With almost a week until Election Day, Democrat Greg Fischer has released a new commercial slamming Republican Hal Heiner’s recent advertisement, calling it “deceitful” for alleging that former independent mayoral candidate Jackie Green was given something in return for his endorsement.
From The ‘Ville Voice:
The 30-second ad claims Fischer has been exonerated from any alleged wrongdoing thanks to a story published by The Courier-Journal, which indicated that Green was only promised influence in developing an environmental office for the city, “although the independent candidate asked for much more.”
“The Courier-Journal, the paper of record in this city looked at it,” says Chris Poynter, a Fischer campaign spokesman. “(And) determined there was nothing there,”
Last week, however, LEO Weekly obtained internal campaign communications, which showed Green telling his staff that Fischer’s campaign was the first to raise the proposition of him being a part of the Democratic candidate’s administration, should Fischer be elected. Those e-mails from Green to his campaign staff were not included in the story featured in the Fischer ad.
The Heiner campaign launched the first attack ad of the race last week, alleging that Fischer traded “power, influence and top jobs” for Green’s support. The e-mails sent by Green to his staff say nothing about a specific job offer.
Since the internal e-mails have been made public, it has raised serious questions about a possible violation of state law that prohibits candidates from making any promise, agreement or contract in consideration for a vote, which carries a Class D felony charge punishable by up to one to five years in prison.
Last Wednesday, Republican Party of Kentucky chairman Steve Robertson called for an investigation into the Fischer-Green agreement in a letter sent to Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, citing LEO’s story. The Fischer campaign has denied any job was offered in exchange for an endorsement, saying that Green misinterpreted the conversation.
In addition, the Kentucky Democratic Party has filed a similar complaint with the attorney general’s office against Heiner, citing Metro Council President Tom Owen, D-8, who came forward to say that the GOP nominee made a similar of promise of “significant input” with former Democratic mayoral candidate Tyler Allen before his endorsement was announced.