DA race getting testy as mailer stirs response

SMITH

DA race getting testy as mailer stirs response

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Saturday, July 26. 2008

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New Comments: Smith responds to Sikes' weekend mailing

With the runoff just days away, the candidates for District Attorney have become more aggressive in their attempts to cast doubt on their opponents’ qualifications. Early voting starts this week on Mon. July 28 and the runoff election will be on Aug. 5.
A recent campaign mailer from candidate Donna Sikes accused opponent Brad Smith of having let a Barrow County man go in a plea deal; the man was recently charged for murder in Florida. Smith strongly rebutted the accusation, saying that while he processed some paperwork, the case was not his and he had nothing to do with the plea deal.
“Throughout her campaign, my opponent has consistently used mudslinging and baseless personal attacks," he said. "Since the election, there have been rumors and conspiracy theories running rampant. I am here to tell you now that these are not true. The things you have been reading about are not true.”
Smith said the negative campaigning was causing citizens to lose sight of the real issue in the campaign – who is better qualified to be the next District Attorney.

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#1 Brad Smith on 07/26/08, 02:12 PM (Reply)

I want to address a slanderous mailing that arrived in mailboxes this morning from my opponent. Within the DA’s office, cases are assigned to ADA’s based on which judge the case is to be tried before. As an ADA in Barrow County I was assigned to handle all cases before Judge Motes. The case in question was assigned to Judge Booth. You can tell this by looking at the case number at the top of the Accusation; it ends with a “B” for Booth. This case was never assigned to me.

During arraignments and other hearings, it is regular practice for one ADA to sign the paperwork that is being presented to the court, regardless of who is assigned to the case. This case was never assigned to me, and I never had anything to do with any plea negotiations. They would have been performed by the ADA assigned to Judge Booth cases. My signature is on the accusation merely because I was standing at the bench when the case was presented. If Mr. Caylor had pleaded “not guilty” instead of “guilty,” I would still have had to sign the accusation. My signature simply means I was standing there, not that I had anything to do with it. I don’t know any of the facts of this case, since it was never mine, but the charges he pleaded to are all misdemeanors, and the sentences he received are in line with what judges hand out for these offenses. If the judge had not agreed with the sentencing negotiated by the ADA and defense attorney, he would not have sentenced the defendant to that.

I have dedicated my entire 12 career to keeping predators and other criminals off the streets. My opponent in her career has never done anything to put a single criminal behind bars. That she would use the pain of a victim’s family for political gain and her own personal ambition is reprehensible and just another example of the mudslinging she has resorted to in order to distract voters from her complete lack of qualification for the job. If anyone would like to discuss this with me, I can be reached at (678)350-6380. Thanks for your time and support.
Brad Smith, candidate

#1.1 Helen A Person, Winder, GA on 07/28/08, 11:44 AM (Reply)

This can be reduced to a bunch of "he said/she said" OR everyone can look at the facts of this mailer: Matthew Caylor registered as a sex offender in 2001. The 2006 charges were a result of a domestic dispute with his wife. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three consecutive 12 month probation terms in accordance with Georgia law. The fact he has now confessed to and is being held for raping and murdering a 13-year-old child in Florida is being used as a convenient campaign ploy by Ms. Sikes and, in my estimation, are a distortion of truth and facts that the citizens of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit cannot afford to allow to be rewarded by election to the District Attorney's office. The people of the district deserve to begin their relationship with our new D.A. on a foundation of trust, not distortions. Brad Smith is a responsible, respected professional who has conducted himself in nothing less than should be expected from any of our judiciary. We have enough distortion in politics today. Let's not get sidetracked with personalities and forget the facts: Ms. Sikes has used political smoke and mirrors in an effort to besmirch the reputation of an honorable man. I do not want such a person representing the interests of my community. Vote for Brad Smith!

#1.2 John Rearden on 07/30/08, 02:46 AM (Reply)

The "mud slinging" piece developed and mailed by Ms. Sikes is an example of someone who is unqualified for the position who is grasping at straws to do anything to cause the public to divert its attention away from the real issues. If Ms. Sikes cannot run a clean campaign based on her experience and accomplishments then she should not be elected to this office.

