WSJ denies rumors that it wrote negative stories about governor for pay

In one of the more bizarre stories, the Wall Street Journal has been forced to deny that it was paid to write negative stories about the Nevada governor that focused on his relationship with a defense contractor in a bid to help Democrats win his spot in the 2008 election.

Ray Hagar of the Reno Gazette-Journal wrote, “A spokesman for the Journal said Gibbons’ suggestion is unfounded.

“‘The Wall Street Journal’s articles about Governor Gibbons are supported by extensive reporting,’ said Robert H. Christie, director of public relations for Dow Jones and Company, owner of the Journal. ‘The governor’s suggestion that the Journal’s coverage is a product of the Nevada Democrats is baseless.’

“The governor’s press secretary reiterated the conspiracy theory.

“‘We believe that there is a significant effort on behalf of the Democratic Party to aggressively attack my boss’ legislative agenda and provide further distraction, not allowing us to move forward leading the state,’ Melissa Subbotin said. ‘As far as the Wall Street Journal story goes, we don’t know. We don’t know who is providing it but we do hear rumors just like you do.

“‘Rumors are just rumors and they only distract those who want to be distracted. The people who care about the rumors are you guys, the reporters. And the only ones that are really distracted by the rumors are those doing the stories.’

“Gibbons’ comments drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders at the Legislature.”

Read more here.