Jackson Free Press

With 98 percent of precincts reporting and Robert Smith leading by 1,183 votes, District Attorney Faye Peterson just conceded defeat in the Red Room at Hal & Mal's, saying that she hopes that the next D.A. will be as tough on crime as she was, because "Hinds County has a crime problem."

DJ Ragman just announced, "Our D.A. incumbent has just conceded. We have a new D.A." Then the music stopped.

Previous Commentsshow

(cannot find the words) ...

dpsmith

Aug 28 2007

OK, here's the JFP challenge to Robert Smith: Who was shot at the Dairy Bar last year, and why didn't you know about it? Can you please get to the bottom of this?

DonnaLadd

Aug 28 2007

Changing my statement from another thread: Peterson HAS joined Harvey Johnson in the I-Tried-To-Tell-You Club. Hinds County needs much, much, much prayer.

LatashaWillis

Aug 28 2007

I guess Faye was ready to go home and cry in private.

dpsmith

Aug 28 2007

I hope someone donates some personal body guards for her for several months. At least until Melton gets arrested again. At least I can rest on the fact that Shirlene Anderson is not one of the good ol' boys.

pikersam

Aug 28 2007

I can understand that. She probably didn't want to bring anyone else down. Faye, if you read this, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Rest well, and may you have a successful future.

LatashaWillis

Aug 28 2007

Also, to Mr. Patton, don't blame yourself for this. You were tricked, so you didn't know.

LatashaWillis

Aug 28 2007

She should hold her high and look back and know she tried to do the right thing. It will be fun seeing Robert Smith final campaign finance report. That's when the snakes will come out to sun.

pikersam

Aug 28 2007

So who's happy that Republicans didn't get to vote in the Primary race and were essentially disenfranchised? I mean, don't Republicans in Hinds County get a voice over who is to be the next DA?

LawClerk

Aug 28 2007

They just showed Robert's party. Frank was standing behind him and said, "The first thing that WE have to do is take care of the staff."

thetruth

Aug 28 2007

So who's happy that Republicans didn't get to vote in the Primary race and were essentially disenfranchised? I mean, don't Republicans in Hinds County get a voice over who is to be the next DA? Can't Republicans field a DA candidate?

Todd Stauffer

Aug 28 2007

Wow, just saw Melton's comments. So, Robert Smith is the next Rick Whitlow! Anyone remember him at Melton's victory speech. LOL!

pikersam

Aug 28 2007

Didn't see Melton...what did he say?

Todd Stauffer

Aug 28 2007

Are you serious? Were Danks, Peters and Bluntson there, too? I guess the "We told you so's" are going to come fast this time. I personally think the biggest prayers tonight go to Smith's family. OK, right after the prayers for the county. Remember what Melton said to me last year: "Who runs Jackson, Donna? I run Jackson." But, in immortal Star Wars prose, "There is another." That is, there are—finally—people without ties to Jackson who care about what is going on. Otherwise, the Good Lord is going to make the city work through all of this and how we got here, I suspect. S/he isn't going to let us out of this easily. And probably shouldn't.

DonnaLadd

Aug 28 2007

Are you serious? Were Danks, Peters and Bluntson there, too? I guess the "We told you so's" are going to come fast this time. I personally think the biggest prayers tonight go to Smith's family. OK, right after the prayers for the county. Remember what Melton said to me last year: "Who runs Jackson, Donna? I run Jackson." But, in immortal Star Wars prose, "There is another." That is, there are—finally—people without ties to Jackson who care about what is going on here. With any luck, they will make up for lost time. Otherwise, the Good Lord is going to make the city work through all of this and how we got here, I suspect. S/he isn't going to let us out of this easily. And probably shouldn't. Sigh.

