[verbatim] Chairman Jamie Franks said today that the state party remains neutral in the Jackson mayoral Democratic runoff. The statement comes in response to calls made on behalf of Councilman Marshand Crisler from the state party headquarters.

It was brought to the attention of Chairman Franks and Executive Director Sam Hall that calls originated from the office on behalf of Crisler. The calls were made on Friday, May 15. Both Franks and Hall were out of town in Richmond, Va., for a DNC conference.

"These calls were not authorized by the Party, and their being made from party office was a mistake," Franks said. "The Mississippi Democratic Party remains neutral in this primary, like all Democratic primaries."

The calls were allowed to be made at the office when representatives of the Crisler campaign told a party official that their phone system was down.

"While we want to help any Democratic candidate when they are in a bind, the Party does not get involved with individual campaigns during primary elections," Franks said. "We regret that these calls took place. It was a mistake, and the person responsible understands that it will not happen again."

Franks said the party will support the Democratic nominee after the run-off.

"Once voters have chosen their Democratic nominee, we will provide every possible resource to ensuring a Democrat is elected as mayor of Jackson," Franks said.

Previous Comments

ID

147669

Comment

This is criminal activity on behalf of the MS Demotratic Party. Howard Dean should be notified. This can not be deemed a mistake. You folks knew what you were doing and to whom you were doing it for. Shame on you Dems. and again I say, Franks, this is a piss poor excuse and not a single Johnson supporter will believe your half-A$$ explanation!

Author

justjess

Date

2009-05-18T16:37:26-06:00

ID

147670

Comment

Better watch out, justjess; someone's going to take you seriously.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-05-18T16:40:57-06:00

ID

147704

Comment

I would believe Chairman Franks if he named the Crisler people who used the party's phone. Without giving names of who was there from the Crisler campaign and wdo on the party payroll gave them permissin to use the phones I must agree with justjess. This is a half A$$ explanation!!!

Author

wellington

Date

2009-05-18T22:13:08-06:00

ID

147719

Comment

Johnson might be po' but he's sho'. I'll take my chances with a sho' hand any day over a so-called young lad with mo' money. Jamie y'all wuz wrong to do Johnson like that!

Author

Walt

Date

2009-05-19T05:31:00-06:00