Candidate criticized for risque robo-call

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Starkewolf’s sexy phone pitch
evokes angry response

Monday, October 27, 2008

Comment

By JILLIAN JONES
Register Staff Writer

Hear the call here

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3 p.m.About 100,000 voters from across California’s first congressional district received a startling phone message Sunday in which a female voice sighed seductively, “Mike Thompson’s been a bad boy.”

The recorded voice purred into the phone, “Vote ‘yessss’ for Zane,” — Zane Starkewolf, the Republican candidate who faces Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, in the November race for Congress.

Starkewolf, the 27-year-old St. Helena native who now resides in Davis, apologized Monday for the message, which has received harsh criticism from Northern California voters. He admitted to writing the script but maintains he did not hear the recording before it went out to 100,000 registered independent and Democratic voters in District 1, including registered independents in Napa County.

“I take full responsibility for everything,” an apologetic Starkewolf said in an interview Monday. “That being said, while the script was written by me, it was given to an unpaid staff member to call up and do the recording, and she took certain liberties, and she’s been reprimanded for that.”

The message is highly critical of Thompson, with a female voice that croons, “We all said ‘no’ to the bailout, but Thompson backed Bush, just like he did with the Patriot Act.”

With a moan, she goes on by encouraging listeners to vote for Starkewolf.

Indeed, Starkewolf said he has been bombarded with furious phone calls and hateful messages on his blog about the robo-call.

“Don’t you ever, ever, have someone call my home and listen to a message like that! I have children!” one fuming voter posted on Starkewolf’s blog.

Another asks angrily what to do when “my daughter answers the phone and has to listen to your pornographic message.”

Starkewolf acknowledged the call was “too risqué considering some of the audience, especially with children,” but he stands behind the idea in his message. Starkewolf said parents should be more concerned about the political issues facing their children than a robo-call.

“The message is there — and what it says is that Mike Thompson went against the people of this district when he voted to pass and have us pay for the $700 billion bailout and went along with George Bush as he has done on various issues including in passing the so called ‘Patriot Act,’” Starkewolf wrote on his Web site. “This is simply appalling. And if a message needs to go out that is ‘appalling’ in a sense in order to get the discussion going, than (sic) I believe it is a worthy cause.”

In the end, Starkewolf said the call was a way to get people talking about the issues and to “get enthusiasm back into politics.”

“In reality, all politics are dirty, and I just want to make sure I’ve got them ‘dirty’ in quotes,” he said.

54 comment(s)

entity wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:26 PM:

" I received this call, and it was disgusting.

This guy will never, ever have my vote - and I was shopping for someone other than Thompson to vote for to begin with!

He's completely unapologetic for trying to use blunt sexual exploitation to sell himself politically. How exactly does that say to anyone "good leadership"? I absolutely cannot put my political faith in anyone who would stoop so low.

It's almost... McCain-like! "

AmCan Mom wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:34 PM:

" Ok, I have to admit...not having heard the ad first-hand and only reading about it, I laughed. Granted, it is NOT something I would want my children to hear, but c'mon...this is funny, in a very twisted sort of way! :) And you *know* it will make the rounds on the internet, lol! "

vinoveritas wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:42 PM:

" I, too, received the call and was totally disgusted by it...pathetic! "

1234alittlemore wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:46 PM:

" I got this call too and was very disturbed. All it needed was a little heavy breathing and I should have had to pay THEM to listen to it! No way I would vote for someone that thinks that is OK. Not what I wanted to hear on a sunday afternoon(or ever, really). "

lilspark wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:48 PM:

" No vote from this household either....my teenage son answered that call and then turned on the speaker phone so we all could hear. It is outrageous that he would do something like that and not think about the children that might answer that call. I feel that he DOES need to appologize! "

ValleyKitten wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Porno Call..Unprofessional and unneccesary. I was ready to call the NPD for harrasment. I received the call three times within one hour. I could not believe it was for real. Shame on you Zane. YOU will never get my vote. "

comment wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:51 PM:

" I don't question bringing up those points, but that's not the way to do it. I wouldn't expect anything less from a Republican. "

Econut wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:18 PM:

" I thought it was just really weird and quite a turnoff, but since I don't know what a phone sex call sounds like, I wouldn't have guessed there was a resemblance. "

Hear Ye wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:23 PM:

" This call really got a rise out of me. It's time to erect some standards in politics. "

yoyo wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:35 PM:

" Hear Ye-
Clever.....very clever. ha ha. "

raybo wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:49 PM:

" I got the call and Zane lost my vote. This is not the kind of judgement I look for in an elected representative. "

levelheaded wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:15 PM:

" Out 13 year old daughter answered the call.... Needless to say the LAST PLACE I would expect out daughter to hear such suggestive talk would be answering our home phone. Shameful.