DonnaLadd

Aug 28 2007

LOL!!!!!!!!!!! Told you so!!!!!!!!! LOL Psalm 73 1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. 21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

LatashaWillis

Aug 28 2007

He spoke of how he had to distance himself during the campaign; but that now he has a DA he can work with and everyone should be excited. Blah, blah, blah... Treated Smith like he was his father... typical Melton. I hope the folks who claimed and pushed that Smith was his own man and not connected with Melton take note of this... Fool me once...

pikersam

Aug 28 2007

Can someone explain why the mayor needs a good working relationship with the DA of Hinds Co? The jobs couldn't be more far apart. An intelligent answer with references preferred. Just being able to appoint the Police Chief isn't enough of a reason.

pikersam

Aug 28 2007

More shameful is that only 27,874 people cast a vote for Hinds DA. There's 239,901 residents in Hinds, according to the 2005 American Community Survey Data Profile. Just a shame. [img]http://home.comcast.net/~tegaspard/images/smiles/shame_on_you.gif[/img]

LambdaRisen

Aug 28 2007

Yeah iTodd, they could field a candidate. But, let me ask my question once more: "So who's happy that Republicans didn't get to vote in the Primary race and were essentially disenfranchised? I mean, don't Republicans in Hinds County get a voice over who is to be the next DA?" Is it not a valid question? By locking Republicans out of the primary, she could have potentially lost many votes.

LawClerk

Aug 29 2007

Skinnyp, you are violating the User Agreement in a dramatic way by posting stereotyping generalities about a race of people. And we know that your assertion is not true—just based on convictions of African Americans we can think of off the top of our head. This is a site for intelligent discussion, not for bashing a race of people. Both your comments, and this one, will be deleted shortly.

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

"So who's happy that Republicans didn't get to vote in the Primary race and were essentially disenfranchised? I mean, don't Republicans in Hinds County get a voice over who is to be the next DA?" Is it not a valid question? By locking Republicans out of the primary, she could have potentially lost many votes. You don't have to be happy about it, but the only solution given the current system would be to allow people to vote in the primaries of both parties. (Recall that Republicans who decided to cross over and vote for in the Democratic primary would be eligible to vote in the runoff.) How would that make sense? I would say that the only solution would be some sort of non-partisan (or quasi-non-partisan) runoff system that saw a number of candidates put up in a general primary, followed by a race between the two highest vote-getters...the problem with that is might give undue power to the minority party; if you put up one "Republican" against three "Democrats" then the minority party would likely get their candidate in the top tier everytime, despite an overwhelmingly Republican county. Also, for the record, the Rankin County D.A.'s race was decided in the primary as well and there doesn't seem to be the same concern from Republicans over *that* race.... The truth is, a Republican just needed to get the signatures and put some money in the bank and s/he could be running right now for D.A. That would be *easier* than an open primary...

Todd Stauffer

Aug 29 2007

"Disenfranchised"? From another party's primary? Whatever, Lawclerk. Aren't you the guy you thinks that public education is "socialism." Also, plenty of Republicans voted in the Democratic primaries. In fact, they've made an art of it. How do you think Melton got his so-called "landslide"?

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

In the above it makes more sense if I'd actually typed "despite an overwhelmingly Democratic county." Sorry. ;-)

Todd Stauffer

Aug 29 2007

Anyone have links to video of Melton's comments? I just looked at The Clarion-Ledger in someone's yard while walking. Did you see Bob Hickingbottom beaming over Smith's shoulder. That's ominous.

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

Dang, that skinneyp messed up my post! Just to let people know, since the Ledge didn't find it fit enough to print this morning, Melton introduced Robert Smith as DA. He took the stage first. WJNT interviewed Smith AFTER Melton's speech where he said he supported Robert but had to keep his distance during the campaign. Now... Is that not the most absurd thing you've EVAR heard.

pikersam

Aug 29 2007

Sorry about your post, Pike. Feel free to make your points again independent of trolls.

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

They have a snippet on the side bar on WJTV. That's all I've seen so far.

pikersam

Aug 29 2007

You wouldn't know Melton introduced him unless the reporter (good job) didn't immediately challenge Smith about Melton's support and introduction in lieu of his stance that he is not supported by Melton. It took him a second, but he said he had lots of support, etc...

pikersam

Aug 29 2007

Pike, please post about this under the new thread I just started. Thanks!

