the entire editorial, you would not even realize the News-Leader was endorsing Hulshof. The headline, "Steelman's attacks leave her lacking," fails to mention Hulshof. The first six paragraphs do not include the name Hulshof.

In fact, the actual endorsement does not occur until the 19th paragraph. Ironically, the News-Leader takes the same approach it criticize Steelman for taking...it launches an attack and pretty much hides whatever substance the article may have.

An example of the editorial's approach toward Mrs. Steelman:

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman has a credibility problem.

It's not the typical one for a politician, like getting caught in a hypocrisy, or flip-flopping.

No, Steelman's problem has its roots in her take-no-prisoners style.

In her quest for the Republican nomination for governor, Steelman has been attacking her opponent on so many fronts, and with such vigor, that it's kept her from developing a platform.

And the actual Hulshof endorsement:

In more than a decade as a U.S. representative, he has shown an ability to broker change without the kind of confrontation that can paralyze. He told our editorial board: "Principled leadership means you have to build some consensus."

Hulshof has a farming, business and prosecutorial background, as well as the experience in Washington. He has demonstrated -- despite his record with earmarks -- that he opposes big government, understands agricultural and crime issues and is willing to take a tough stand for what he thinks is right.

That commitment showed when he led the 2003 ethics investigation into influence trading by former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Observers from both sides of the aisle praised his work as nonpartisan and courageous.

He gets our nod for the Republican nomination. We also encourage him to do as promised and specifically define more of his plans to address some of the state's most pressing problems.

To be fair to the News-Leader, a subhead atop the story on the newspaper's website reads "Hulshof, who showed he can broker change, deserves nomination." Of course, the headline is so light, it almost escapes notice.

So for those who may have missed it- The Springfield News-Leader has endorsed Hulshof.