SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - I am now officially off the legislature's Christmas list.
Recently, I did a story about new political boundaries which seem to split homes in half.
Man, did that not sit well with lawmakers.
After the story aired, the senate posted a strong rebuttal on its website.
This made us wonder; what mean things might the lawmakers be saying in private?
Well, I put in a GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act) request and got a hold of their emails about my story.
It’s a rare glimpse into the thinking of the legislature.
“Chris Vanocur's ridiculous report."
This is what one Capitol Hill official wrote about my boundary story.
The email also said his "report seemed to ignore...the facts."
Another one says simply says – “seems like another cheap shot."
All these negative capitol comments (and more) just because we ran a story about political boundaries - boundaries which appear to run through the homes of some Utahns.
At the time, we actually thought it was kind of a funny story.
But, apparently, Lt. Governor Greg Bell was not amused.
His email says this about the media,
"They keep think{ing} that they're finding Watergate."
Watergate, of course, refers to the Washington Post reporters who followed a paper trail which ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation.
And following the state senate's paper trail, we found government emails sent to all Republican senators, the lt. governor and even the governor's office - all about our story, and not altogether complimentary.
What these emails, perhaps show is some thin skin about redistricting and a fondness for conspiracy theories.
The documents refer to Democratic leaders Jim Dabakis and Representative Brian King.
They do so in a way suggesting the boundary story was all part of a vast, left-wing conspiracy.
Now, for these unflattering emails, I was given an $80 bill for copying and research.
The senate is trying to charge me that price because it says this story isn't in the public's interest.
Now, on our website - abc4.com - we have a poll: should ABC 4 pay 80 dollars for public records?
Please vote if you get a chance.
Also, we also want to hear your comments on our ABC 4 Facebook page.
I may use some of them on the air Wednesday.
Follow Chris Vanocur on Twitter: @cvan4
