The Public Editor at The New York Times Will Be Busy.

Leapin’ Lizards Alert:

The New York Times opinion page features a piece by former Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) explaining the imperative of frequent and open contact between public officials and the people they serve.  True, but The Times could have found a better messenger in these fraught days.  Kanjorski’s bid for reason and courage is taking a pounding with the spotlight shining on his brutal comments about Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Last October, Kanjorski, in a losing fight for re-election, told The Scranton Times-Tribune:

“That Scott down there that’s running for governor of Florida,” Mr. Kanjorski said. “Instead of running for governor of Florida, they ought to have him and shoot him. Put him against the wall and shoot him. He stole billions of dollars from the United States government and he’s running for governor of Florida. He’s a millionaire and a billionaire. He’s no hero. He’s a damn crook. It’s just we don’t prosecute big crooks.” (Emphasis added)

Kanjorski lost his bid for a 14th term in Congress last November.