Perhaps Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis should copy a page from Abraham Lincoln’s 1846 letter to Illinois newspaper publisher Allen N. Ford:
“I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.”
Lincoln’s quote seems to exemplify the situation McInnis faces. McInnis took credit for an article not written by him but claimed by him regarding water law in Colorado. McInnis was paid for the articles that were, he says, copied by an assistant.
Either McInnis was aware of the plagiarism and did nothing, or took credit for an article that he didn’t write. Either way, according to Lincoln, he is guilty of falsehood.
As such, we don’t see how McInnis can move forward as the Republican nominee. The perception, if not the reality, is that the candidate took credit for something that was not his. How, then, can the voters in Colorado elect an official who was either an outright cheater, or an outright slacker by submitting an article for pay that he had no hand in producing?
The circumstances dictate that now, as the general election for governor looms around the corner, McInnis withdraw from the race, and the Republican party find a true, viable candidate to face apparent Democrat nominee John Hickenlooper.
Without making an endorsement for governor, we think it is important that a strong candidate face Hickenlooper in order to draw out true campaign issues. We’ve always favored two strong candidates in any race because it brings to the forefront what the candidates stand for prior to taking office. Hickenlooper may, in fact, be the better candidate. But we want to be convinced by a thorough and vigorous campaign between two strong, honest candidates.
McInnis made a big mistake in his past. Now it’s time for him to correct that mistake, find a way to bow out of the race, and copy the morals of some of those who have preceded him in elected office.
Honest Abe would agree with us on this one.