EDITORIAL Lebanon Baily News AMedisNews Group newspaper 718 Poplar Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 DAVID L.. SMITH PAUL BAKER Pusher Managing Eton KAROL E, GRESS. MIKE GIVLER ‘ay Eine ‘Spons Ear PHYLLIS STEWART JEFF CLOUSER Friday March21, 2008 Time for answers We know what we are hearing from two of the three candidates for the 101st Pennayl- vania House Distriet. From challenger Russ Diamond, we are hearing accusations that petitions filed by incumbent Mauree Gin- grich contain falsified signatures. Most recently, we are hearing from Diamond that the signatures were falsified by Gingrich herself. One case regarding the signatures was dis- missed, but it is under appeal. The more recent allegations, regarding Gingrich’s sign- ing of names other than her own, was filed with the attorney general's office. There has- n't been enough time for any sort of action from that offic. We've heard from Gingrich that Diamond is acting in a manner that approaches libel; that he is engaging in political chicancry rather then dealing with the issues. We've heard that she believes tho whele thing should go away so the election could get on with itself, What we've not heard are specific answers to Diamond's specific charges. And these are specific charges that Diamond has leveled. ‘There is no need for Gingrich to answer vague questions about campaign malfea- sanee. But there is a need to answer the direct questions that Diamond has raised, and that hasn't been done Diamond has denied that his moves are “a campaign ploy.” Of course they are. It’s a political cam- paign. But Gingrich is wrong regarding the idea that Diamond is not focusing on election issues. There is an issue of trust here, one that any elected representative must possess. from the people who are doing the voting. Absent that trust, how can any representa- tive truly do his or her job? How can any representative keep his or her job? Diamond has raised questions about the underpinning of Gingrich’s re-election cam- paign. There are individuals who were will- ing to go on record in court to say that their names were improperly placed on nominat-ng petitions for Gingrich. ‘They may stall get their day in court. Gingrich should not continue to attempt to deflect the specific allegations brought by Diamond, Passing them off as campaign ploys is not enough. The questions raised are specific and pointed enough to warrant and allow for specific and pointed answers from our sitting representative in the 101st District. We're waiting for those answers.