THUMBS UP LIES, DAMNED LIES, AND TV ADS

THUMBS UP to THE DALLAS MOANING NEWS for a welcome innovation in campaign reporting. Throughout the summer and fall campaign for governor, the News scrutinized the television and radio ads of CLAYTON WILLIAMS and ANN RICHARDS. Along with the full text of the ads, reporters provided voters with the facts-if any-behind the claims, and helped Texans measure the integrity of the rivals. After the 1988 presidential race set a new low standard for electronic blarney, it was clear that the media had some catching up to do. Given the blizzard of lies that chokes the airwaves, this kind of analysis is a vital service to voters.