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

Pikersam, thanks for your comments. I think you're on a roll today. I am hopeful that Faye will find another way to continue to contribute to the city...we need her! And you guys would not believe the amount of Black Women between the ages of 25-40 who did not care about this race. That's just awful. You see, I think that Frank's comments about her sleeping around devastated her personna in the black community. I think that was the beginning of her downfall. But at the same time yall, Faye's presence during the candidacy was not what it should have been. I tend to think that she relied too much on being incumbent. She thought she has support or something. When I went to vote there were Schuler-Smith signs and people for miles. Where was Faye? I havent' seen her people with signs? It just gave the sense that she felt safe. Frank is a viable competitor. He lost Sheriff, I think Faye should have made a bigger effort. Unless I'm missing something...she knew she didn't have money to match Franks (and everyone knew he was backing this fella a long time ago, including Faye) - so she should have been more visible. I'm not attacking her, I'm just saying that we should have done everything possible to make it second nature for folks to know what she has done. She has been a power house for the city and it's been kept more quiet than a sleeping baby's room....and still is!

Queen601

Aug 29 2007

And you guys would not believe the amount of Black Women between the ages of 25-40 who did not care about this race. Queen, are you aware of any young leaders -- rappers, etc. -- out there campaigning for Peterson?

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

And you guys would not believe the amount of Black Women between the ages of 25-40 who did not care about this race. I would. I work with 4 sistas who live in Hinds County. None of them voted yesterday, despite our discussion about the runoff a week ago. They said that they just didn't see the big deal, which is a shame really.

Jeff Lucas

Aug 29 2007

""Disenfranchised"? From another party's primary? Whatever, Lawclerk. Aren't you the guy you thinks that public education is "socialism."" Umm... last time I checked if you were prohibited from VOTING, you were being disenfranchised. Did you change the definition? And what if I think that big government public education is socialism? Do you want to answer the question or change the subject again? Anyways... I guess now we see where party politics gets you.

LawClerk

Aug 29 2007

Not if you're prohibited from voting in another party's primary, LawClerk. I couldn't vote in both the Republican and Democratic primaries—I had to pick one, poor me—and I'm not running around whining about being "disenfranchised." Now, that doesn't mean I like party politics. But if we're going to have parties, I don't have a particular problem with them holding their own primaries. It's their right. That seems rather straightforward to me. Similarly, I believe in the right to gay marriage (or civil unions). If a particular church wants to not recognize them, that's that church's choice. The government, however, should stay out of it.

DonnaLadd

Aug 29 2007

Well it's the morning after...and I have already come to the stubborn conclusion that the city of Jackson needs to get behind Robert Smith because with no experience in trying a murder case, in a city big on killing, Smith is going to need all the help he can get. As for Faye Peterson, we should wish her the very best and hopefully her career will continue to reach newer heights. Last but not least, let's all look forward to Marshall Ramsey's cartoons about Robert Shuler Smith and Frank Melton.

dpsmith

Aug 29 2007

Now that it's all over, all I can do is wish both Robert and Faye well. We will see if Robert is up to the job. I expect him to adapt to whatever circumstances are before him and do a good job. As I said before, I believe he will tell Frank to "go to hell" when the time arrives. And it will arrive.

Ray Carter

Aug 29 2007

Riiiiiight, Ray. Of course Robert will tell Frank to "go to hell". You really know better than that, don't you? Robert will certainly need the help of Ed Peters in the DA's office. There will be no command from Robert to Frank. Other way around, Ray. Other way around.

xxgreg

Aug 29 2007

We will see. Some people play games to win, then do the right thing afterward. Consider Earl Warren fooling Eisenhower, and a long list of others.

Ray Carter

Aug 29 2007

I agree Robert will need help. Peters and others who wanted Faye gone can give him that now, else they have used him. My wish is that he uses Frank, Peters and all to learn and equip himself for the job, then, stake out his own plan and place as a prosecutor. People have planned his failure and downfall before and he survived it. He's not as clumsy and lost as people think he is. Lots of lawyers wanted him to win. Again, I liked both as nearly the same as possible with an edge to Faye this time because of experience and the fact I felt she was wronged all along.

Ray Carter

Aug 29 2007

The county was wronged just as much as Faye. Will we ever forget the smiling face of Frank last night as he told Robert Smith that he had to "distance" himself during "little brother" Robert's campaign? Yesterday the county got in on the act of being suckered. Pretty funny, unless you live in Hinds County.

xxgreg

Aug 29 2007

Robert is likely to do a very good job. My money is on it. Why blame Robert and Frank instead of the voters, if anyone is to be blamed? Might I resort to an old republican axion of late, "the world is not fair." I know Cliff will like this one too. I'm giving Robert the benefit of all doubt until and unless he screws up.

