A Huron County newspaper reporter has been fired after accidentally leaving a voicemail which slammed the candidate she was attempting to reach.

Brenda Battel failed to properly hang up the phone after leaving a voicemail for Republican US Senate candidate John James. Her disparaging remarks are heard (video below) after she requests an interview.

"Man, if he beats her. Jesus! F***ing John James. That would suck! Whew, I don’t think it’s going to happen though."

Oops. She got no bonus points for being honest. The paper issued the following statement, apologizing for Battel's words.

"I have listened to the voicemail left by Brenda Battel to Mr. James' campaign, and find no reason to defend this behavior, 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."

Work tip #247:  Make sure the phone is hung up before you trash someone.

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