I challenge everyone to read up on Brad Smith and vote for a real Attorney with real experience.

We deserve the best and if he is elected we will have a well qualified District Attorney representing the people of this Judicial District.

#2 Go Brad! on 07/26/08, 05:57 PM (Reply)

Brad Smith has ensured that countless criminals serve time in prisons and jail for their crimes. How many criminals has Donna Sikes forced to account for their criminal activities? Answer: NONE. In fact as a DEFENSE attorney, she has helped countless criminals get off or get probation time for their felony and misdemeanor crimes. Not only that, but she is married and spends every day and night with a man charged with VIOLENT FELONY CHARGES. And she wants to condemn Brad Smith because of his association with Tim Madison! She needs to look in the mirror, every single day!!! Of course, I am sure that the criminals that Donna has DEFENDED will vote for her! Go Brad!!!

#3 Jackson County land owner on 07/27/08, 01:15 AM (Reply)

Oh Really Mrs. Sikes, You are going to open up the prosecutors office to the public? First of all I doubt you would do that since you now don't have the courtisy to return a phone call. and I'm not sure the "public" should have an open office they can run to for the prosecutor. Your not serious are you? and by the way...how many people have you ever protected from prison? Haw many families have you smashed with your greed and money. You are not the person I want prosecuting criminals. Aren't you a family riddled with crime? how can you stop crime when it is directly in your family? seems like your just not the best person for this job. and I will say it again, do not vote for this sikes gal before you find out her background and the crime her family members have been accused of. Threatining to Killing the mayor of a small community is very serious.
seems like you are a bit too close to smoke for you not to cause a fire.

#4 Anonymous on 07/27/08, 10:27 AM (Reply)

Every time Brad opens his mouth, he says "it's not my fault," or "I didn't know," or "somebody's mudslinging." He's a whiny child. He let a backlog of cases pile up, didn't DO anything while Timmy filed false charges and stole money, and now this. Grow up Brad.

#4.1 Anonymous is wrong on 07/27/08, 10:02 PM (Reply)

Well, someone IS mudslinging. Smith and Bridgeman were above it. Every assistant in the DA's office can't be held responsible for what was going on. Where would the citizens have been if they all quit? With Tim prosecuting their cases? He practically never worked a five day work week and in fact was seldom around. Many did the job of prosecutor honorably while Tim was the DA despite his actions. Ask a defense attorney. Ask law enforcement. Ask a judge. Ask them about Sikes while you're at it.

#5 Person of TRUTH on 07/27/08, 10:44 AM (Reply)

I think people need to look at Mrs. Sikes past relationship with former Arcade Police Chief Dennis Bell. For many years Mr. Sikes and the employees of Joe Sikes Oil were protected by former Chief Bell. As a former officer of that department, I was personally ordered to release one of the oil company's employees after Mr. sikes arrived on the scene and had Dennis Bell by cell phone. In a matter of seconds, I was called by Dennis and ordered to give everybody at the scene a warning and return to service. I also know of several cases Mrs. Sikes has taken on to defend the criminals of Jackson County. What happends when those same criminals come back in front of her as the District Attorney? Will she have a special bond with them since she has taken their money in years past while doing a sub-par job defending them. Taking the money that has funded her husband's garbage company. The same company that has attempted to sue the City of Arcade for not allowing them to build a landfill in Arcade. The #3 responder above is so right about the very serious charges still pending in reference to the death of the Joe Sikes Oil employee. Maybe its all part of a plan larger than the common folk. Maybe she thinks we are too stupid to think she would use her influence as DA to help in the case with the oil company.

#5.1 The Shawdow on 07/27/08, 01:44 PM (Reply)

Dennis Bell and Brad's Boss were thick as thieves(pardon the pun) and Brad sat right in there and watched Dennis and Tim ruin people's lives, so I would watch saying Donna had a close association with Dennis Bell more so Brad did. When all the problems first came to light about missing money from Arcade (which never got investigated and Dennis Bell says he found 80,000 dollars in his grandmother’s wall) it was Tim and his employees who quickly dismissed it and kept on stealing from the tax payers. That’s what happens when the fox is guarding the hen house. Brad Smith says I didn't know about the money being stolen by Madison but went on many of the trips took all the perks, where did he think the money was coming from. He didn’t have anything to do with the case in question either I suppose that ignorance will work for some people, but the DA needs to be smarter than the criminals and certainly held accountable.

