See our update below; Berg took on the ethics of fake websites last March; it adds another layer to Westrom's refusal to disavow the fake websites and news. [end update]
In a press release issued just last Wednesday, State Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), mentioned that he's "one of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Gun” candidates" as he seeks to knock Congressman Collin Peterson out of office.
But when it comes to disavowing the NRCC's fake news or fake Collin Peterson website, Westrom says that's none of his business.
Westrom made the statement on Monday during an interview on Chris Berg's Point of View show on Valley News Live in Fargo.
Here's transcript of the exchange, which begins at the 11:57 marker:
Berg: Two more things. A while back, and the site is still up--and if we can bring this site up--the NRCC (obviously, the Republican Congressional Committee)--they put up these sites, Collin Peterson 2014. Torrey, we've got it up on the screen right now, that's where it says Collin Peterson for Congress. When it says a big button to donate, you're actually donating to the NRCC, not Collin Peterson.
Your thoughts on these kinds of websites?
Westrom: You know, I have nothing to do with those websites--
Berg: --You say they're a good thing?
Westrom-- Rick, I don't spend much time looking at these websites, I have focused on visiting with the voters. The concerns that I hear from voters about this country are the reasons I am running for Congress and changing the direction--24 years for the current congressman is long enough. It is time for a change. Time for fresh leadership in this country and those side groups -- it happens on both sides--and you know a lot of times it's a tit for tat.
Berg: Would you ask the NRCC to take that down?
Westrom: I haven't spent time looking at it. with what you're saying, it's their business. I--
Berg: It just doesn't seem like it would really play in Congressional District Seven of Minnesota. . . .We talked about this a little while back, it just seems like..yeahhh [makes face and spreads hands]
Berg then moves to the next question. Here's the video (which should start at the exchange):
It's also surprising for Westrom to claim that he doesn't have much knowledge of the site.
Bluestem Prairie was the first media in Minnesota to post about the fake website back in February 2014,in NRCC creates fake Collin Peterson site "to lure" voters, CNN special investigations unit reports.
Last week, we posted about yet another fake site from Westrom's Beltway Republican supporters in MN07: DC-based national Republicans launch fake news website against Collin Peterson.
Not only does it appear that Westrom was dodging Berg's question, but he feels he can pick and choose when the NRCC's tactics are his business.
UPDATE: Here's one of Berg's earlier shows that looked at the fake news in March 18, 2014:
Screenshot: Westrom on Chris Berg's POV August 18, 2014.
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