Ray Carter

Aug 29 2007

karma is a bitch ain't it? I've told countless people at work and in the streets that Frank could possibly "kill" Jackson if he is voted in. although I think Johnson was a lame duck, Frank was definitely worth passing on as mayor. I used to think he was ok, until further research. Now that he and his cronies are digging in their talons, everybody's in an uproar. Well, the majority of Jackson voters, voted for him. and I don't buy the "well, a lot of people didn't vote at all"...that's crap. even if they did vote, most likely they would've voted for Frank. now the vile Rooster is in the hen house and he ain't leaving.

laughter

Aug 30 2007

Quick question: Can there be a write-in during the actual election? I'm being totally serious about this. Since Smith has only won a *primary* election, can't we still do a write in????

LawClerk

Aug 30 2007

You could, but you'd have to take your own Sharpie, and it would get the computer screen all smudgy.

PSW

Aug 30 2007

The winner of the primary race for DA is the automatic winner since there is no Republican or independent opponent. But now that I brought that up, could Faye qualify to run as an independent or is it too late?

golden eagle

Aug 30 2007

Yeah, since they went electronic voting, you can't do write-in anymore. Shame.

LambdaRisen

Aug 30 2007

Well, when I voted in the Primary, we had a write in screen, I just didn't click on it to see what it would do... Hmmmm..... I wonder if we could do a write-in, could we get enough people to write her name in????

LawClerk

Aug 30 2007

Robert is likely to do a very good job. My money is on it. Why blame Robert and Frank instead of the voters, if anyone is to be blamed? Might I resort to an old republican axion of late, "the world is not fair." I know Cliff will like this one too. Ray, Robert clearly intentionally misled voters about the role of Melton and his people in his campaign. We can also blame him for misleading—lying—ads about Peterson. Then he allows him acceptance speech to be turned into a Melton victory moment. I know he went to Tougaloo, too, but come on. He's off to a terrible start, and the signs are terrible. If he steps up and proves that wrong, fine, but the burden is squarely on the shoulders of Melton's "little brother."

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

Everyone knows I'm not usually bias toward Tougaloo people!? Right, LW? I expressed my preference for Faye in this race because of her experience and because she has been wronged repeatedly by evil forces, in my view. I also said in that earlier posting, I'm giving him (Robert) the benefit of all doubts until and unless he screws up. My feelings were hurt to see Faye wronged and lose. I like her and have had good interactions with her. I never felt we needed a new District Attorney, the same as I felt about a new sheriff, but we have a new district attorney anyway. Consequently, I'm hoping for the best. I was shocked and unnerved as anyone to see Frank at Robert's victory celebration, making hidden admission/revelations which we all suspected, and expressing his love for Robert and involvement in the race. Frank is a sick man. He's beyond arrogant. Again, all I can say is, it will all come out in the wash. The devil can't pretend to be Jesus for long. After a while circumstances force each of us to show who and what we are. I'm as worried as any concerned citizen of where we're headed, but I wish Robert the best, and if he's a fraud being used or merely playing a dirty game for personal pleasure and amusement, we will soon see. Indeed, I saw lots of things I didn't like. I was surprised by most of it until I learned who were involved. This is exactly why I would never run for anything or get involved too deeply with politics.

Ray Carter

Aug 30 2007

I also said in that earlier posting, I'm giving him (Robert) the benefit of all doubts until and unless he screws up. I see your point, but I'd argue that evasiveness and misleading statements and ads is screwing up. I will pray that it gets better rather than worse.

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

I will pray that it gets better rather than worse. And I will pray for your writing hand, because you will have a LOT to write about in the near future on this issue.

laughter

Aug 30 2007

As if we don't already. Grumble. Grouse. I mean, where would The Clarion-Ledger get the reporting to base their editorials on? Thanks, laughter.

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

....meanwhile, I'm hoping he has no influence in Clinton. Cause I don't want Melton's Special Buddy to corrupt the one place in Central Mississippi I can afford to live in.

