LJWorld.com / Ryun's camp says Jenkins' use of 'babe' was childish

Archive for Thursday, July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008

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U.S. House of Representatives (2nd District) primary

Topeka — In what may be a first in Kansas political history, one candidate publicly called another "babe."

It happened Tuesday in the televised debate between Lynn Jenkins and Jim Ryun, who are seeking the Republican Party nomination to face U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes west Lawrence.

Jenkins said part of the reason she voted for a tax increase while a legislator was because state lawmakers had to pay for federal mandates from Congress, in which Ryun served at the time.

"We were at your mercy, babe," she said to Ryun.

A couple of bloggers wrote that if Ryun had said "babe" to Jenkins, he would've been labeled a sexist.

Ryun's campaign manager Kyle Robertson described Jenkins' use of the term as "childish behavior."

Pat Leopold, managing Jenkins' campaign, said Jenkins uses "babe" frequently when talking to her friends, and that it was just an innocent slip.

Discussion

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24 July 2008
at 1:55 a.m.

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dontcallmedan (Anonymous) says…

Make that Ryun out loud!
24 July 2008
at 2:07 a.m.

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KSA_21_3503 (Anonymous) says…

Jim Ryun is a moron.
24 July 2008
at 5:59 a.m.

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fraublucher (Anonymous) says…

He got off lucky. I would have used the “C” word.
24 July 2008
at 6:16 a.m.

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nugget (Anonymous) says…

This campaign of Jim Ryun brought to you by the oil and gas industry of Texas, where his largest donors reside. Get a clue, Kansas, in case anyone was still looking for one for this sad story. Ryun is morally bankrupt and running for his old job because he misses the financial perks.
24 July 2008
at 6:32 a.m.

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kujayhawk7476 (Anonymous) says…

Jim Ryun is soooo over. His brand of right wing wacko politics dosn't play well in Kansas or anywhere else sane people reside. He got beat 2 years ago. Why would we recycle an old, tired, part of the Washington establishment candidate?
24 July 2008
at 6:59 a.m.

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gr (Anonymous) says…

So, would the above posters and Jenkins be of the mindset,
'It's ok for me to do, but not ok if someone else does it to me'?
24 July 2008
at 7:05 a.m.

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TopJayhawk (Anonymous) says…

As a conservative, I think Ryun was a bad joke.. Yes, we are sooo over him too. I hesitate to say his “politics” were right wing wacko. I think that is giving him too much credit. He was a do nothing rubber stamp, who doesn't have the brain for original thought. I will either vote for Lynn Jenkins if she beats him in the primary, or for Boyda again. I think she has done a credible job. But while we are on do nothing politicians, lets not forget our other Jimbo, Mr Slattery. How he can say the things he is saying without blushing. Two peas in a pod.
24 July 2008
at 7:24 a.m.

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dagoogle490 (Anonymous) says…

poor jim…gettin whipped up on by a woman.

yeah, if i had a debate with him, babe wouldn't be my choice.

jim ryun is THE village idiot.
24 July 2008
at 7:26 a.m.

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conservative88 (Anonymous) says…

See the probelm is nobody likes Jim Ryun…..
24 July 2008
at 7:30 a.m.

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jasonc_22 (Anonymous) says…

Just that much more evidence Nancy Boyda's going to get re-elected in November.
24 July 2008
at 8:07 a.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

so Jenkins vs. Boyda? it'll be a regular election babefest.
24 July 2008
at 8:14 a.m.

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Phogfan86 (Anonymous) says…

It probably was childish, but Ryun looks like a wimp for complaining about it.
24 July 2008
at 8:15 a.m.

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hobart (Anonymous) says…

Why didn't Rothchild write about the fact that Ryun lied about his amnesty votes and his gas tax vote. That would be real reporting instead of this “childish” crap he wrote. There is a story there but the media is too lazy to cover it.
24 July 2008
at 8:26 a.m.

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monkfellow (Anonymous) says…

A couple of bloggers wrote that if Ryun had said “babe” to Jenkins, he would've been labeled a sexist.—
Lynne Jenkins is many things..”babe” is not one of them.
24 July 2008
at 8:31 a.m.

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lawrencemom (Anonymous) says…

And the point she was making is absolutely correct.
24 July 2008
at 8:32 a.m.

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deskboy04 (Anonymous) says…

Jim Ryun had his time in Congress.
24 July 2008
at 8:33 a.m.

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duplenty (Anonymous) says…

If this is what he's got, it's over.
24 July 2008
at 9:07 a.m.

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TheSychophant (Anonymous) says…

Top, while I am far from being “conservative,” I truly appreciate the intellectually honest conservatives such as yourself who understand what true conservative philosophy is. Like you, I can't stand either Ryun or Slattery. Jenkins or Boyda—either one is okay in my book.
24 July 2008
at 9:13 a.m.