#5.1.1 To The Shawdow on 07/27/08, 03:08 PM (Reply)

Well that's just a load of crap. If you want someone smarter than the criminals, you better vote for Brad, cause it ain't Donna.

#5.1.1.1 Tell the Truth on 07/27/08, 10:30 PM (Reply)

That's all you have to say "that's a load of crap". Brad knew about all of the things Tim was doing and just didn't have the guts to come forward or he was living in his "fairy land" and just thought the money for trips(for the entire office), $725.00 dinners, sailboats, motorcycles and who knows what else were just fringe benefits to being a prosecutor or maybe the money was just appearing out of thin air or heck maybe someone stuck a check in front of him to sign and he doesn’t remember that either ...then he just signs anything anyone puts in front of him. He is not very strong or he is not very smart you seem to have the “inside” with him, which is it?

#5.1.1.1.1 No, really, tell the truth on 07/28/08, 09:25 AM (Reply)

What do you know that the GBI doesn't? They investigated the case and cleared Brad--who wasn't even a chief assistant--of any wrongdoing. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Smith has repeatedly said he would enact transparent accounting and put all funds under the supervision of the counties AND he'll put personnel there, too, to prevent the capricious firings and questionable rewards systems for which Tim was famous.

#5.1.1.1.1.1 truth on 07/28/08, 05:18 PM (Reply)

I'm sure he would now

#6 truth in advertising on 07/27/08, 07:38 PM (Reply)

I believe you say what you Mean, and Mean what you say: "If your not going to sling mud" then don't.
I don't think it speak very well of anyone that does, Me or my Wife will not vote for any candidate that crosses that line.
If your record won't stand on it's on don't run.
I don't like being polled on the phone by people in this race as to who I will vote for either.
I expect the people who run for District Attorney to hold themselves to a higher level of morality and be above the people they prosecute, not wallow in the mud with them.

#6.1 Agree w/ truth in advertising on 07/28/08, 08:00 AM (Reply)

Agreed. I believe the type of campaign a candidate runs show what kind of person they are. As best I can tell, Smith hasn't taken part in this dirty campaigning. He will get my vote.

#7 Anonymous on 07/28/08, 09:02 AM (Reply)

The negative campaigning and attacks are very troubling. If someone is willing to do these things to get into a job, what sort of things will they do when they get there? I agree, Smith seems to be running a positive campaign and running on his own qualifications. I will be voting for him also.

#8 Concerned Law Enforcement Officer on 07/28/08, 10:37 AM (Reply)

To all of the citizens of Banks, Barrow, and Jackson Counties I say this to you, WAKE UP!!!! Don't buy into this crap that Donna Sikes is attemtpting to make you believe. She wants to constantly sling crap at Brad but doesn't want to answer questions about pending felony charges against her husband. That's right, the candidate that wants to lead us into the future is married to a man who has pending felony charges. I'm telling you as a concerned law enforcement officer for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, if Mrs. Sikes gets elected I will resign from my position. She doesn't have a clue about convicting criminals, only making excuses why they shouldn't go to jail. Brad has tried one of my murder cases and I can assure you that Brad Smith is the most qualified candidate for the Office of District Attorney. If you want true justice for Banks, Barrow, and Jackson Counties get out and vote, for BRAD SMITH!!!!!!!!!!

#8.1 We want to know on 07/28/08, 05:25 PM (Reply)

Well good then...why don't you tell us who you are so we can watch for your resignation when she wins! But be sure to put your name after all it wouldn't hurt ..would it? After all you won't be there will you ? Truth is, you will see her pat her on the back and tell her you voted for her otherwise you would put your name here.

#8.1.1 Joe Holt on 07/28/08, 08:56 PM (Reply)

The truth, that is the beauty of this type of blog, hopefully we will all say what we mean and as for the truth it lies in what you believe anyway.

Trying to bully someone by acting like a two year old is very funny, and is right in line with someone that would support mud slinging politicians.

