Jackson Free Press

Eric Stringfellow writes at the Clarion-Ledger:

Frank Melton just wanted to get to his car, parked on the side of Flag Chapel Road, and go home.

But many in this crowd in the Presidential Hills area would not cooperate, stopping the mayoral candidate every few steps to shake his hand or wish him luck.

As Jackson's municipal campaign winds down, one of its most conspicuous elements has been Melton's base.

The former television executive has stitched together a coalition not seen in these parts — northeast Jackson conservatives and blue collar workers from midtown and sections of west and northwest Jackson.

It's like Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen taking activist Stephanie Parker-Weaver to the prom.

This is just one of many plots and subplots of the 2005 campaign in Jackson, where the mayor's office and six of seven council seats are up for grabs.

Only four Democratic primary contests — the mayor's race and three Council elections will be competitive. The mayor's race, where Melton is challenging Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., is the most intriguing.

Full article here.