I am having a hard time hearing the recording but I swear I heard a message in Jerry's rant that says only people who come up from the ranks and pay their dues are entitled to run for office.

If someone can clearly decipher that portion of the audio I would appreciate it being posted.

I'd like to see them post a link to the article and the sound file to the Economic Development Board and Chamber of Commerce websites. Not to mention the website of some of Cunningham's endorsers during the last election: (link...) I'm sure those liberal out-a-towners will just keep a comin' to buy these houses being built around here after hearing Jerry whipping up the troops.

"Men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference." --Voltaire

Breaking news at the DT: (link...)

“Recently, in jest, at a dinner I made some remarks which offended some folks,” Cunningham said in the apology released today. “Since being elected, my family and I have endured many remarks made toward me, not in jest, but out of malice, anger and hatred. That, however, does not justify my remarks. As a matter of conscience, I regret having made these comments and apologize to all who were offended.”

Maybe you'll read it differently, but I read it as he's sorry people got offended, not sorry he said those words. Kind of like being sorry you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar, not sorry you tried to steal them.

"Men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference." --Voltaire

I take a different view. To me this is the first apology, whether bckhand or not, that Mr. Cunningham has offered. He tried to justify it a little saying that people have said worse things about him, but maybe since this got such headlines he or someone decided that he needed to make amends. Personally I see this as a step in the right direction. Maybe he just needs some encouragement to go the whole way. This might be his first step in a twelve step process.