[hayfried]

You're right. That phrase can be written with so many different slants:

...Montgomery said, though he could not provide statistics.

...Montgomery said, though he declined to provide statistics.

...Montgomery claimed, though he declined to provide statistics.

In the liberal press, Republicans "claim" and Democrats "say". Republicans "push" their agenda, while Democrats "fight" for theirs. Republicans "force", "refuse", and "deny", while Democrats "struggle", "protect" and "defend".

But the media's not biased.

[MightyMouseToSaveThe Day]

Excellent examples, hayfried, of using words with strong, positive/negative connotations to subtly advance your own agenda.

[giznort]

I've read this particular post of yours, and after consideration, believe it to be the template for most of the liberal media, i.e., "In the liberal press, Republicans "claim" and Democrats "say". Republicans "push" their agenda, while Democrats "fight" for theirs. Republicans "force", "refuse", and "deny", while Democrats "struggle", "protect" and "defend"."

By simply following this as my guide, I could get a journalist position at most any local rag.

Thank you!