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BrianR (Anonymous) says…

No, Jim, whining about it is childish.
24 July 2008
at 9:15 a.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

A couple of bloggers wrote that if Ryun had said “babe” to Jenkins, he would've been labeled a sexist.
–

uh, so this story is really about “a couple of bloggers?”

d—n, the power we have! be afraid, be very afraid!

***
i agree ryun wasn't very active in congress. I do know that in person he is a very nice fellow. if its boyda vs ryun, I'd vote ryun, he didn't protest our invasion of *afghanistan* after 9-11! he didn't storm out disrespecting the generals who were reporting *good news* from iraq!
24 July 2008
at 9:20 a.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

now as to “babe,” when applied to a female, it is usually intended as a compliment.” “she's a babe.” etc.

***
vote for jim slatternly, and you are voting to continue the 9% approval congress of reid and pelosi. no, if that's your choice, just go to the lake on election day!
24 July 2008
at 9:30 a.m.

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dandelion (Anonymous) says…

He is trying to distract people from the point she made about how the federal government is making all these federal mandates, like NCLB, then not funding them. It's the states who have to pay for all the assessments that kids take. They aren't cheap. States should not be required to follow any mandate from the feds, until they receive the money from the feds. Come on Jimmy babe, try and discuss this issue.
24 July 2008
at 9:31 a.m.

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trinity (Anonymous) says…

is she related to gloria squitiro? just wonderin'…
24 July 2008
at 9:40 a.m.

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beatrice (Anonymous) says…

It all depends on context. One size does not fit all in such an issue.

And don't worry bearded, once we have the fall election and more Dems are voted into Congress who will help push through Obama's agenda, then we will finally see the approval ratings rise.

Remember, only one seat separates the Dems from the Reps in Congress (and that one seat belongs to the Independent Democrat Lieberman, who is acting more Republican day after day). So, with just one seat separating them, that means the Reps are responsible for at least 49 percent of that low approval rating. Hardly something to be proud of.
24 July 2008
at 9:48 a.m.

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napoleon969 (Anonymous) says…

Jim Ryan had 10 years to accomplish something in D.C. and chose to follow the party line rather than represent his constituents. He's old news and would just provide more of the same if he's given another chance. Run, Jim, run. Run as far away from politics as you can.
24 July 2008
at 10:12 a.m.

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50YearResident (Anonymous) says…

In Ryun's case it may have been appropriate. She could have said { You big baby, you were voted out, what are you doing back? }
24 July 2008
at 10:45 a.m.

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consumer1 (Anonymous) says…

Okay instead lets elect someone who used condescending language, and is a sexist who has two sets of standards one for everyone else and one for herself.
24 July 2008
at 10:54 a.m.

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hobart (Anonymous) says…

How is calling a man babe sexist, especially when it appears to be the way she talks. I am sure Ryun has called her something far worse out of the public eye. I frankly am tired of zombie politicians that are afraid to speak because they might say something wrong. We need more more pols with some personality like Boyda and Jenkins, folks that say what's on their mind.
24 July 2008
at 11:35 a.m.

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bennyoates (Anonymous) says…

beatrice, I like the way you think and the way you post. Your presence on these boards is so welcome.

Regarding the childishness of the comment, it probably is inappropriate. Dim Ryun discredits himself without help from anyone. But it's interesting to see a Republican fighting dirty with a fellow Republican. That's a violation of Ronald Reagan's “11th Commandment” ( thought only God handed down commandments…), Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.” Usually the GOP saves their insults only for Democrats. If Ryun and Jenkins want to tear each other apart, who am I to intervene?
24 July 2008
at 11:35 a.m.

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dweezil222 (Anonymous) says…

kujayhawk7476 (Anonymous) says:

Jim Ryun is soooo over. His brand of right wing wacko politics dosn't play well in Kansas or anywhere else sane people reside. He got beat 2 years ago. Why would we recycle an old, tired, part of the Washington establishment candidate?

================

Obviously, his brand of “right wing wacko politics” plays well for some. Todd Tiahrt is still in office, after all.
24 July 2008
at 11:45 a.m.

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billbodiggens (Anonymous) says…

Oh get over it (!!!) whoever is offended. Just get over it!!! Those offended by every little word or phrase in a political campaign remind me of Olive Oyl's father, Castor Oyl, who was offended and demanded an apology for nearly every thing ever said. “You owe me an apology!” You have turned yourself into a cartoon with the joke line running thin. It's enough to make you sick once you get past laughing at those who are oh so badly offended by nearly everything under the sun. Get a life!!
24 July 2008
at 11:59 a.m.

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beatrice (Anonymous) says…

Was Olive's father's name really Castor? Babe, that is funny.
24 July 2008
at 12:51 p.m.

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dotteboy (Anonymous) says…

I'm surprised he didn't start crying again.
Poor Jim, getting beat and picked on by the girls.
What a whimp.
And the republicans say Democrats have sissified politics.
24 July 2008
at 1:10 p.m.

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merrill (Anonymous) says…

If Jim Ryun despises big government and tax dollars why can't we get rid of him? You'd think he would make a statement and work for himself?
24 July 2008
at 1:45 p.m.

