AP Fires Two Employees Over Incorrect Terry McAullife Story

Earlier this month, the Associated Press erroneously reported that Virginia Democratic nominee for Governor Terry McAuliffe was under investigation for lying to federal investigators. The story was retracted less than two hours later when it turned out it was a different Terry McAuliffe.

Now the AP has fired two employees over the error.

According to sources, [Reporter Bob] Lewis has since been fired. He could not be reached for comment.

The AP has also fired Dena Potter, a Richmond-based news editor for Virginia and West Virginia. When reached by phone, Potter directed inquiries to Paul Colford, the AP’s Director of Media Relations. Colford declined to comment on personnel matters.

Another editor is expected to be reprimanded over the incident, sources say.

These aren't some flunky stringers. Lewis is described as "the dean" of the Richmond, VA press corps.

I'm glad that reporters are being held to account for mistakes but would this have happened if the victim of the incorrect report was a Republican? Think of all the false stories Sarah Palin, George W. Bush and the rest have been subjected to over the years. How many reporters have been reprimanded let alone fired for all the garbage Republicans have been subjected to?

But a Democrat gets a little taste of what the GOP puts up with on a near daily basis and people are kicked to the curb?

Must be nice to be part of the protected class.

posted by DrewM. at 07:49 PM

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