Melton Presents New D.A., Kept Distance During Campaign | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Melton Presents New D.A., Kept Distance During Campaign

Citizen bloggers are reporting that a jubilant Mayor Frank Melton introduced Robert Smith, his choice for district attorney, last night at Smith's campaign gathering. In his remarks, made before Smith's, the mayor said that Smith was his choice for the office, but that he had needed to keep his distance during the campaign. Melton remarked to the cameras using first person: "The first thing that we have to do is take care of the staff." In a Clarion-Ledger photo this morning, Melton political operative Bob Hickinbottom is grinning over Smith's shoulder.

Long-time Melton friend and supporter Ed Peters asked Robert Smith to run for D.A. Faye Peterson's seat two years ago. Peters was Smith's primary endorser throughout his campaign. Smith denied during the campaign that Melton was behind his run to unseat his nemesis in the D.A.'s office, who indicted him last year for leading a team of police officers and juveniles to destroy a Ridgeway Street duplex. Smith was the attorney for one of Melton's bodyguards in that case.

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