Politicians go to bat for AP bureau chief

Politicians go to bat for AP bureau chief

March 25, 2006

By Darren M. Allen Vermont Press Bureau

MONTPELIER — The state's congressional delegation and Gov. James Douglas on Friday urged the Associated Press to reinstate ousted Vermont bureau chief Christopher Graff — or at least explain the reasons behind his abrupt firing earlier in the week.

"We support Chris Graff's immediate reinstatement, if that is what he would want," said the letter, signed by Douglas, Rep. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., and Sens. James Jeffords, I-Vt., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. "Beyond that, we also ask for answers to questions that continue to proliferate in the wake of this decision."

Graff, a 27-year AP veteran, was fired shortly after he reported to work Monday morning. His immediate superior, Northern New England Bureau Chief Larry Laughlin, traveled to Montpelier to relieve Graff of his duties.

In the days since, Graff's departure has been the talk of the state's political and journalism communities. Intensifying the talk has been AP's refusal to give a reason for firing Graff, 51.
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Reports in the New York Times and Seven Days said Graff was let go after he decided to post a column written by Leahy that was critical of the Bush administration as part of the AP's "Sunshine Week" package dedicated to openness. The column was spiked shortly after it appeared on the wires.
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http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060325/NEWS/603250345/1003/NEWS02

he is over 50.

provide some evidence for that assertion?