Jackson Free Press

Predictably, Sheriff Malcolm McMillin won the right to keep his site over challengers tonight, including Mayor Frank Melton's choice, police spokesman Tyrone Lewis. WAPT guest political analyst Matt Friedeman summed it up well: "Mayor Melton is a loser tonight."

Melton also did not win the district attorney's seat, with incumbent Faye Peterson leading Robert Smith, and then Michele Purvis. A runoff is likely in that race, and that was also predictable.

Previous Commentsshow

Congrats to Mac!

LatashaWillis

Aug 7 2007

this one's good!

pikersam

Aug 7 2007

Just clicked on the link. Ewwwww.

LatashaWillis

Aug 7 2007

At nearly 1 a.m. Eastern time, The Clarion-Ledger is right on top of things per usual with their top candidate headline: McMillin leading in Hinds sheriff race Snirk. They really shouldn't try this live blogging thang. Play to your strengths. Lead with Bonds.

DonnaLadd

Aug 7 2007

Did anyone see when one of the news channels did a sweep of the Lewis victory party around 8:15 and there were exactly 7 people there? WOW talk about embarrassing. Also, what a cruel camera man. I think he needs an emmy, an oscar or whatever award is open. I certainly will buy him a round

AGamm627

Aug 7 2007

I just submitted a Bonds thread. How long before it is approved?

pikersam

Aug 7 2007

Pike, I like this one. AGamm, I saw that. Yikes.

LatashaWillis

Aug 7 2007

I also think that Lewis' DJ should have known better than to play "Shake You Down" and "Sexual Healing" at an event like that.

LatashaWillis

Aug 7 2007

I love political cartoons!

pikersam

Aug 7 2007

I'll look at it, Pike, now. Sorry—we've had to turn on more controls of late for obvious reasons.

DonnaLadd

Aug 7 2007

I agree with Matt Friedman from channel 16 ..Mayor Frank Melton...lost tonigt. I am so excited that McMillin was reelected....

blkokc

Aug 8 2007

OK, folks, now that the dust is clearing, we will get the campaign finance reports of the three D.A. candidates up and analyzed. (Purvis' will still be interesting, considering how close she and Smith have been as recently as January.) We'll also parse the the numbers in Hinds County to see what happened where. It's going to be interesting to figure out where the support base is for the two surviving candidates. We'll also see if we can put together a real debate between Peterson and Smith between now and the runoff, and we will invite them both back on the radio show again. It's really time to get in there and get as specific as possible. If Smith is going to make a serious bid for this office, he needs to win on his merits and something more substantive than "respect" and the fact that he has an impressive family history. We need to do a good, in-depth profile of Smith to stand next to all the coverage we've done on Peterson over the years. Let's figure out what makes him tick.

DonnaLadd

Aug 8 2007

If it ain't broke what's left to fix.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

In other words, McMillan shouldn't have been challenged.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

I think one of the most important things we need is a list of criminals that Smith has represented. Not just Recio, and the other few Melton cases. But, like the guy that robbed Hal and Mal's. Where does a petty criminal reduced to holding up a restaurant get money to afford a high powered defense attorney? Has he represented anyone who has committed crimes against elderly? Children? He's supposedly good at his job? How many were let off just because of one or two jurors? If the person is innocent, they are innocent. But, you have to figure he's tried some cases much like the recent Brunner case were one juror wavered, and they had to retry him. Then we need to see if Smith has worked with Ali Shamsadeen and Priester. What cases, what happened, etc. That would be 3 defense attorneys that Melton will have in key positions in the justice system. I think the Michael Taylor fiasco this past June is proof enough that Melton is meddling in the Municipal Justice Court though Shamsadeen and Priester. People have to look at the whole picture and realize that you can't have it both ways. Saying you are voting for Sheriff Mac because of Melton, and then handing him (and his old white cronies Ed Peter's and Danks) the DA's office is absurd and goes against conventional wisdom.

pikersam

Aug 8 2007

Robert and Faye have neutralized/paralyzed me. I like both equally. Though I would like to see Faye keep the seat because I think she has been treated unfairly (not by Robert so far), I won't publicly choose between them. This makes me a wussy. So be it.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

Ray, the unfair treatment will begin by this afternoon. However, he should tread carefully. She has all the records on all the cases she should begin to release to the media so we can see how many repeat offenders he has gotten off.

pikersam

Aug 8 2007

Where is Michelle Purvis? Enough (hiding) is enough!

