Press Release…
TODD WADE STATEMENT ON DISQUALIFICATION FROM SENATE DISTRICT 9 RACE
September 13, 2011–Todd Wade released the following statement regarding the decision by the Election Commission to disqualify him as the Republican Candidate for Senate District 9 in the November general election.
“I am disappointed by the decision of the Election Commission to disqualify me from running for this very important post,” said Wade. “I have met all the requirements asked of me by the Election Commission, and I was qualified by the standards of the Mississippi Republican Party. My opponent has not challenged my qualifications. The only reason we have come to this point is because Secretary of State Hosemann decided to bring this up outside of the statutory 31 day requirement, which we contend is outside of his authority.”
“My campaign’s motto is ‘Principles over Politics.’ I’m sorry that Secretary Hosemann decided against the principle of the constitution and Mississippi Law, and voted alongside Jim Hood to effectively reappoint a Democrat to Senate District 9.”
“Governor Barbour and Lt. Governor Phil Bryant got it right when they voted to keep me on the ballot.”
“I have raised a large amount of money from Conservatives in District 9 who wanted to see us take this seat. The momentum was on our side. The Secretary of State gave my campaign only an hour and forty-five minute notice of the original hearing to remove me from the ballot. I don’t believe it was Secretary Hosemann’s wishes that I be able to attend. Luckily I was already on my way to Jackson, and I was able to be there. The voters in Senate District 9 deserve more respect than this from Mr. Hosemann.”
“I won’t pass judgement on the entire Secretary of State’s office, but this particular issue has been mishandled and should frighten every Mississippian about what is going on in Jackson. This type of action from our Secretary of State only increases voter apathy, decreases participation, and continues to promote an environment of ‘good ole boy, status quo politics.’ It is bad for Mississippi.”
“I have decided to take the next few days to make a decision about my next move. Regardless of what my decision will be, voters can be rest assured that I will continue to fight alongside other Republicans for conservative values and constitutional principles in Mississippi, and against this type of political maneuvering, whether it be in elected office or not.”