Officials speak out on intimidation allegations
Congressman Bennie Thompson’s spokesman told the Hattiesburg American on Friday that Thompson is glad the Department of Justice is looking into allegations raised by some Hattiesburg community members stemming from the 2013 municipal election….
…Baker said Thompson’s office has not been in touch with 4th District Rep. Steven Palazzo, a Republican whose district covers Hattiesburg and south Mississippi, so he did not know if the congressman was aware of his constituents’ complaints….
…”This particular mayoral election was bitterly fought and was divided, chiefly, along racial lines as many elections are in Mississippi,” Thompson wrote. “The divisive election was exacerbated by challenges of voter fraud and electioneering that resulted in a court-ordered new election.”
Since the election, Thompson said he has received numerous complaints alleging “DuPree’s supporters, both public officials and private citizens, have been the victims of systematic targeting.”
Clarion Ledger
8/26/16
Magnolia Tribune