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BigDog (Anonymous) says…

For God's sake Jim ….. in a debate for a job in Congress and you don't respond about differences on issues …. instead you are worried about something this small.

Pull up your big girl panties and move on.
24 July 2008
at 1:50 p.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

Oh, heck… She'd probably just been listening to some Bob Dylan on her way to the debate. If I were stuck trying to reason with that putz Ryun, “babe” would be much kinder than anything I'd be tempted to call him.
24 July 2008
at 2:38 p.m.

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janeyb (Anonymous) says…

Do you think Lynn will call Nancy a Babe?

Saw some old pictures of Ryun. That haircut didn't make him a babe even in the 60's. Poor dude is having to travel around the country hosting Jim Ryun Running Camps.—no wonder he wants back into Congress.
24 July 2008
at 3:08 p.m.

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magnus (Anonymous) says…

Not when it's Babe Ruth!
24 July 2008
at 3:35 p.m.

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cato_the_elder (Anonymous) says…

I saw their discussion in real time, heard the reference to “babe,” actually thought it was pretty cool and wound up wishing that she had said it to me.
24 July 2008
at 5:14 p.m.

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Kontum1972 (Anonymous) says…

i wonder why he doesn't try to bolster the US Olympic Committee or secure a position with them since he is a former gold medalist. I think i would prefer that kind of position over a political one….and it beats sponsoring running camps. I think he was on the armed services committee with Roberts, gee wasnt Jim a CO during the war in Nam?
24 July 2008
at 6:48 p.m.

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Quigly (Anonymous) says…

wahhhh mommmyyyy!!! she called me a nammmeee!!!! wow, whi is acting childish? don't make me start speaking in tongues and bring the wrath of eeedabadooopaappaaa on you people.
24 July 2008
at 7:13 p.m.

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beobachter (Anonymous) says…

poor baby, nasty old girls picking on him.simply proves he's as big an idiot as most voters in last election thought. As I've said many times. he peaked with world mild record, totally downhill since then.
24 July 2008
at 8:38 p.m.

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WHY (Anonymous) says…

Are you telling me that running the mile really fast does not make you a great political leader? I say we give him more time to run in circles by not electing him.
24 July 2008
at 9:53 p.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

as I wrote above, the article primarily seems to be focused on “a couple of [anonymous] bloggers.”

then, Ryun's campaign manager did say something dumb.

most of this article seems powered by “a couple of bloggers.” most of the comments seem powered by: hate republicans; hate jim ryun.

I do have to say, BigDog, I did like your comment [lol]. that was good.

I did wonder as I read this, did *anything* come from ryun himself? he's so soft spoken anyway.

***
beatrice,
I'll bet you wish somebody would call you “a babe.”

and, you're engaging in fantasy again. nearly half of americans polled felt that Barry h. o'bama's trip to afghanistan iraq and europe was purely for campaign, not for fact-finding. and, polls indicate that nationally obama has actually sunk slightly since he started his traitorous trip.

so, please continue your fantasy, if it makes you happy Bea.
24 July 2008
at 10:06 p.m.

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Godot (Anonymous) says…

In context, Jenkins' use of “babe” was code for “you a**h#le.”
24 July 2008
at 10:24 p.m.

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allateup (Anonymous) says…

Just noting that the LJWorld changed the headline…..interesting very interesting…..before it was Ryun and now it is Ryun's Camp
24 July 2008
at 10:28 p.m.

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KsTwister (Anonymous) says…

Republicans are so shallow they debate the “little things” and never do anything but. Jim you sat solidly on your laurels when we needed you to act. It's too late …BABY.
24 July 2008
at 11:32 p.m.

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notnowdear (Anonymous) says…

I myself would N E V E R! call Ryun a “babe”, for he is not endowed with good looks. He is relatively ugly.
24 July 2008
at 11:33 p.m.

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notnowdear (Anonymous) says…

I would have called Ryun the term that best describes an illegitimate child.
24 July 2008
at 11:55 p.m.

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KEITHMILES05 (Anonymous) says…

Instead of talking about “babe” perhaps, just pehaps discussing the issues would be helpful.
25 July 2008
at 5:41 a.m.

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cato_the_elder (Anonymous) says…

Keith, they did discuss the issues, and in quite a civil fashion. As I pointed out earlier, I saw this in real time. Her “babe” comment was harmless, and was actually refreshing in a curious sort of way - although the double standard as to what biased reporters like Rothschild would do to any Republican male candidate at any level calling any female opponent “babe” would be something to behold.
25 July 2008
at 6:31 a.m.

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Fort_Aubrey (Anonymous) says…

Cato… I am tending to agree with you this time.

This one falls into the realm of “manufactured news through nuance”

In my view Rothchild does a good job of reporting. But the editorial judgment of focusing on this picayune aspect of that debate is just juvenile. In my view the blame is an editorial one, not reportorial.

I know that it is a continuing challenge for newspapers to write about politics in a manner which will actually be read, but this was too flippant.