Roy Houseman is challenging incumbent city councilman John Hendrickson in Missoula ward 2 in the 2009 municipal election.
On October 19, 2009, Roy Houseman sent the attached mailer to voters in ward 2. The mailer contains the following endorsement from Mayor John Engen: “The Missoula City Council should be comprised of leaders willing to offer solutions, work together and represent this great city as we meet the challenges of this remarkable place. Roy Houseman has demonstrated that brand of leadership. He listens and learns and acts to serve the best interests of his community. You can't ask for more and you shouldn't settle for less.”
As early as October 23, 2009, John Hendrickson began airing the attached radio ad, voiced by Gap West Broadcasting News Director Pete Deneault. The radio ad begins as follows: “Mayor John Engen says the Missoula City Council should be comprised of leaders willing to offer solutions, work together and represent this great city as we meet the challenges of this remarkable place. City councilor John Hendrickson fits these qualifications and has represented ward 2 with proven leadership and solution-oriented policymaking. John Hendrickson brings experience, accountability and responsibility to the City Council.”
The ad is scripted to suggest Mayor John Engen supports the campaign of John Hendrickson.
Mayor John Engen has endorsed Roy Houseman.
Therefore, Missoula County Democrats allege that John Hendrickson’s ad is deliberate deception, written and disseminated with the intent to mislead.