Hello Kerry - except that Laws did not release either the Otaki letter or the e-mails we're talking about. That's where the conspiracy theory falls down because it was those who received the replies who made them public and not Laws.

It is the experience of those of us here that Laws does not necessarily look for a fight but if one starts then he is a willing combatant. I would have thought the best policy was to let sleepings dogs lie? No?

The candidate here against Laws in 2007 was a very distinguished gentleman John Martin - impeccable CV being ex-Army, ex-American Express, Laws' age and born and educated here. He had the backing of everyone from the Greens and local MP Jill Pettis through to Chamber of Commerce president, most community groups and every artist and student. The very popular regional councilor Annette Main publicly endorsed him.

Very visible campaign but didn't get anywhere. Laws got 55 or 56% of the total voters I think. Martin about 35%. It was a two horse race.

On the radio ratings/timing issue - I don't think the Geo Board, Parliament and local council would all choose to drop their decisions just to boost his ratings. That sounds like another 9/11 conspiracy theory!

To be fair there is a reasonable compromise and that's to adopt BOTH spellings officially recognising BOTH heritages. It happened with Mt Cook/Aoraki. Why not Wanganui/Whanganui?

All I will say on Laws is that his voters and his radio bosses are probably happy because he's entertaining. We like controversy otherwise we would have nothing to comment on!

You are all very earnest, aren't you!

And you don't like being contradicted, but if Wanganui is insulted and Laws then returns the insult at, I'm assuming, an Aucklander, how does that play out in Wanganui and anywhere else for that matter, as favorable to the initial insultee?

The HOS were very kind to the e-mail man because the next crack at Wanganui would have really tipped the scales.

Laws is loved, in part, because he is so politically incorrect and everytime he lets fly at soft targets like Auckland liberals then it is not just Wanganui conservatives who are cheering!

And Russell, I don't think Laws looks like a dick with this email exchange: it would take more than calling someone a "jerk" for that to happen.

I live here! He won easily at the last election and this whole 'h' thing has only increased his popularity with the locals. Yes, we liberals might hate him but we organised an outstanding candidate and campaign two years ago and gor trounced.

Wanganui - and I will give it the current name until it is officially changed - is very strong on the 'h' issue and it isn't in favour!

Oh get over it! And Russell why post the exchange if your aim wasn't to embarrass Laws? I read the NZ herald poll yesterday and the week before that where something like 75% called him the voice-of-reason or something like that. That was AFTER the Otaki incident.
He is playing everything as a popularity contest and he seems to be winning. Decline & fall? Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer, anybody?

I apologise, Cecelia. But to answer your question, it is as Giovanni oroginally said: in Wanganui telling some outsider that they are a dickhead because they've called hs entire city a bunch of ignorant hillbilly hicks - do you really think that would have the locals rooting for anyone other than Laws?

I'm sorry Cecilia but that's quite a funny reply!

Giovanni, you were right!

Just read the Herald on Sunday account and Laws has turned the whole exchange into a positive. It will play even better in Wanganui. Own goal, Russell.