Campaign responds to AG investigation of push polling (09/23/08)

JACKSON—Chief Justice Jim Smith’s campaign has found itself at the center of a controversy that is now the target of a state investigation by Attorney General Jim Hood, the Clarion-Ledger reported today.

According to the Clarion-Ledger, the attorney general’s office is investigating whether or not unethical push polls being conducted on behalf of Jim Smith are in fact illegal.

Attorney General Jim Hood told the Clarion-Ledger, “We are looking into these sleazy, bogus calls to determine if they violate our criminal and/or civil laws,” Hood said Monday. “We call on any person who has recorded one of these calls to call our office at 1-800-281-4418 or e-mail us at agjimhood.com.”

The Kitchens campaign released this statement through campaign manager Sam Hall:

“We’re glad to see that state officials are watching these elections carefully, considering all of the nasty tricks and past attempts by outside groups to circumvent campaign finance laws.”

“Jim Kitchens will run a fair campaign, talking about his qualifications, telling people how Jim Smith has hurt our courts and letting the voters decide who would be the best fit for a fair, balanced court made up of honest, honorable judges.”

To view the entire Clarion-Ledger article, click here or visit:

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080923/NEWS/809230369/1001/NEWS