What I find most interesting is that you believe you will be patting her on the back, mudslingers only need you until the day of the election, then your relegated to the curb with the rest of the little people until the next election.

Who is going to win? only time and votes will tell, I pray it is the best Person for the Job
The Piedmont Circuit has had more than it fair share of embarrassments, I said it before and I will say it again "Run on your Record" not slinging mud.

God Bless All Willing to do this job.

#8.1.1.1 Thanks Joe on 07/28/08, 10:14 PM (Reply)

Do you read what you respond to? I never said I was patting anyone on the back. I said that anyone claiming to be in the position of a "concerned Law Enforcement officer" saying they would resign if Donna was elected would try to tell her they voted for her, after she wins, but by claiming that title and not putting your name… that’s mudslinging but I’ll bet you don't see it that way and by the way it's only mudslinging when it's not the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts but has to be told. How do you think Tim did as he pleased for years, everyone was afraid to tell the truth. Donna is not about turning her back; she simply put the information out there finally for the honest people of this circuit.

#8.1.1.2 Jackson County Voter on 07/28/08, 10:51 PM (Reply)

You know, the #8 comment means a lot. A person willing
to give up their law enforecment job if Donna is elected.
Donna Sikes only wants to get the DA job to get her
hubby Joe out of deep poo poo (felony charges
This is why she want the job so badly that she is using
slander and lies against Brad Smith.
The only qualified candidate is Brad Smith...by a mile.

#8.1.1.2.1 Mark Twain on 07/29/08, 05:52 PM (Reply)

If any of it were true it may mean something, but how do you know it's not Brad telling you this story...you don't so until someone puts their name to it.... it's just made up.

#8.1.2 Anonymous on 07/29/08, 09:53 AM (Reply)

If you have any idea about policy and procedures, you would know that most reputable departments have policies in place forbidding public support of political candidates, at least utilizing your law enforcement position. I will say that I have been a Detective for many years and have prosecuted many cases through the D.A.'s office. Just to show how unknowledgeable Donna is to the system, she mailed out a flyer trying to make Brad look bad. The man was handed down the highest possible sentence for a misdmeanor crime. I pray for the family of the slain girl but the charges in Barrow County would not have saved her. If the Judge felt the sentence was wrong he would have spoke up. Not to mention if Donna would have been defending that client that sentence would have been to harsh. Once a defense attorney always a defense attorney. I believe if you go to the Clerk of Courts office you will find an astonishing record for Mrs. Sikes. Not to many trials on her record for all those years of experience. That's not the kind of person I want prosecuting my cases......

#8.2 Jack (Homepage) on 07/29/08, 07:28 AM (Reply)

Since most of voters don't have much knowledge of how the DA office works we need to listen sometimes to people who are trying to inform us voters with concernes. I agree with the Law Enforcement Officer on this important decision for Voters. We don't need a DA which will constantly be an embarressment to us. Sikes has some problems and if elected every decision she makes will be under investigation. I will vote for expeirence and professionlism and that is Brad Smith.

#9 Law Dawg on 07/29/08, 10:56 AM (Reply)

I to am a Law Enforcement Officer in this circuit. Having prosecuted cases in this district for the past four years, we all do things we don't like to do. I personally do not want someone prosecuting my cases who has NEVER worked as a prosecutor. Someone who has spent their whole legal career defending criminals, in my opinion is not a good choice. If at some point in her carreer, Sikes had worked as a prosecutor I might think differently, but the facts are what they are. She has never prosecuted a murderer, rapist, child molestor, thief, etc., but she has helped plenty of these people stay out of jail or get the least amount of punishment available. It is my sincere hope that the voters of our circuit will vote based on the facts not with their hearts and friendships. I do not know Brad personally, but I have looked at and studied the facts, and believe that he is the best choice for our circuit.

#10 Concerned Officer #2 on 07/29/08, 09:54 PM (Reply)

I also totally agree with the other officers on here. I have worked in the Piedmont judicial circuit for the last 8 1/2 years and have a great deal of experience in dealilng with the DA's office. I also have experience in dealing with the Sikes family from a law enforcement standpoint. I believe that it would be a huge mistake to elect an UNexperienced person to handle the day to day prosecutions of the circuit, not to mention the murderers, child molestors and thieves. Any voter wanting accountability, professionalism, selflessness, and responsibility should go to the polls and ELECT BRAD SMITH FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY. If Sikes is elected it would be four years of numerous guilty people going free.