Today signed up to bock our number from political calls on stoppoliticalcalls.org. Politicians are exempt from the national "do not call list" but this will stop it! "

supernova8610 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Why would he think that something like this will win them votes? If I got a call like this from someone, I'd vote against them from sheer disgust. "

ladybug52 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:54 PM:

" I also received this phone call and it took a couple of seconds to realize that this was a campaign call. I think it was very poor judgement and was uncalled for. I would never vote for someone that would think this is alright. We have enough problems in the world without adding another one from someone that thinks this is "OK and funny"!! "

yamamama wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Only an idiot would think a stupid stunt like this would sway voters his way, and I do not vote for idiots. Sorry, Zane. "

misfit wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:34 PM:

" Really stupid. Too bad for him. It just shows how important good judgment is in a candidate. "

Maya wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:37 PM:

" I was also shocked and disgusted. What if my 6 year old son had answered the phone like he often does? "

jmo wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:48 PM:

" First off I am not a Zane Stackewolf supporter nor will I be voting for him….OK!
Hey it adds a little "spice" to the campaign. Lighten up he's got a buzz goin on this. WOW I didn't know all my follow Thompson supports knickers were in such a twist. How is it so many of folks knew what sex calls sounded like anyway; consenting adult conversations behind closed doors???? Uh kinky -:)

I do recall former San Francisco mayor Jordon did the stupid “in the shower interview” with a couple of local radio jocks and it cost him. So take solace in the fact that Thompson will get reelected. "

109823 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Quite frankly I wouldn't ever vote for Thompson. All the wineries have him in their hip pocket and he sides with the three amigos, Feinstein, Pelosi and Boxer. None of them do anything to solve this states illegal immigration problems. "

robbys22 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:02 PM:

" This call is just as pathetic as the Yes On 8 people who stood at the corner of Hwy. 29 and American Canyon Road today; 8 children and two adults all holding Yes On 8 signs. All the children appeared to be under 6 years old, including 2 in strollers. Porno calls and unwittingly using children are shock tactics that should be rebuked regardless of your position. "

comment wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Lol. The NVR actually provides a link to listen to this call. It sounds like a really bad attempt at a "phone-sex voice". "

SouthNapa wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:05 PM:

" While I completely agree that using children for political purposes is entirely wrong, I have seen both sides of the political fence using them. There was a photograph of a child holding a No on 8 sign on this very site just yesterday.

I agree with the previous commenters who felt that the calls were in poor taste. This is definitely not the kind of judgment I would want from an elected official. "

jpcrash wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Prudes "

wined0wnnapa wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:58 PM:

" I received the call and have been all boned up over here ever since "

MarkMiwords wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:07 PM:

" I got the call during dinner so didn't pick it up. We all heard it over the speaker-phone when the tape recorder answered it. It was gross. Now I'm not a Mike Thompson lover.....I'd vote for Mickey Mouse before I'd vote for him. But I won't be voting for this Zane guy either....bad judgement. Who needs 'em? "

napaman5446 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:56 PM:

" That was kinda funny....especially now since I've heard the call after I read responses. "

opiniagirl wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:39 AM:

" LOL - I clicked the link - not as bad as I expected after reading this - clearly it was scripted for that purpose though - what a tool....! "

dire-wolf wrote on Oct 28, 2008 5:48 AM:

" Has Zane ever run for any political office before? If not, running for a seat in Congress seems nutty, and might explain this inept political tactic! "

Sandra wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Got the "call"....hung up in the first sentence as I do with all of these types of calls....
to Comment...in regards to "I wouldn't expect anything less from a Republican. "
GROW UP, will ya? "

Sandra wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Level headed...THANK YOU FOR THE LINK! going right now... "

jmo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:51 AM:

" You gotta love those good old Napa mid-western values. -:)

The outrage of it all!!!! "

napablogger wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:54 AM:

" This was no worse than you see for hours on TV every day. And Mike Thompson has been a bad boy. g

It was totally inappropriate, however, but since Starkewolfe didn't have a snowballs chance in hell of winning I want to thank him for adding a little humour to a negative political season. He had nothing to lose anyway. "

zanestarkewolf wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:59 AM:

" This election cycle is filled with a thousand shouting voices demanding our attention. My message is an important one, one that I feel needed to be heard. But there is no way I could be heard above all the shouting. Sometimes when shouts go unheard, a whisper speaks volumes. The fact that my staffer whispered better than expected is nice to know.

