Without ever quoting anyone to that effect — in fact, despite only quoting Virginians who dislike Congressman Jim Moran’s positions and statements but nevertheless support Brian Moran’s gubernatorial campaign! — today’s front page WaPo story breaks new ground in speculation and rumor-mongering while boldly exploring the Moran family dynamic: ZOMG! Jim Moran is older! and he mouths off sometimes!  and he’s a liberal! 

But some say Jim Moran, 63, is also a liability to his brother’s statewide ambitions, bringing the baggage of a liberal voting record and a long history of impolitic behavior in a state that typically values reserve and tradition. As a result, the younger Moran enters one of the most-watched political contests in the nation this year with the tricky task of embracing his famous brother at some moments and distancing himself at others. 

Here’s the article’s first quote from a non-Moran (except for the unnamed guy who simply confused Jim for Brian’s dad) deep into the second page:

"I’m a good friend of Jim’s," said L.F. Payne, a conservative Democrat who served with Jim Moran in Congress and is supporting Brian for governor. "But I see Brian as a very thoughtful, moderate guy who really can be very effective, not only for the area he served in Northern Virginia but for people across the state."

Well, that certainly doesn’t sound like the "some" who say Jim is a liability to Brian’s campaign.  In fact, that sounds like exactly the opposite — someone who likes Jim and is supporting Brian.   Surely Amy Gardner will find someone else to support the primary thesis of this front-page article….

Further on, the article mentions Congressman Moran’s impolitic statements about American Jews and the Jewish community, and portrays the views of a quite vocal Jim detractor (my bold):

"I don’t think there has been a member of Congress who has said worse things about Jewish values and the Jewish community than Jim Moran," said Rabbi Jack Moline of the Agudas Achim congregation in Alexandria.

Jim Moran blames himself for the negative public perceptions that his brother has registered in some recent political surveys. Yet Brian Moran credits his brother for the widespread name recognition that those polls also capture. And not everyone assumes guilt by association: Moline, for instance, has endorsed Brian.

In fact, no one in the article "assumes guilt by association."  Why did Staff Writer Amy Gardner make it the hook for her article  – to get on the front page?

Far from finding that "some say" Jim Moran’s impolitic behavior and liberal voting record may be a liability, the only non-Morans quoted in the article say exactly the opposite: they support Brian Moran despite disagreements with his brother.

With this kind of skewed coverage of Brian Moran, Terry McAuliffe won’t even need all the money he plans to raise. The Post needs to issue a correction to this article.

Too bad the paper is between Ombudsmen, or we’d surely see some fast action!