#10.1 Mother of Three on 07/30/08, 10:56 AM (Reply)

Doesn't our judicial system provide that every person charged with a crime will receive a fair trial? A fair trial would require defense attorneys, would it not? I am very concerned about this election and I am mortified by the previous postings by the officers and investigators. Defense Attorneys and Prosecutors change "sides" all the time. Attorneys know the system and the process no matter what side of the court room they have sat on - Ms. Sikes and Mr. Smith both have extensive court room experience and familiarity with the presiding Judges. If Ms. Sikes is elected, are you not going to perform your job? I certainly hope that you do - regardless of who is elected. The people rely on you to perform as best you can. Was Ms. Sikes mudslinging by mailing out her interpretation o fthe referenced case? or was she responding to Mr. Smith's statement that he is a "tough" prosecutor? I don't know - but is it any better for someone to "sling mud" at her husband? Wasn't the man responsible for starting the fire at work when he wasn't supposed to be or smoking or something? Can we really know the truth? Our best defense is to be informed and to actually go and vote. I truly pray that the best candidate wins this race and that we will all see a change for the better.

#10.1.1 Jackson County Voter on 07/30/08, 08:51 PM (Reply)

In response to the Mother of Three about Donna's husband,
you may be right about the man killed in the explosion
being his own fault (smoking on the job). However, that
is the least of Joe's problems. The fact that he
threatened to kill the Mayor of Arcade is the big one.
The other is all the OSHA and DOT violations his company
faces for having faulty, potentially deadly equipment on
the road which threatens all of our lives.
I think Donna's husband is fair game when it comes to
running for a public office, especially when there could
be a huge conflict of interest here.

#10.1.1.1 anonymous on 07/30/08, 08:59 PM (Reply)

Not to mention all Donna campaigned on during the primary was guilt by association for Bridgeman and Smith. If she is going to insist on holding them to that standard, then it is only fair that we get to hold her accountable for her own questionable associations -- in this case her husband. Also consider this -- Smith hasn't actually attacked Donna using Joe -- he has stuck to the issues, which is real experience with criminal cases. She may have plenty of experience with divorce cases, but that is a far cry from prosecuting a criminal in a trial.

#10.1.2 Practicing attorney on 07/30/08, 10:06 PM (Reply)

No, Donna Sikes absolutely does not have extensive courtroom experience. I'm not commenting on any other aspect of this campaign, but that assertion is completely false.

#10.1.2.1 Anonymous on 08/05/08, 07:34 PM (Reply)

Agreed. As a Piedmont Judicial Circuit court employee for the past 4 years, I have never seen Ms. Sikes in the courtroom, much less trying or negotiating a case. Oh, let me take that back. I did see her there when she showed up for her husband's arraignment. A co-worker of mine has worked in the court system for the past 10 years and has only seen her act in her capacity as an attorney twice. That's not what I'd call adequate enough experience in PRACTICING law in order to even be considered as a candidate for district attorney.

I pray that the people of this circuit ignore the smoke and mirrors of the Tim Madison references and elect the right candidate: Brad Smith. I have worked with Mr. Smith and he is an excellent prosecutor. I also attended ALL the Tim Madison hearings and from what I can tell from the evidence presented there, Mr. Smith had no knowledge of any wrongdoing on Mr. Madison's part. The wrongdoings of Mr. Madison had to do with inappropriate spending and financial issues - not with how his office prosecuted cases.

#11 John Rearden on 07/30/08, 02:53 AM (Reply)

Why is Sheriff Evans calling people in Commerce and urging them to vote for Donna Sikes?

His message is an attempt to use his office to help a personal friend and that does not sit well with me. He could have done this as a personal friend but no; he did this as the sitting Sheriff. Is there collusion here? Is this malfeasance on his part?

Come on. Vote for the right person, not the county candidate and the network's candidate.