I offer my sincerest apologies for utilizing the most disreputable tool in modern politics, the robo-dialer.

Mike Thompson has raised nearly $2 million in this election cycle. In large part due to corporate donors. The end result is that he cannot vote for the will of the people. Just like he sold his vote and the peope for the $700 billion bailout after receiving a $100 million tax cut for International Speedway (Infineon) one of his largest contributors. "

MarkMiwords wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:28 AM:

" O.k. Zane, I'll buy your take on Mike Thompson. In St. Helena, he's supporting, and helping to politically finance the removal of a parcel deep in the floodplain so that it can be developed. The problem is, the water that used to go into that area is being shifted into my previously safe & dry neighborhood. I've asked Mr. Thompson for help, but have been ignored and my neighborhood is being left alone, to drown. So Mr. Starkewolf, what would YOU do to remedy such a miscarriage of justice? What are your ideas that would make me vote for you? As a point of info., I am one of the "decline to state" registered voters, that's why I received your call. Tell me what you'd do and win my vote. "

jmo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Zanestarkewolf run again for another more local oriented office to build your base. It is about time we have some real change around here. "

napawineo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Zane, the people that say the changed their vote to Mikey Boy because of the call placed on your behalf are full of it, they were going to vote for him all along...but are so stuffy and uptight that they feel they have to comment to make you look bad...If that is all they have to make you look bad, don't sweat it...So much more things making Mikey Boy look bad but all the people that vote for him just overlook....I loved your call....and I now have it as my ring tone..... "

entity wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:18 AM:

" The bummer is, I *do* like at least some of the views listed on Starkewolfe's website vs Thompson, and he's got some "geek credibility" with a good hard science education. Tough to find a Republican like that.

However: I'll note that his Project VoteSmart poll shows that he's in favor of a lot of spending, with lower taxes almost across the board - a combination that simply doesn't work. "Tax and spend" may be an epithet shot at the Democrats - but spending has to be counterbalanced with paying the bills when you buy the goods. Also, the Republican party is one of the -least- green groups out there.

The "apology" letter posted on his website is pretty thick, too, not really apologising at all. Talking about the issues is great - I *like* a politician who can actually talk about issues without dragging in personal attacks and dirty politics. That call, while mentioning a couple of issues, had the majorly overpowering factor of sex attached to it, which simply doesn't belong in politics. I may be willing to reconsider next election cycle. "

jmo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Very good napawineo!!!! "

zanestarkewolf wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:21 AM:

" I think the city council is going the wrong direction of selling out St. Helena for the needs of the flood control project. I understand the need for proper levees, but this "trade" of land was not the way to go. I think it would violate the limited housing growth plans that are important to residents in St. Helena. This is disappointing that Thompson as a St. Helena native is supporting this. One should not jeprodize anyones safety at the expense of another.

What would I do? From my understanding of the deal (correct me if I am wrong) the reason this plan was put forward is due to budget short falls for the flood control project. They saw this as a means of cheaply finishing the project. This is not the way things should be done. The money needs to be provided to do the job correctly. As this issue is apart of the larger flood control issues that effect all of Napa Valley, it should get additional government funding to finish the project correctly. Mr. Thompson has secured some funding, but it seems he has not gone far enough and is now placing people of this district in danger. I will work to secure more funding, and as St. Helena is a very important town for me (where I was raised) I would work closely with the city council and flood control project managers to correct this situation by adopting a new plan to make the napa river safe. "

MarkMiwords wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:45 AM:

" O.k. Zane, I see you do have an understanding of the situation. Thank you for taking the time to answer me. Should you make office, please do not forget the people north of this project on Fulton Lane. Our homes, businesses, land, and the safety of our families are being sacrificed needlessly. There are ways to save those in the floodplain without flooding us. I particularly resent being flooded to protect an empty piece of land. It is truly a crime. I hope you will be willing to do something about it. "

zanestarkewolf wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Thank you napawineo for your comments. Great idea on the ringtone.

jmo, I think you bring up a good point, I consider running for assembly in napa district, but Doris Gentry is already running and she will make an excellent assemblywoman whether she wins next week or in two years.

