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For immediate release.
Jun. 8, 2001
Contact: Jesse Rutledge, N.C. Center for Voter Education, 877-258-6837 (toll free)

Center for Voter Education to Produce, Distribute 'Follow the Money' Newspaper Column

RALEIGH - The North Carolina Center for Voter Education announced today that it will begin distribution of a new syndicated column on campaign finance reform, “Follow the Money.” A new column will appear once every two weeks and will be available free of charge to all print outlets in North Carolina. The column is intended to show how money in politics touches the lives of every citizen in North Carolina.

Writing the column is J. Barlow Herget, a Raleigh businessman who has been an award-winning journalist and elected official himself. He brings to the subject a unique outlook of someone who has been on both sides of the political campaign door. He has reported on politics and politicians and he has been on the inside of campaigns including three of his own. Herget, who was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1970 and who has extensive experience as an editorial writer, knows first-hand the vital duty of today’s media to provide key information to all citizens.

“Most North Carolinians feel there is too much money in politics,” said Chris Heagarty, the director of the Center for Voter Education. “The “Follow the Money” column will help everyone connect-the-dots of money in politics.”

Readers can expect to learn about the impact of today’s current campaign financing on such broad policies as national and state energy legislation, as well as topical, specific issues such as a state lottery. The columns will be written in crisp, informative and readable language.

To join the distribution list for the column, which is being provided as a free public service, newspaper editors should contact Jesse Rutledge at the North Carolina Center for Voter Education at 877-258-6837.

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