Ironghost

Aug 30 2007

The reason I say Frank is a sick man is because he wasn't merely celebrating Robert's victory, he was celebrating himself and revenge or payback. Roberts' victory was merely the tool of the moment that allowed him to do that. He wasn't about to let Robert or anyone else spare him his glorious moment of expressing his involvement at seeing or participating in Faye's lost or defeat. It is possible Robert didn't know Frank was going to do this. Frank couldn't stop himself from celebrating this "one moment in time." As soon as Robert lets Frank know what time it is, or who the District attorney really is, Frank will be "all out of love for him, too."

Ray Carter

Aug 30 2007

Clinton voted for Robert Smith as DA and the DA will be Robert Smith for four years. (Is it just me or does it seem like Frank Melton has already been here MORE than four years?) And Clinton, like it or not, is in Hinds County. Guess who will be prosecuting felonies for Clintonians in 2011? That's right...Frank's little bro.

xxgreg

Aug 30 2007

If Smith didn't know, Ray, and he couldn't stop him from taking over his party, this gives me no confidence in his ability to say "no" to Melton. I personally have seen no indication that Smith will, or can, stand up to Melton. I eagerly await the evidence, counselor. I'm hearing credible rumblings, in fact, that Smith has used statements from Melton to get plea bargains for his clients. (And we all know how much Smith DESPISES plea bargains.) That is, it sounds like Smith and his clients owe Melton some favors, or is it the opposite? I lose track.

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

Why do I have a feeling that "little bro" is going to stick?

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

I didn't vote for MSB (Robert Smith). My side of the aisle didn't field a canidate, mainly because no one would vote for a Republican. Not even if the alternative is Melton as DA. I mean, there's no justice anyway, so what's the point?

Ironghost

Aug 30 2007

Robert has an image too. It's still pretty good so far. If he plans on keeping it or recouping anything he's loss, Frank will have to go. If he fails to do that then he deserves what he gets.

Ray Carter

Aug 30 2007

Yeah, but plenty of folks on your side of the aisle put him there, Iron, just as they did Melton. Make no mistake. He's yours, too. So how do you suggest that Melton's "little bro" dump such a vindictive albatross? I asked during the campaign: What does Smith do the first time Melton pulls one of Smith's former clients—like a Marlon Warner, now employed by Melton at the city—who is probably more loyal to the maya than to the new D.A., and hosts a press conference against Smith? Don't get me wrong: I want you to be right. I like Smith's family too much not to. That doesn't mean I have confidence that Smith is strong enough to stand up against Melton. He hasn't shown me that strength. I eagerly await it.

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

Ghost that's some good funny comedy there. Even I would vote repub against Melton.

Ray Carter

Aug 30 2007

[quote]Yeah, but plenty of folks on your side of the aisle put him there, Iron, just as they did Melton. Make no mistake. He's yours, too.[/quote] How's Melton the Republican's fault? I think he ran as a democrat and won as one. Because he's the worst leader in memory somehow suddenly means he's a Republican? Don't democrats make mistakes?

Ironghost

Aug 30 2007

Hold it... Is there actually somebody alive and breathing in central Mississippi who thinks white Republicans (are there 15 Republicans who are NOT white in Mississippi) DID NOT help put Melton in office? Why don't you look at Melton/Robert Smith's campaign contribution list? Is Wilson Carroll a Democrat now?

xxgreg

Aug 30 2007

Who? I mean, the only other reason any sane person would back the current misadministration is because they were delusional or seriously backing an effort to Keep Jackson Down, as the rumors I've heard state.

Ironghost

Aug 30 2007

Ironghost is one of my favorite bloggers, but he and Lawclerk simply blow my mind with their questions and comments. They're unintended or accidental comics. Surely, they're not of this world.