Entity: The wording of the project votesmart questionnaire was difficult for me to truly represent my positions. I would consider myself more of a libertarian type republican the second most important priority to me is fiscal responsibility.

The number one priority being clean renewable energy (Reduce dependence on foreign oil). Which also happens to be one of the reasons for our debt. Our involvment in creating stability in the middle east to support our need for foreign oil is large financial drain on the US Taxpayer.

The 18.4 cents of federal tax per gallon of gasoline is negligible to the amount of tax we pay to create stability in those regions to ensure that oil supply.

I dont believe we should be spending any more than we have, hence the robocall to inform people of this district about Mike Thompson's vote on the $700 billion bailout. Which by the way is actually $850 billion, the bill that passed had an extra $150 billion of pork.

Thompson already voted for the "Economic stimulus package" back in March. $150 billion borrowed from china(they are buying most treasury bonds), so that every American could go out and spend their $600 check on chinese products at Walmart.

How does this boost the US Economy?

And now Thompson and Pelosi want to add another $300 billion stimulus package...

So yes, I do believe in fiscal responsibility! "

post-it wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:01 PM:

" so I listened to it. What's the fuss? All those afraid your kids might hear something "sexual" haven't been watching TV with them. It's pretty tame even compared to lame network sitcoms. Where's your uproar with what's on the tube? the movies? have you looked at the youtube history on your kid's PC? C'mon there are viagra ads all over the place. Let's see, a republican uses a little innuendo and it got some progressive panties in a wad. Where's you support for free speech! "

reason-ator wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:12 PM:

" It's amazing that a little mis-guided humor is enough to make people vote for a liar like Thompson.

Sorry. I'm not one of those people looking for a reason to be offended. "

nightwatchman wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:44 PM:

" Nice try, Zane. You care about the issues soooooo much that you just had to pull some little stunt so you could get your name in the paper. From your Vote Smart page and your tactics it looks like you are just another sleazy tax-cut-and-spend Republican. Then you lie about all these liberal positions you have that would get you ignored by these hardcore Republicans in DC faster than you can say "Lieberman."

That dog don't hunt around here. Go run for school board and quit offending people and wasting our time. "

jmo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Hey nightwatchman what's with all the hate? Better be good or you will fine nothing but coal in your stocking this Christmas. You do believe in Christmas don't you? "

leavintown wrote on Oct 28, 2008 4:02 PM:

" I got the call too. What is funny is there is a number that showed up on my caller ID. I would put the number up, but I know the NVR would delete it. I don't even know who this Zane Starkewolf guy is, but it gave me a good laugh. "

nightwatchman wrote on Oct 28, 2008 4:06 PM:

" No one will have anything but coal in their stocking this year if we elect politicians that don't take this stuff seriously. This reminds me of McCain's BS, say and do anything to avoid the issues. I don't know if anyone noticed, but we're in the middle of a crisis. "

woman voter wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:28 PM:

" Zanestarkewolf,

I thought your message was hysterically funny. I got the idea that you were just using a method to get your message noticed. There is nothing wrong with humor......I think everyone else is taking this way to seriously.
Bravo!!! I am happy to have a different entertaining message, and I was able to understand your points.......
Thanks "

Bauhausfan wrote on Oct 28, 2008 7:42 PM:

" Zane is taking his cue from the national apparatus of the GOP. This is what they do because they have nothing to run on and voters are well aware of what party was in power over most of the last 8 years. "

Dirty Napkin wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:13 PM:

" What a bunch of prudes!LOL "

jmo wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:46 PM:

" Gee and 0bama has a record to run on? Gosh I thought it was rhetoric. Shame on me and the rest of the non-cool aid drinkers out there. "

jpcrash wrote on Oct 30, 2008 7:44 PM:

" People in napa like to stick their nose up in the air and think they are better then everyone else. another reason why obama has the majority here but ya..prudes "

misfit wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:17 PM:

" I consider myself as having a sense of humor but, this thing was so poorly done that it made something that was just done in bad taste, totally distasteful. It wasn't so much the content but, I just don't think we're in the mood right now. "

cellsitegod wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:36 AM:

" I miss the "good old days"
People grow up.
It just seems like yesterday that Monica Lewinsky was crawling around the oval office, putting things in her mouth. "

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