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

Go Faye!!!

dpsmith

Aug 8 2007

Ray, there is only one "L" in Michele. Ms. Purvis is very sensitive about the spelling of her name. "ONE (L) IS ENOUGH!!" LMAO

thetruth

Aug 8 2007

Pike, Channel 16 just reported a few minutes ago that Peterson said what Hinds County doesn't needs is someone who is in bed with the criminals. She also said she's the candidate who has prosecuted criminals and Smith hasn't. I like the comments alright except for accusing him of being in bed with criminals since she was a public defender too once upon a time. Robert cooly, in my view, responded by saying he knows how to do the job and Faye was a public defender who used to work with him. I don't want to see this race get relegated to who can make the most counter-accusations. I believe the winner will be the person who performs the best during the next 2 to 3 weeks. Personally, I wouldn't attack, and instead would just tell the voters what I would do if elected and why I believe I can do it better than my opponent. That bed comment by Peterson is a dangerous one to make under the circumstances. I hope Robert will continue to act as a gentlemen.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

Thanks, Truth. I'll try to do better. I got fired once for my spelling and still haven't learned.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

I don't know if that was smart on Peterson's part, Ray, either. But isn't being a public defender rather different than being a high-priced defense attorney?

DonnaLadd

Aug 8 2007

In my opinion a very good defense or prosecuting attorney would be able to do either job well, eventually, but maybe not instantly. A good attorney anticipates and appreciates the tactics, strengths, maneuvers and weaknesses of their opponents arsenal and case, as well as know how to present their case effectively, despite the challenges and pitfalls that will occurr during trials. Smith has to be able to do these things pretty well otherwise he wouldn't be called a successful attorney and paid like one since he try cases and is not a mere plea king. And he wouldn't have been winning so much if not talented. Faye likely has an advantage which I can't measure as of right now because she has been doing the job for years. Robert remains an able attorney no matter the fumbling with papers everone saw on television or personaly during Melton's trial. I can't remember exactly what Truth said earlier when this question was posed once before, but I remember he or she gave an excellent response to the differences between the two jobs. If Robert wins he will have to hire a staff and get ready to prosecute wheras Faye want have any such problems. My bet is that if Robert wins he can keep the staff Faye has if he wanted them. They don't want to go looking for a job.

Ray Carter

Aug 8 2007

Two things Ray. Personally, I wouldn't attack, and instead would just tell the voters what I would do if elected and why I believe I can do it better than my opponent. Ray They told Johnson to do the same... And he did. See where that got him? Being the 'good guy' when you are running against a snake will only get you bit. Johnson had plenty of Melton negatives he could have used that he didn't. If anyone is qualified to say whether Robert represents 'criminals' or not it is Faye. She knows the cases. However you are right, Roberts response was good, if you are trying to get the vote of people who have relatives and friends who are in the 'system.' :-/ My bet is that if Robert wins he can keep the staff Faye has if he wanted them. They don't want to go looking for a job. Ray Again, I disagree. How many people are left who once worked for Johnson? Musgrove? Chief Moore?

pikersam

Aug 8 2007

I just heard Robert Smith say on WAPT of Peterson: "She is not involved in trying cases." Huh? Is he now going to become Michele Purvis and just start making crap up??? Also, I don't get responding to her point about him defending rich alleged criminals for pay with saying that she was once a public defender, too. That's just not the same thing. He's not still a public defender. If he were, he wouldn't be defending Albert Donelson's friends. Or Marcus Wright, for that matter. Or Michael Taylor. Or Darnell Turner. These guys don't use public defenders. There's a way to defend what she said, I presume, but that ain't it.

DonnaLadd

Aug 8 2007

Folks, RIGHT NOW (at 7:34 PM Eastern time on WEDNESDAY), this is the lead news blurb on The Clarion-Ledger's Web site: Peterson, Smith neck and neck in DA's race Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson and challenger Robert Shuler Smith appeared headed for a runoff Tuesday night. Is the mothership completely lost here? Their election coverage has been a half day behind the whole time. They need to give up the liveblogging idea and go back to reporting 101.

DonnaLadd

Aug 8 2007

Peterson, Smith neck and neck in DA's race Where have I heard that phrase "neck and neck" before? It's not a phrase used often to describe, er...horse races, is it? Are they a high school newspaper? (I mean no disrespect to high school newspapers.) Is there NOTHING they could write to ADD SOMETHING to their voter's understanding of a political decision they need to make? Although, to be fair to the C-L staff who have to stay up and deal with these political races, they don't get free coffee anymore in order to keep the profits at 25%. So, you know, it's tough to be on your game late at night. (Here's a fascinating piece on horse race coverage, by the way.)

