Running for the severance?

Following is a letter to the editor of the Ottawa Citizen (unpublished):

Re: A welcome blast from the past, Randal Denley, Ottawa Citizen, August 15, 2010

I find it offensive to the candidates and to supporters who are working hard and donating money that Peter Clark, or anyone else, should suggest that reputable politicians like Clive Doucet and Alex Cullen are only running to get the severance.

Denley also states that Clark declines to comment on Mayor Larry O'Brien's performance in office. But he fails to note that O'Brien might also be accused of "running to get the severance."