Disappointed to see negative political attack ads on Patch

I am disappointed to see negative political advertisements on Patch, from "Restore our Future, Inc".  The ads attack GOP presidential candidate, Rick Santorum, with unflattering photos and intentionally misleading statements about his positions.  It is probably a safe bet that "Restore our Future" is an organization supporting GOP rival presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.

I am a big fan of Patch, and offer this criticism because I care about quality local news availability and reporting.

I am not a fan of Santorum or Romney, and am hard pressed to name a single issue where I agree with today's Republican Party.  Though part of me is laughing about how they are running the GOP into the ground, I think it is in Patch's best interest to take a stand for truth in political advertisements. If we can do it for  misleading consumer product ads, we should do the same with the political sleeze we all despise so much.

Patch promotes itself as an innovative provider of local community news, factual information and opinions, yet there is nothing in these negative attack ads that remotely serves this purpose or adheres to any factual or ethical standards.  Patch could remedy this by requiring full disclosure in the ads about who financed them, and who they really support.  But I doubt that will happen anytime, soon.  Patch makes money running these ads, and unfortunately legitimizes them in the process, just like what is happening all over our nation.

So how about doing something much simpler, Patch, and just saying no to this kind advertising?  Setting a higher standard for your organization and for the communities you serve would surely set you apart from the crowd, and who knows, it might just be a winning financial strategy.  You've got a great thing going, so come on, take a chance and lead by example, and make your readers proud to subscribe to your daily news report.  I know I will be thankful and proud of Patch, if you do.