Vermont’s top politicians call on AP to reinstate fired journalist

By Shay Totten | Vermont Guardian

posted March 24, 2006

Editor's Note: This story was first filed Friday midday, and has been updated as of 9:30 p.m. to reflect additional comments from Chris Graff, and a response by AP's CEO Tom Curley.

WASHINGTON — Vermont’s entire congressional delegation and the governor are calling on the Associated Press to come clean about why it fired long-time journalist Chris Graff, and are asking that he be reinstated to his post.

In response late Friday, AP officials said they would not share any more details about the incident, despite the public's desire for more information and the speculation that continues to swirl around his abrupt dismissal.

Graff, 52, was fired without notice Monday under a cloud of secrecy. Graff is one of Vermont’s most recognized journalists, and has covered the state’s politics and people for nearly 30 years, much of it as bureau chief for the Associated Press (AP) in Montpelier.

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