Connie Schultz, in Column, Explains Her Sabbatical

By: E&P Staff Connie Schultz, winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, wrote in her column today that the decision to take a leave of absence was hers alone.

The Plain Dealer of Cleveland and Newhouse News Service columnist is going on sabbatical because her husband, Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), is running for a U.S. Senate seat. The leave will last for the duration of the campaign.

"No one asked me to do this now: not Plain Dealer editor Doug Clifton, not a single colleague, not my husband," Schultz wrote in her column Thursday. "I made this decision after doing what I taught my children to do: Take the stomach test. Go sit somewhere quiet, imagine all your options, and see what feels right in your gut. Works every time. "

Schultz said it "can really complicate a career when you are a columnist at the largest newspaper in the same state where your husband is running for elected office. I still want to write about what's on my mind, but that is becoming increasingly difficult. Each passing week brings more limitations in my choice of topics because there is a concern that some will accuse me of using my column to stump for my husband."

She added: "As a woman and a feminist, the suggestion that I am merely parroting my husband both amuses and offends me. As a journalist, however, I am sensitive to even the appearance of conflict. I am also keenly aware of the difficulties my remaining in this job could create for my colleagues who must cover the Senate race.

"As a wife, I feel the pull to be the partner my husband deserves. Sherrod has been incredibly supportive of my career at every turn. Not once has he ever asked me not to write about an issue, even when he knew it might create problems with some of his constituents. I want to be just as unequivocally by his side now. I cannot play a significant role in his campaign as long as I work at this newspaper."

But Schultz said she's "not disappearing. I have a full schedule of speeches, and I'm a judge in several journalism contests. In April, Random House is publishing my first book, 'Life Happens.' It's a collection of my columns, along with some new essays because I never seem to run out of things to say."

She ended her column with some advice for readers: "In the meantime, please remember to ask who gets the money in the tip jar at the coat check and at the bar. Tip restaurant servers in cash whenever you can. And if you or someone you love is thinking of settling down with another human being, keep in mind what my mother always told us girls: Don't marry him 'til you see how he treats the waitress."