Dawson Email Irks Some Republicans
An email from former SCGOP Chairman Katon Dawson is rubbing some Republican activists the wrong way – starting with the fact that it was sent in the place.
Dawson blasted out an email Friday morning from his newly-formed public affairs firm urging S.C. Republicans to purchase a book written in memory of Austin Whetsell, the son of prominent Palmetto political consultant Walter Whetsell.
Austin died tragically on a church mission trip to Mexico two years ago.
The email directed recipients to two websites (here and here) where they could order the book.
“As we all begin to prepare our gift-giving plans for the holidays, I thought it might be appropriate to send you these two links,” Dawson wrote.
Several Republicans who received Dawson’s unsolicited email found it decidedly inappropriate, however.
“Using someone else’s family tragedy for self promotion should be illegal,” said one Republican who received Dawson’s missive. “I feel horrible for what happened to Walter and his family, my heart goes out to them, but that tragedy is certainly no excuse for Dawson to engage in this feel-good tour for his private firm.”
Numerous other Republicans expressed concern as to how Dawson had obtained their email addresses.
“The only link between my personal email address and Katon Dawson is the SCGOP list,” said one Republican. “How else would the former chair of the SCGOP have my personal email on his private business mailing list?”
Another Republican who received the email said that they had “never signed up for Katon Dawson’s emails nor given him permission to contact (them).”
When questioned about the email, a spokesman for the S.C. Republican Party had no immediate comment.
Obviously, if former GOP Chairmen are permitted to use the party’s email list at will, then that could have profound implications on the 2010 GOP gubernatorial race. After all, S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster – one of five GOP candidates – served previously as party chairman.
“We’re certainly concerned by the precedent this could create,” a GOP consultant for one of McMaster’s rival campaigns told FITS.
Oh well, we expect Dawson’s political mouthpiece (and McMaster’s mouthpiece) The Palmetto Scoop to offer a vigorous defense of the former Chairman any second now …
for his private
firm
Comments
By OhNoNotAgain on December 11th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
It has become a fact of life that anyone who gets on an e-mail list for any political campaign is going to end up on a different, bigger list.
If you signed up for Obama’s “big announcement” video or McCain’s stuff (I loved the announcement by him on letterman that was linked), you’re still getting stuff from it, regurgitated.
Not so much from the McCain folk.
But the Obama people have distributed their e-mail list around many Democratic circles in the state.
By Terry Sullivan on December 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Katon’s an idiot…
By Carl on December 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Katon is about one thing and one thing only….money.
He is always on the make.
By Sam Morton on December 11th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I am the author of the book in question. I approached Katon last summer asking him to send this email so anyone’s anger should be directed toward me. I wrote the book with the permission of Austin’s family. I apologize to anyone who was offended by the solicitation that was done on my behalf.
By Prancer on December 11th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I don’t understand how this is a promotion for Katon…the links send people to Amazon and Mr. Morton’s website. Any proceeds will go to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund that supports Missions in Mexico. Geez, Haters!
If Katon has obtained emails while tenure as Chairman of the GOP, more power to him! He essentially served in a position that DOES NOT PAY for 8 years…let the man send a few emails out for goodness sake! It is NO worse than what’s happening/not happening at the GOP now with Karen Floyed!
Where is the Christmas Spirit?
By Ynot on December 11th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
jerk
By Todd on December 11th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
It was just fine for Katon to send out that email. Get over it. Sam Morton is a fine fellow – or was a few years ago when I knew him. I look forward to getting a copy of the book. Now, Katon. About your support for McDuffus for Governor. That’s pathetic.
By Bin There on December 11th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Will – you are so jelous of Katon. Kinda sad you are so threatened by him. Grow up you libertarian.
By Calhoun Fawls on December 12th, 2009 at 5:47 am
If the proceeds go to charity, I don’t see the big deal. Seems like an inside baseball spat.
By Irked on December 12th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Here’s the real question: If Katon gets his list from SCGOP, and you unsubscribe from Katon’s list, and he gets updates from SCGOP, will you be on his list again? Katon Dawson needs to learn email etiquette.
By B Simpson on December 16th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I’ve known Sam Morton for over 20 years. If he says he did not intend to offend anyone he means it. As for Mr. Katon, Get over it. This state is going to hell in a handbasket because the GOP has no clue who they are and this controversary just proves it. What happened to their compassion and caring. This controversery just proves the Democrats points when they make up stuff about Republicans. It’s like the State Republicans read what Dems say and then seek to prove them right. Way to go Sam. I will be buying a book.
By WorkingTommyC on December 17th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Katon Dawson is about worthless, but then I do flatter him with that assertion.
Anyone who can support the status quo neo-cons like Lindsey Gaham or good ol’ boy candidates like McMastah are not interested in improving this state or country at all.
Thankfully, the SCGOP Country Club is being integrated and the likes of me are leaving muddy footprints on the carpet and whacking moles on the golf course.
By Tom Poland on December 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
You won’t find a more selfless person than Sam Morton, so those of you who are “so offended” should shut your self-serving political mouths. My friends and I believe that ALL so-called political leaders should be voted out and your whining over this non-issue only serves to prove that we are correct. Get a life and worry about something that makes a damn.
By Becky McCormack on January 7th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I’ve known Sammy Morton since I was 8 years old and you will not find another human being with as a big a heart as he has. So you were offended by this email you recieved, outraged even? What a sad life you must lead carrying that huge chip on your shoulder. I bet puppies and Girls Scouts offend you too. Did you read the email? This man is donating ALL the proceeds from his book to Austin’s memorial fund. How does that offend you?? You’re acting like Katon sent you the email for personal gain and you’re taking the opportunity to bash him for it. So much for trying to do a good deed. You should be ashamed of yourself.