What you had to say about the primary debacle

I took a few vacation days last week. So you know what that means: It's mailbag time!

Today's mailbag will deal with the response to my recent column about the bungled Marion County primary. The primary, by the way, will from this point forward be known as The Worst Election Ever Not Run By the Governments of Either Florida or Cuba.
Let's get started.
Michael H.: Regarding your May 9 column about (county Clerk) Beth White and the election mess. You were dead-on! This column is an example of what journalism should be: a fair and accurate report that can help people see the truth and take action.
Tully: Let me start by saying I know my job as a political columnist requires me to take a critical look at things. But I'm sorry, I just can't find anything in this e-mail to criticize.
Dana K.: Next time you write a column please try, as a reporter, to be a little more biased, hmmm? This column of yours is a disgrace. . . . Are you a journalist or a Bill O'Reilly?
Tully: I take a fair amount of criticism in this job. I've been called a jerk, a wimp, a no-talent and a blowhard. And that's just by my editors! But comparing me to Bill O'Reilly? Dana, come on, that's just mean.
George W.: We have too many elected officials. Recorder, auditor, surveyor, coroner are all jobs that should be appointed (in) Indiana, not elected.
Tully: Hear! Hear! And as I have said before, the one and only thing I would give this columnist gig up for is to be Marion County coroner. I have no training, no experience and no qualifications. That should make me a typical candidate for coroner in Indiana. If you're worried about my lack of experience, don't. I've seen about 526 episodes of "CSI: Miami."
Eddie: Matt, while you may have an opinion and throw rocks at someone trying to do (a) job for the first time, you might lighten up a little and give the new clerk some room.
Tully: Sure, why worry about a little thing like voter disenfranchisement, or an election that's as tainted as a Barry Bonds home-run record?
Andy D.: As an inspector in Hamilton County, I appreciate the hard work the Election Board does to prepare for elections. The board has been in communication with me for over a month! I've been to the courthouse three times in the last week to prepare for (primary day). How could Marion County not know who their poll workers were?
Tully: Hey, lighten up and stop throwing stones! The last thing we need here in Marion County is advice on how to run our government. I mean, sure, you folks in Hamilton County have low crime rates and rising home values and solid tax bases and meticulous streets and . . . hmm? Come to think of it, you might have a point. Hey, Andy, what are you doing Nov. 6? Any interest in coming down to Marion County for a day to run our fall elections?
Brody M.: Why were so many inspectors absent?
Tully: I can't be sure. But word on the street is that they thought they were inspecting the "American Idol" election, not the county primaries.