If Rex Elsass is Sorry, then Why Is His Lawyer Saying Using Clients’ Video Against Them is “Commonplace”?
From Gongwer:
Scott Pullins, an attorney representing both Mr. Elsass and Rep. Latta, said Sen. Buehrer could have bought the footage from the production company but chose not to. As such, the Strategy Group saw fit to use the clips it owns for the Latta spot, he said.
“There’s nothing legally or ethically wrong with using footage,” Mr. Pullins said, describing the practice as “commonplace” in the industry.
The Latta campaign could have obtained camcorder footage or other pictures that made the opposing candidate look worse, he added.
“It was good footage of him,” Mr. Pullins said in dismissing suggestions that the clips were over the top in portraying Sen. Buehrer in a negative light. “It wasn’t footage of him in a restroom taking a leak.”
Mr. Pullins said The Strategy Group has not seen a backlash from the spot, noting Mr. Elsass now has clients in 25 states. “He’s got a national reputation. He tends to get these complaints from folks when he’s been successful against them,” Mr. Pullins said.
This came out on Friday, so it would have changed the tone of Joe Hallett’s Sunday column if he would have included quotes of Bob Latta’s and Rex Elsass’ arrogant attorney.
But it’s nice to know that Rex draws the line at showing film of former clients going #1 or #2.
That would have required Hallett to do some original thought/work (i.e. journalism).