John Dingell accused of redesigning campaign website to copy Republican opponent
U.S. Congressman John Dingell, D-Dearborn, has revamped his campaign website, changing up the layout, color scheme and site features.
It's a move his campaign manager calls an attempt to better communicate with constituents and improve social media functions.
Screenshots of John Dingell's new website and Rob Steele's website show similarities between the two.
"Congressman Dingell is always looking for ways to utilize technology to communicate with voters," said Dingell's campaign manager, Jason Ellenburg. "The new site puts an emphasis on some of the social media tools that the Congressman uses, like Facebook and Twitter."
But it turns out the long-time lawmaker's new site looks a lot like the campaign website for Rob Steele, an Ann Arbor-area cardiologist and Dingell's Republican opponent in the Nov. 2 election.
An anonymous Republican political blogger who goes by the name "The blogprof" is calling out Dingell for the design change, suggesting the Congressman of 55 years is trying to copy Steele.
"Imitation, it seems, really is a form of flattery," the blogger writes, suggesting Dingell is afraid because "for the first time in over half a century, the official House fossil is in trouble for reelection."
Ellenburg said if Dingell's website looks anything like his opponent's, it's purely coincidence and not an attempt to copy Steele.
"I think it's pretty absurd and a weak attempt at getting attention," Ellenburg said of the allegations. "It goes to show that they really don't have anything to talk about. They sure don't want to talk about (Steele's) policy, because frankly that would scare voters away — policies like outsourcing jobs and privatizing Social Security."
Steele recently appeared on the Sean Hannity show on Fox News to talk about his campaign to oust Dingell. Watch below.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Joe
Mon, Sep 13, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.
I guess now the only difference between their websites is that Dingell actually explains his stance on major issues.
Kevin Shopshire
Sun, Sep 12, 2010 : 8:30 a.m.
I have no idea how voters can be confused by similar web sites. Now, you could make that case if the yard sings were similar, but Congressman Dingell has had the distinctive red Team Dingell signs for years. Now, if you want to see real deception, check out Mr. Steeles Facebook page where he calls his volunteers Steelworkers in an attempt to make people think he has labor support. The fact is Congressman Dingell has the endorsement of the United Steelworkers. So, when can I see Ann Arbor.com cover that real deception? http://liberalmedianot.blogspot.com/2010/09/dingell-endorsed-by-real-steelworkers.html
Speechless
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.
The current Steele and Dingell web sites both look quite generic and basic in their layout. Maybe they each downloaded template files from a popular online source called something like cookie-cutter-site-designs-dot-com. Since both sites, for some reason, rely on a mostly red, white & blue color scheme, the choice of darker blue variations for the primary background color makes sense. A reliance on a flag-like red might make the web pages look overly bright and 'loud' for reading purposes (sunglasses required).
Jafo04
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 9:46 a.m.
Maybe I missed it..... but where in the article does it say that Rob Steele is the one who is complaining that Dingell had his web site copied. I do find it hard to believe that Dingell had anything to do with the layout and design of the Web site other than to have his staff update the site and then maybe give it a rubber stamp. I do think its time for Dingell to go, and I would like to see that term limits are imposed on for political positions but thats a different debate.
Michael
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.
Seriously!! This is all Steele has to talk about is if his opponent is using red, white, and blue colors with the stars and stripes as his design??? I do not know of any politician that does not incorporate this design into their campaign material. But then again when your campaign is based on smoke and mirrors instead of explaining his position on ANY issue, should we really be surprised?
Diagenes
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
Beside changing Dingell's website, Ellenburg should change the old tired criticism of GOP candidates, that they want to privatize Social Security and outsource jobs. Unlike most Democrats, most Rrepublicans have jobs and want everyone else to have one too. Dingell wants everyone dependant on government for their health care, their retirement income, and to be told what kind of car to drive and what kind of light bulb we can buy. For over 55 years Dingell has been trying to turn the country from the "land of the free" to the "home of the dependant". Lets hope for some change in November.
dextermom
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:59 a.m.
This is "news"? This is the best "reporting" about this election that A2.com can come with? Whether true or not, is this what I should use to help me decide who is the best candidate? Even if I don't agree with David Frye's politics, I do agree that I can't see continuing my subscription serves any good purpose. Even at it's worst, the A2 News was never this stupid and useless, this much like the "Enquirer".
David Frye
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
If A2News is planning to endorse Steele or Snyder or any of the other GOP jokes who are running against the interests of the people of Ann Arbor, I wish they would go ahead and announce it instead of posting these ridiculous puff pieces. The News offers fewer and fewer reasons each week to keep paying their subscription. The second you endorse any of the Republicans this fall, I'm canceling, and I hope all my fellow Ann Arborites (the great majority) who disagree with your editorial decisions do the same. Enough is enough.
Howard
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 8:06 p.m.
I have never seen a major political campaign change its logo 50 days before election day! It's highly illogical. Rep. Dingell, who ultimately made this decision, must be feeling the need to make changes. Why? Could it be political pressures? Dr. Steele has a chance in this one folks, and the Dingell camp is feeling it.
David Cahill
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 7:57 p.m.
I don't understand the criticism. Steele, Dingell-before, and Dingell-after, all look like standard designs. If this is all Steele has to say, he'll wind up as just another grease spot in the political road.
Kevin Shopshire
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 7:27 p.m.
Can Streeles ego get any larger, or can he be any more childish? Mom, hes copying me. Take at look at almost any political web site, and they look very similar. Virg Berneros looks very similar. This is just a guy trying to extend his 15 minutes of fame, and after November Steele can go back to practice his bedside manner. The so-called blogprof is a Republican blogger who does not allow any dissent in his blog, unlike mine. http://liberalmedianot.blogspot.com/2010/09/teabagger-candidate-cries-hes-copying.html
Bablat
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 7:10 p.m.
Haven't we have enough of this fossil? Why would anyone vote for him? Even the Democrats stripped him of his Chairmanship. He should retire in peace.
rockinmdmama
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 6:47 p.m.
Dingell changed his logo so the color and direction of the star and stripe face the same way as Steele. Dingell's name is in a "steel-like" font like Steele's. Dingell's "contribute" button is identical to Steele's. Dingell added a "Republicans for Dingell" coalition to copy Steele's "Democrats for Steele". Dingell's blue color is nearly identical to Steele. Dingell has a million dollars in his war chest, he could hire any D.C. swank elite firm he wants...and he chose to hire a company, obviously with the instruction to copy Steele. Pathetic and funny and really really creepy weird.
Steve Pierce
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.
Hey Ryan, The blue in both websites looks a lot like AnnArbor.com's own blue header. So did they both rip off A2.com design or was it the other way around. In the spirit of a little journalistic fairness, how about posting up a similar video of say Dingell on Jon Stewart. - Steve
maallen
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 6:15 p.m.
If you looked at the before Dingell's website was altered and after it was altered, you can definitely see how Dingell is mimicking Rob Steele's website. However with that said, I went to the "theblogprof" website and I am trying to see where AnnArbor.com came up with "a republican political blogger." Time for Dingell to go.
1bigbud
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.
And one of AA news crack Ace reporters got paid for this Sooner or later they (aan) will wake up You know this is HEADLINE News from AAN But i still took the time to read it
Bob Martel
Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.
I don't see the point of this supposed Republican blogger. Is it the blue color? That's pretty typical for a politician's web site. Is it putting the name at the top? Duh? Is it the candidate's picture? Ahem.... Really, I usually don't criticize AnnArbor.com for it's selection of articles, but really, where is the NEWS story here?