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UPPER THUMB — The Huron Daily Tribune has issued a statement Monday evening after the newsroom management heard a voicemail left by one of its staff writers to Republican U.S. Sen. Candidate John James.

In the voicemail, Brenda Battel requests an interview with James, who is running against Incumbent Debbie Stabenow. Battel then unsuccessfully disconnects the phone, and is heard saying inappropriate comments about the candidate and the race.

"I have listened to the voicemail left by Brenda Battel to Mr. James' campaign, and find no reason to defend this behavior," said Kate Hessling, editor of the Huron Daily Tribune. "Brenda Battel's employment has been immediately terminated.

"The Huron Daily Tribune sincerely apologizes to Mr. James and to the public. These statements do not represent the views of the Tribune as a whole, nor do they reflect the actions of a responsible journalist."