INDIANA PARLEY

No, No. I don't mean whether journalists ought to be prohibited from voting, like felons. Although I suspect that is the view of one of my friends in government who remarked favorably on the news that White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan had cut down on the number of press vans in light of the energy crisis. Upon hearing it he said, "That's a good start."

No, I'm bringing up the subject because I thought it odd when someone in the media told me during the last week that he doesn't vote. Over the years, I've heard the same thing from other reporters. Most who don't vote have a self-imposed prohibition against voting in a primary or registering as anything other than an independent in those states which allow registration by party. They will, however, vote in a general election. Others just don't vote at all.

There are some who probably don't vote for the same reason most Americans don't vote. That is, of course, no good reason. But other reporters wear the acknowledgement like a badge of virtue.

This has been discussed at conferences and in journals covering journalism.

I would like to know what you think. My own opinion? I don't consider non-voting a virtue.

And, after all, some in the news media go on to run for office. Notable reporters who did so include Winston Churchill, Jack Kennedy and Al Gore. And before someone brings up the point I will acknowledge that all three gentlemen came from privileged backgrounds. More numerous are the editors and publishers like Horace Greeley, Frank Knox, James Cox, and a fellow from around these parts named Quayle.

And, of course, some have done it more successfully than others. Locally, WKJG anchor Jack Gray lost a race for Sheriff in the '60's. WANE-TV's Mike Barnard lost a race for Congress. But there have been exceptions, too. The News-Sentinel's John Ankenbruck served on the Allen County Council while working as an editorial writer for the paper. Margaret Ankenbruck unsuccessfuly ran for office before she wrote editorials for the News-Sentinel and she successfully ran after she had been an editorial writer. (Maybe winning just has something to do with the name Ankenbruck. Both candidates have credited the old Ankenbruck Funeral Home with part of their electoral success.)

Of course,a candidate running while employed in a news medium position would be verboten today. I imagine a leave might suffice but I suspect most managers would require the reporter to resign.

But is even the simple act of voting too tainted? Virtue or not? Have at it. Post your comments.