Accusation clouds election

The Hattiesburg American, 8/25/7

A last minute flurry of negative campaigning is casting a cloud over the lone statewide race that is going to voters for a runoff on Tuesday.

Throughout this week, Todd Brand of Meridian has been accusing the top vote-getter in the Democratic primary, Mike Sumrall of Mount Olive, of promoting himself in the race as the only black candidate. Both Sumrall and Brand are white.