It?s denial, that river. According to a Friday report in The Daily Dispatch, Democratic leaders in Warren County greeted the news of Frank Ballance?s indictment with shock and disbelief. Several quoted in the story said they viewed him as an excellent and popular public servant. Here?s the most puzzling passage:

Clyde Smith, who helped run Thursday night’s transition meeting for the Warren Democrats, has known Frank Ballance for a long time. He said Ballance’s controversial addiction-counseling organization, the John A. Hyman Foundation, had sponsored anti-drug and educational efforts in Smith’s hometown, Norlina.

Smith doubts the charges against Ballance will prove to be true.

Uh, Ballance and his attorneys aren?t really denying the charges. They are ready to plead guilty. This is a cautionary tale about assuming too much. Ballance?s behavior was atrocious and his misuse of taxpayers? money egregious, yet lots of folks back home don?t seem to know what the fuss is about.