In an action that brought swift social media mockery, lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Nicole Wadsworth's campaign issued a demand on Tuesday to members of the media, insisting on the use of her full academic title, "Dr. Nicole Wadsworth," in all reporting and headlines.
Wadsworth, the wife of State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley), announced her candidacy for the seat last month.
In a short time, Wadsworth's campaign decided to collectively scold Alabama media, sending a mass email to members of the press requesting that she be referred to by her full name, with the "Dr." prefix attached to recognize her PhD.
"Dr. Nicole Wadsworth has earned her academic and professional titles and should be addressed accordingly in all future correspondence and press materials," the email said. "Going forward, we respectfully request that she be referred to as 'Dr. Nicole Wadsworth' in all headlines, articles, captions, and related content."
It continued, "As the only candidate in this race with boots-on-the-ground economic development experience paired with academic and private-sector credentials, it is important that her contributions be reflected with accuracy and professionalism."
On her official campaign page and personal page, Wadsworth is disjointedly referenced multiple times as "Dr. Nicole Wadsworth," "Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth," "Dr. Nicole," and "Dr. Wadsworth." However, in some places, including the website's URL, her name reads "Nicole Wadsworth" or simply "Nicole"
Notably missing from the over 500-word "Meet Dr. Nicole" section of the campaign website, the 700-word bio on her personal website and the condescending email sent by her campaign was the institution from which she earned her PhD, nor does it state the degree for which she holds the PhD.
Notably, the Associated Press' Stylebook, the gold standard of journalistic formatting and writing style, states that the "Dr." prefix should only be reserved for medical doctors.
It remains unclear what the story or stories were that prompted the email.
Wadsworth's campaign has also had a somewhat scant fundraising performance early in the race. According to the secretary of state's office, which includes contributions as recent as Monday, the campaign has only cleared over $33,000 since May 23. However, of the eight listed contributors, Dr. Nicole Wadsworth, her husband, his law firm and her campaign manager make up seven.
Of those funds, $20,000 is a loan from Dr. Nicole Wadsworth to her own campaign.
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