Todd Stauffer

Aug 8 2007

Vote Faye Peterson for District Attorney.

dpsmith

Aug 8 2007

dp, no one is going to accuse you of not trying. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Aug 8 2007

I only had a problem with the "bed" part of the comment by Faye. My fighting spirit and quick wit would have gotten great, even if having to get low down, mileage out of that comment, if you know what I mean. I was perfectly alright for her to say he represents criminals. In bed with them is a different allegation. Robert is naturally a good person who was reared by lots of strong and respectful relatives, men and women. Good for him. Other than that comment I think both are doing well, and I wish both the best. You can represent criminals and not be in bed with them. Johnnie Cochran and many other fine criminal lawyers have done it for years. That why Johnnie turned down $600,000.00 handed to him that he hadn't earned. I represent people acused of capital murders, yet my co-workers would likely tell you I'm not against the death penalty and am not too crazy about people who commit crimes. However, I also believe my co-workers will say they know few people who will fight as hard as I will to free and make sure an alleged criminal gets justice from the system. I understand the role I play in the criminal defense process. I would likely be just as focused and dtermined if on the other side. In fairness to Robert I know he understands this concept too.

Ray Carter

Aug 9 2007

I started a Truthwatch thread about the "in bed with" accusation. Let's use it to jumpstart more discussion.

DonnaLadd

Aug 9 2007

First off let me say that Tyrone Lewis should have known better than to go up against Boss Hogg -- Sheriff McMillin. We love McMillin. And he may be the last high ranking law officer who still believes in "law enforcement values." Now, ladd, you made me blush (do men blush?) but I am praying that the city of Jackson doesn't make the grave mistake of putting Robert Shuler Smith in the seat of District Attorney. Faye Peterson is the more solid choice.

dpsmith

Aug 9 2007

I'm voting Faye Peterson because she can be trusted to do the work for the citizen of Jackson and not for Frank Melton and his group. Robert if he had any sense would know that Frank if he is elected will come to collect. The good person that he might be is somewhat slow if he can't figure out that he is beign set-up by the good old boys and will be just like the chief of police, a house boy. I've actually seen him in a court room and thought that if he was my attorney, I would have slapped him. He on the slow bus. I'm voting for someone who want sell our or be rented out, the oath that Faye took she stands behind it and represents the people of Jackson. I understand that Ed Peters is rich; I wonder how did this happen, the job now pays maybe $96,000 and wasn't this amount when he was there for over 30 years. My question to the readers where did he get the money....could it have been under the table payoff for the rich kids?

BJM

Aug 10 2007

I'm voting Faye Peterson because she can be trusted to do the work for the citizen of Jackson and not for Frank Melton and his group. Robert if he had any sense would know that Frank if he is elected will come to collect and undress him if he is not his lap dog. The good person that he might be is somewhat slow if he can't figure out that he is beign set-up by the good old boys and will be just like the chief of police, a house boy. I've actually seen him in a court room and thought that if he was my attorney, I would have slapped him. He is on the slow bus and not quick. I'm voting for someone who want sell out or be rented, the oath that Faye took she stands behind it and represents the people of Jackson. I understand that Ed Peters is rich; I wonder how did this happen, the job now pays maybe $96,000 and wasn't this amount when he was there for over 30 years. My question to the readers where did he get the money....could it have been under the table payoff for the rich kids? You know a lot of the negative toward our current DA is because she is a woman and not because of her skills. The women should be angry for the type of treatment and stand up in her defense. It goes to say that we as black people will never progress because we are always jealous, fail to stay inform and just believe everything the media writes or states. Melton is sorry and loves to pick on women. So for me anyone with any association with this man, I would never vote for or respect.

BJM

Aug 10 2007

Ray, I understand that you have known Robert Smith for quite a while. Perhaps you guys may have even attended college together. But how much have you hung out with him recently? You have to realize that people change as they grow older and gain acquaintances or reacquaint themselves with less than admirable high school friends. I understand that defense attorney's by virtue of their profession have to communicate with gentlemen that are not the pillars of the community, but usually this communication is mainly in a professional setting. My problem with Smith is that he also hangs out with these same "alleged" drug dealers & murderers socially. I don't think you would be caught dead with these type of people outside of your professional life. These are the associations that bother me.

thetruth

Aug 11 2007

Sorry meant to say "defense attorneys"

thetruth

Aug 11 2007

I would be surprised to learn Robert is doing anything unsavory. I'm much older than he is, and I never saw a single sign that he would knowingly put himself in a bad place or position.

Ray Carter

Aug 13 2007

By the way, where is frank melton? He has been as quiet as a church mouse.

justjess

Aug 13 2007