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Reporter fired over questions at Davis press conferenceBy CHRISTOPHER GANSCHOWA reporter for a Joliet radio station owned by Will county Coroner Robert Tezak, a close political ally of U.S. Rep. Jack Davis (R-Fourth), has been fired for questions directed at Davis last month.Donald Ayers, who worked for WJOL-AM for three years, was fired for what station Manager Ralph Sherman said was his impolite manner of questioning Davis during a press conference before an August 28 fund-raiser.The press conference was attended by 16 of Davis’ congressional colleagues, the “Cavalcade of Congress,” to aid Davis’s efforts in a reelection race with former state Sen. George Sangmeister of Mokena“He went to the extreme in his questioning, Sherman said of his former employee, who was fired September 2.Sherman, who served as master ofceremonies at the $125-a-plate dinner, said three people who attended the press conference complained to him afterwards that Ayers’ enquiries were “hostile” to Davis. They were especially perturbed about questions dealing with a Republican poll showing Davis, of New Lenox, and Sangmeister running close and a Sangmeister charge that the Calvacade of Congress appearance was a sign of a desperate campaign.Sherman said he was not pressured by anybody, including Davis and Tezak, into firing Ayers.“It was my decision, Sherman said.Ayers could not be reached for comment Friday.Tezak, the Will county coroner and a wealthy Joliet businessman, purchased the 1000-watt radio station last year despite opposition from Democratic and community groups who claimed he would use the stationfor political purposes. Tezak could not be reached for comment on the firing.Ted Cormaney, Davis’ administrative aide, said Ayers was biased against Davis.“He was practically writing press releases for Sangmeister before he was fired,” Cormaney said.Sangmeister said Ayers was an aggressive but fair reporter.“It’s a sad day when an individual or reporter can’t ask an incumbent congressman about his campaign, Sangmeister said. “If mundane questions like that are too hot for Davis, twhat’s he going to do when the cam- jpaign really heats up?” c
Newspaper Details
Homewood Star
Homewood, Illinois, US
Sun, Sep 11, 1988
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
AZ, USA 29 Jan 2020
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