Drug test passed, Esch to sign pledge

[Omaha Steve]

Published Tuesday | April 29, 2008
Drug test passed, Esch to sign pledge
BY TIM ELFRINK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

That was the result, made public Monday, of a test Esch took after his opponent in the 2nd District Democratic congressional primary challenged him to prove that both are drug-free as they campaign for the U.S. House.

Richard Carter, 30, an Air Force veteran making his first political bid, said the tests would set a good example for children. Carter released his own drug-free test results last week.

Esch, 32, who unsuccessfully challenged Republican Rep. Lee Terry in 2006, said he was happy to take the test but feels Carter did a poor job of proposing the idea during their debate last week.

"I don't think his intention was to insinuate anything, but unfortunately, certainly that innuendo was out there. I had a lot of people say to me that they were upset about how he handled it," Esch said.

During their debate Wednesday, Carter asked Esch if he would agree to a drug test before taking office. Esch agreed.

After the debate, Carter handed Esch an already scheduled testing appointment for Thursday morning. Carter then criticized Esch for not making the appointment because of a scheduling conflict. Esch took a separate test later that afternoon.

FULL story at link.

[NEDem]

1. As far as I'm concerned

Esch now has the green light to use any means necessary to outright crush this kid. What Carter tried to pull by insinuating Esch used drugs is unforgivable and should be dealt with in a manner suitable for the saying "paybacks are a bitch."

[TheFarseer]

2. I thought it was just very amateurish

and a hookie attempt to look like a wholesome positive role-model. But what do I know, maybe he was trying to get a rumor started that Jim is on drugs or has been on drugs. I wish I knew. Esch is going to win anyway (and I base that on nothing :))