Will the Real Erin Jones Stand Up?

Update:  below the thread is the fundraising letter Jones wrote.

Also to note, she gave an interview with My Northwest's conservative host, Jason Ranz (but reported by Dyer Oxley.  She is now claiming its about race.  The Stranger said this in their previous endorsement of her:

Members of the (Stranger Election Control Board) were impressed by Jones’s powerful comments about being the mother of black children and her commitment to fighting for equity. We were also excited about the groundbreaking potential of her candidacy, since Jones, if elected, would be the first African-American woman to hold statewide office.

Jones said to My Northwest yesterday:

Oh yes, It’s definitely tokenism. I am the first black woman (who would be superintendent), and I don’t’ believe I deserve to be in the position because I am the first black woman. I have demonstrated over 25 years – I was the most innovative foreign language teacher, I was a champion of change at the White House, I’m a PTA educator of the year. I have demonstrated over 25 years that I am excellent at what I do — that I have a commitment to my students, especially those in the margins. I have closed gaps. I worked at the executive level at OSPI. I am the best candidate in this race, not because I am a black woman, but because I am qualified.

The Stranger said she was qualified and would fight for equity.  Jones was happy for their endorsement when they said that.  Now that they pulled the endorsement, their endorsement was tokenism.  Again, very confusing on the part of Jones.

 Stranger Reporter Sydney Brownstone has responded to Jones’ statements:

I made no assumptions about Jones’ religion. She was quoted fairly and accurately; her words and actions speak for themselves. So does the article I wrote.

I'll just go on record that I believe Jones' is getting bad advice on this whole thing.

End of update

I have covered many political races, helped with campaigns and chaired a campaign.  That doesn't make me any expert but I have talked to several of them during that work.  I have never seen anything like what is happened in the Erin Jones campaign.
As you may recall, she said several things - to two different groups - that called into question her understanding about LGBTQ issues.  The Stranger looked into it, gave her an opportunity to clarify and she didn't.  They then took the difficult step of rescinding their endorsement of her candidacy.  (Really, it's egg on their faces for not vetting her properly and I give them credit for doing it.)

She then writes a very lengthy explanation/mea culpa, taking full responsibility for what she said and saying she had learned from it.  Next, she amends that explanation based on other concerns about her work with a conservative Christian group, Young Life.  The Stranger, ever gracious, actually prints that explanation without comment.  (Try seeing The Times do that.  It would never happen.)

NOW, her campaign sent a fundraising letter that has a very different viewpoint.  From The Stranger (I believe this is partial and bold hers):

A recent article by a Seattle area weekly paper has called into question my commitment to ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community, which as you know, is absolutely ridiculous.

This was not award winning investigative journalism. Far from it. It was a poorly researched and anecdotal — even editorial — article that twisted several statements I've made over the course of this campaign into something that you, who know me, wouldn't even recognize.

Let me be clear: this was a concerted effort by our opponents to undermine me with progressive voters and supporters, and I need your help to set the record straight.

First, I don't think The Stranger did call into question her commitment to that community.  I think they called into question her understanding of issues for LGBTQ students.

And, she says what she did not say in her public statement - that her words were twisted.

Why, if that were truly how she felt, did she not say it from the start?  Why now and why only to people who she wants a donation from?

I have to wonder who "her opponents" are.  Is she saying  Chris Reykdal had anything to do with it?  How could he or anyone else even do that?  The Stranger listened to the guy they didn't endorse to undermine the person they did endorse?  What parallel universe did we miss?

This is not about any particular issue as far as her campaign goes. It's about the ability to express yourself clearly, to answer questions clearly and, if you misspoke, to own it.

I think the only person undermining her campaign is her. 

I'll say it again. I don't think she is showing the readiness to step into this important office.

Jones' donor letter:

Dear --,

A recent article by a Seattle area weekly paper has called into question my commitment to ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community, which as you know, is absolutely ridiculous.

This was not award winning investigative journalism. Far from it. It was a poorly researched and anecdotal -- even editorial -- article that twisted several statements I've made over the course of this campaign into something that you, who know me, wouldn't even recognize.

Let me be clear: this was a concerted effort by our opponents to undermine me with progressive voters and supporters, and I need your help to set the record straight.

As I'm sure you know, I have dedicated much of my life to ending discrimination and changing the way we talk about equality for everyone, from the LGBTQ communities, to communities of color, disability communities and all who at times feel as though they are "different" within our schools and within society at large. I have made my position clear in recent days and you can read my open letter on my website that is linked here.

I will work with community leaders across the state to develop a comprehensive set of expectations for inclusion in schools -- far beyond the current discussion about the use of bathrooms that correspond with your gender identity -- and post it on my website in the coming weeks.

But for now, I must ask you to dig deep, and contribute whatever you can to my campaign knowing that I am the candidate who will work the hardest and smartest at making schools a safe place for all students, faculty, and staff to grow and learn -- without fear of discrimination of any kind.

We must not allow these stealth attacks to derail our efforts to improve our public schools for the better. Today I need your help more than ever. Please make a contribution to help me spread my message far and wide across the state.

Thank you. Erin