(Shelby County) The primary election for the Shelby County Mayor’s race is one week away, and things are starting to heat up.
Some are allegeing race baiting.
Steve Mulroy says he was just pointing out political loyalties, but Diedre Malone says there was an underlying message.
Steve Mulroy’s campaign is under fire for a robo call that Diedra Malone says is a problem, even though she hasn’t heard it.
Malone said, “My campaign is not alleging racism, but supporters of mine are. I am agreeing with the fact that race has now become an issue when it wasn’t.”
Mulroy added, “[The call] basically responded to a charge the Malone campaign made, and also contrasted her and I. I have consistently supported congressman Cohen and she has supported his opponents.”
The controversy is about support for Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen.
A robo call states Malone supported two of Congressman Cohen’s past opponents, both of whom are African American.
Malone says Mulroy’s intentions are obvious, even though their names are never said in the call.
“Does it have to be?” she said, “When you are following local politics at all, you know the races of these individuals. It’s very clear.”
Mulroy responded, “I think the scare tactic is the Malone campaign saying it’s racist for me to point out that I support Congressman Cohen and she doesn’t.”
Mulroy went on to call the claims laughable.
Both candidates say they hate that race is becoming an issue with one week to go in the Democratic Primary for Shelby County Mayor.
For the record, Congressman Steve Cohen has not endorsed either candidate in this race.