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MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com)--From outrageous claims to mudslinging between candidates to behind the scenes infighting, some have called this one of the dirtiest elections in the history of Shelby County.
Looking at past elections in Shelby County, it is no surprise that the Department of Justice is sending monitors to watch Thursday's election. Even with the federal oversight, don't be surprised if some losing candidates challenge the election results.
For Thursday's election, the ballot is long, the stakes are high and both Democrats and Republicans have spent big bucks trying to win your vote.
"We did two mailouts, had social media teams, radio ads and live phone banking," said Democratic Party Chairman Bryan Carson.
"I think there is a lot at stake given that we are talking about the future of our county," said Republican Party Chairman Justin Joy.
"It's gotten nasty here and there," said political columnist Jackson Baker.
Baker has been watching the campaigns unfold. From Democratic candidate for Shelby County District Attorney Joe Brown getting arrested in juvenile court to claims Brown made regarding opponent Amy Weirich's personal life, Jackson says the DA race has been full of twists and turns.
"That got very nasty and he didn't back down which I think was a mistake," said Baker.
Another candidate that kept the headlines going is Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks. Now she wants to be Juvenile Court Clerk. Baker says her trouble began when she was arrested after a road rage incident.
"Poor Henri Brooks. She got in one scrape after another. She started out with good chances of winning and as each fracas kept happening, her chances diminished," said Baker.
But Baker says the gloves also came off when it came to incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen and challenger Ricky Wilkins in the Democratic primary race for the 9th District.
"Then you finally had Cohen and Wilkins that got nasty. It started out reasonably polite, but there have been a lot of charges here. I don't think these two gentlemen will be speaking to each other once this election is over," said Baker.
Party chairmen from both sides admit, this campaign season, there has been plenty of mudslinging.
"It has been quite controversial, but it is expected with politics. I mean, you know, it's fair game," said Carson.
"It has been very vibrant which, I guess, is a nice way to put it," said Joy.
The big question is did the antics work? We'll find out Thursday night.
"Anything can happen this year. There is a full moon every night and strange things can happen," said Baker.
Polls are open Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. And you may want to bring some comfortable shoes and extra patience. The lines are expected to be pretty long.
MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com)--From outrageous claims to mudslinging between candidates to behind the scenes infighting, some have called this one of the dirtiest elections in the history of Shelby County.
Looking at past elections in Shelby County, it is no surprise that the Department of Justice is sending monitors to watch Thursday's election. Even with the federal oversight, don't be surprised if some losing candidates challenge the election results.
For Thursday's election, the ballot is long, the stakes are high and both Democrats and Republicans have spent big bucks trying to win your vote.
"We did two mailouts, had social media teams, radio ads and live phone banking," said Democratic Party Chairman Bryan Carson.
"I think there is a lot at stake given that we are talking about the future of our county," said Republican Party Chairman Justin Joy.
"It's gotten nasty here and there," said political columnist Jackson Baker.
Baker has been watching the campaigns unfold. From Democratic candidate for Shelby County District Attorney Joe Brown getting arrested in juvenile court to claims Brown made regarding opponent Amy Weirich's personal life, Jackson says the DA race has been full of twists and turns.
"That got very nasty and he didn't back down which I think was a mistake," said Baker.
Another candidate that kept the headlines going is Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks. Now she wants to be Juvenile Court Clerk. Baker says her trouble began when she was arrested after a road rage incident.
"Poor Henri Brooks. She got in one scrape after another. She started out with good chances of winning and as each fracas kept happening, her chances diminished," said Baker.
But Baker says the gloves also came off when it came to incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen and challenger Ricky Wilkins in the Democratic primary race for the 9th District.
"Then you finally had Cohen and Wilkins that got nasty. It started out reasonably polite, but there have been a lot of charges here. I don't think these two gentlemen will be speaking to each other once this election is over," said Baker.
Party chairmen from both sides admit, this campaign season, there has been plenty of mudslinging.
"It has been quite controversial, but it is expected with politics. I mean, you know, it's fair game," said Carson.
"It has been very vibrant which, I guess, is a nice way to put it," said Joy.
The big question is did the antics work? We'll find out Thursday night.
"Anything can happen this year. There is a full moon every night and strange things can happen," said Baker.
Polls are open Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. And you may want to bring some comfortable shoes and extra patience. The lines are expected to be pretty long.
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