Ray Carter

Aug 30 2007

Go look at the numbers from the North Point area, the Clinton area and the Byram area. They all were Smith voters. Those areas are far from Democrat strongholds. And in the last mayor's race, Northeast Jackson didn't vote for Harvey Johnson. Those folks aren't Democrats either.

xxgreg

Aug 30 2007

How's Melton the Republican's fault? Because of the N-Jammers and old ladies of NE Jackson. I think he ran as a democrat and won as one. True, but he said he only ran as a Demo because he said it was the only way he could win in Jackson. Because he's the worst leader in memory somehow suddenly means he's a Republican? He could be a Communist Party member; the party affiliation doesn't matter. Don't democrats make mistakes? Yes, and plenty.

golden eagle

Aug 30 2007

Because of the N-Jammers and old ladies of NE Jackson. And all that GOP money he collected. Remember that Melton assured Republicans during the campaign that he was only running as a Democrat because he had to in a largely black city to win. Of course, Dems make mistakes (like not kicking his lying butt out of their primary). But that doesn't mean Repubs don't make mistakes. You're going all binary again. DOWN, defensiveness. Can't we just agree that there are cads of all stripes and get on with it!?! No, as I understand it, Wilson Carroll used to be a Democrat. Now he's on the Hinds County Republican Committee. He calls himself a "neo-con," I believe, unless he's left that behind, too. (Who wouldn't?!?) So any thoughts on why, say, Billy Mounger is such a strident Melton/Smith supporter?

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

Oh, and Iron, you started all this party stuff by trying to pretend that Smith doesn't belong to you, your town and your party. Lots of your people helped put him there. In other words, Melton was a bipartisan mistake. Let's pray Smith wasn't (a mistake).

DonnaLadd

Aug 30 2007

Ray Carter, I would love to share you optimism for Robert Smith, but, there is an old saying that goes: YOU CAN'T GIVE UP THE CHICKEN IF YOU NEED THE EGGS. The relationship between frank and Robert Smith too on an Annabell Lee scanerio: "I was a child and she/he was a child in that Kingdom by the sea; but, we loved with a love that was more than and love, I and my "frankie." ......

justjess

Aug 31 2007

[quote]Oh, and Iron, you started all this party stuff by trying to pretend that Smith doesn't belong to you, your town and your party. Lots of your people helped put him there.[/quote] Well, Donna, then I'm proud of the republicans for one reason. If the republicans so totally own the democrats in Hinds, Mississippi that they can pick any moron/defense attorney off the street and dress him up as the next DA and have the voters of Jackson totally believe he's a democrat, then they are indeed a force to be reckoned with. The democrats should be ashamed if the can't put up someone who their own side can support with money. Now, if I could only convice the republicans to rebuild Jackson rather than their current agenda of destroying it to help build Madison/Rankin...

Ironghost

Aug 31 2007

A little food for thought on the Republican involvement in the DA's race: Four years ago the Republicans outspent the Democrat incumbent by about five to one and still got slaughtered at the polls. They knew they couldn't beat Faye Peterson this time, so they didn't even trot out another candidate this year. What they were able to do, however, is get her out with a "Democrat." While I've never been a huge conspiracy theorist myself, it seems obvious that Republicans knew they would need a weak "Democrat" in the office so that they either (1) could control behind the scenes or (2) capitalize on the next incumbent's weakness and try again. Let's not overlook what should be apparent here.

PSW

Sep 4 2007

Alot has been covered here, but I wanted to go back up to a convo between Donna and Ray.... What does Smith's going to Tougaloo have to do with his character - whether good or bad? I'll hold my opinion until I see what I missed from that. Why does having two kids and being unmarried have any relevance to his ability to do this job? Again, need understanding prior to my 2 cents. How does Smith coming out saying (as CL says) that he is not under the thumb of Mayor Melton - how does that affect his status and image in the city now? And Donna, yes I knew only two black women (not apart of Faye's staff) who helped her with her campaign between 25-40. Now I am not saying that she didn't have others helping her. But I can only tell you two. Any particular reason for asking? Think that maybe she should have focused more on that target area? I do. They are professional and at least registered to vote. I just think they felt like it didn't matter. They didn't want Faye to stay and they didn't know sh!t about Smith, except that he was allegedly associated with Frank. Which made them indifferent, because "whoever Frank wants in that spot - will get that spot". -- not my quote either.

Queen601

Sep 4 2007

I meant to say aside from the young women who were apart of Faye's staff.

Queen601

Sep 4 2007

Queen, I think the Tougaloo question goes to whether I'm bias or slow to criticize a Tougaloo graduate, which Robert Smith is? I plead guilty to both. However, I'm honest enough to call it as I see it, and have done so with Robert.

Ray Carter

Sep 4 2007