#11.1 Anonymous on 07/30/08, 09:24 AM (Reply)

You wonder why Sheriff Evans is calling people in Commerce and asking them to vote for Donna. Why is the Police Chief of Commerce sending out e-mails to people asking them to vote for Brad Smith. I would say he is also using his office to help a personal friend,

#11.1.1 Voter '08 on 07/30/08, 07:33 PM (Reply)

Perhaps the Police Chief of Commerce values having a District Attorney with actual experience prosecuting criminals more than the sheriff does. Vote for Brad Smith who has that experience.

#11.1.2 Go Brad! on 08/02/08, 01:04 PM (Reply)

Sheriff Evans is supporting Donna Sikes because she is part of the Good Ol' Boys of Jackson County. Wonder why he didn't make that call before the primary election?

#12 JohnDammWayne on 07/30/08, 12:49 PM (Reply)

Smith is a silver-spooned cry baby and Sikes is Joe's puppet. I'm writing in Tommy Stephenson for DA.

Where is Tommy anyway?? Jackson County politics just ain't right without him running for something.

#13 Concerned citizen on 07/30/08, 08:13 PM (Reply)

It all comes down to voting for the most qualified...and thats Brad Smith...thats all there is to choose from. Brad has indicated Donna's To-Do List, which he is 100% correct.
She has no education or experience as a DA.
I don't know why she is wasting everybody's time defending her-self on this message brd anyway. Vote for Brad and get it right.

#13.1 why are you here? on 07/30/08, 09:28 PM (Reply)

Why are you here Brad?

#13.2 Billy Joe on 07/31/08, 09:53 AM (Reply)

A vote for Donna Sikes is a get out of jail free card for every criminal in Barrow, Jackson, and Banks.

#13.3 Anonymous on 07/31/08, 07:40 PM (Reply)

A man that has been in the office and acually knows something about the job, has endorsed the candidacy of Donna Sikes. Mr. Bridgeman in his letter of endorsement, states that he resolved over 2,000 pending cases where offenders had been arrested and never prosecuted. He also say's he reopened dozens of serious felony cases that had been put on "special hold." He also says that this community does not need to return this office to the practices that were prevalent under the leadership of the prior administration. He also states that he is confident that, Donna, possesses these qualities. So if the man who has seen the mess left by the prior administration, thinks she if qualified, why shouldn't you? Mr. Smith was part of that administration. This cicuit needs to move forward, and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

#13.3.1 Anonymous on 07/31/08, 08:59 PM (Reply)

Mr. Bridgeman was part of that prior administration to. Maybe you should research how those backlog of cases got cleared. The majority of them were dismissed. Listen to the law enforcement officers of this circuit that go before the District Attorney's Office on a daily basis. Ask them there opinion. These are the men and women that can give you the truth about what is happening to hese cleared up cases. If it weren't for political backlash and the policies of my agency I would show everyone what happens to these cases because I have the dismissal's in a file. I'm talking about serious drug cases that carry a minimum mandatory 10 years in prison by Georgia Law. Please take the advise of a 10 year law enforcement veteran of this circuit, Brad Smith is the best candidate for the job hands down. I believe the only reason Bridgeman got the appointment from the Governor is because Bridgeman's buddy is the Chief of Hoschton and he convinced the local Chief's to sign a letter to the Governor.

#13.3.2 Just Another Smith Supporter on 07/31/08, 10:06 PM (Reply)

In regards to your comments, Mr. Bridgeman was also part of the Madison Administration at one point in time and could easily be blamed for just as much wrong doing even though I would find it highly unlikely that he violated any laws or policies during his time under Madison. In regards to his bragging about resolving in excess of 2, 00 cases, anyone who reads the court reports in the newspaper should know that the majority of those backlogged cases were cleared by either dismissing them entirely or plea bargaining to the bare minimum. I do not believe that dismissal and plea bargaining is the way to go. If someone commits a crime then the District Attorney should pursue the charges to the fullest extent allowed by law. Maybe this would prevent law enforcement officers from taking the blame for criminals being put right back on the street due to the reductions and dismissals. It is entirely within the discretion of the District Attorney on pre-trial dismissals and plea bargaining so what do you expect to have happen if a person who believes in defending criminals is allowed to take over that responsibility. I would have much rather seen Mr. Bridgeman return to office over Sikes, at least then we would still have a chance at Law & Order in our Judicial System.

ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILTY FOR ONES OWN ACTIONS SHOULD GO TO THE POLLS ON 08-05-2008 AND VOTE BRAD SMITH FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

#13.3.3 Anonymous on 08/01/08, 12:17 AM (Reply)

Yes, but that only flies if you believe everything Bridgeman says about the cases. He has not cleared out 2000 cases. He may have indicted or accused that many, but they are not all closed. Many of those he closed were dismissals or sweetheart plea deals. Sadly, all of the local media has accepted his press releases as the gospel without bothering to check to see if any of his claims were true. Like Sikes he has misrepresented the truth and preyed on voters lack of knowledge on how the criminal justice system works. That he would now come out and support Sikes is surprising because he campaigned on her lack of experience. In fact, he told many people before the election to "pray" that he or Brad Smith won because Sikes was not qualified to do the job. Bridgeman clearly has no more integrity than Sikes, and that he would now suddenly believe she has the experience to do the job when just 2 weeks ago he didn't seems to be a pretty good indicator that he has made some sort of deal with Sikes for something -- if not for him than for someone else. Well done Mr. Bridgeman -- you've sold your soul....

#14 Law Dawg on 07/31/08, 09:25 AM (Reply)

To the mother of three. Yes attorneys change sides all the time and if this were the case with Sikes, I might feel differently. But her whole law career has been defending criminals. As far doing my job, I will do my job no matter who gets elected because I beleive in what I do. My main concren is what happens after it leaves my hands. Is it going to to be actively prosecuted or pled down to something else. Unfortunatley that happens alot. But I console myself with the fact that I did my job and nine times out of ten I wind up arresting that person for something else later on down the road.

#14.1 Anonymous on 08/01/08, 09:10 AM (Reply)

"her whole law career has been defending criminals"

That's classic! Just what we want...a DA that defends criminals!
Keep that in mind when you vote.

#14.1.1 Anonymous on 08/02/08, 09:08 AM (Reply)

Exactly, Sikes has spent her entire career defending
criminals. Is this what we need in a DA?
The way I see it, a vote for Sikes is a vote for
criminals. But then again, her family has a history
in the field of being criminals.

#15 RBlalock on 08/01/08, 03:29 PM (Reply)

I simply want to say that I hope the voters of the three counties making up the Piedmont District look at the most important criteria and that is the qualifications of the two candidates. If they do, then there can be no option other than Brad Smith. Mrs. Sikes has tried to use negative tactics to take away from the fact that she is totally unqualified to be the DA. For all of these comments that say that Brad knew about the misappropriations going on- that's hogwash. Brad was an employee and just like you would be unaware if your boss was doing anything underhanded through another employee's pay, Brad had no knowledge of this. Voters, isn't it important that the vast majority of police officers, those who are trying to put the bad guys away, support Brad as the best man for the job. Please show your intelligence on Tuesday by selecting a man who is extremely qualified for the job of DA. All of us want to see crime reduced and we can't do this unless there is someone in office who knows how to put the criminals behind bars.

#16 Anonymous on 08/03/08, 06:59 PM (Reply)

If I understand this correctly, the current DA is in jail because he, along with his wife, looted all the cash from the court house. So now in the special election to replace the incarcerated DA, the choice is between choosing one of his closest associates who let a child molester out of jail so long as he promised only to molest, rape, and murder children in another state besides Georgia and a criminal defense attorney whom desperately is trying to get elected so she can drop pending felony charges against her husband. I believe I have corrected lifted all of these accusations out of the posts regarding this election. I wonder if the current DA and the two lawyers vying to replace him would be willing to make a guest appearance on the Jerry Springer show?

#16.1 Anonymous on 08/03/08, 09:48 PM (Reply)

Response to #16 poster. Do you know ANYONE who works in any courthouse in this circuit? Even as an acquaintance? If you do, please call them up and ask them what they think. I understand how someone on the outside looking in might think your summary of the situation is correct, but you need to be informed before you go to the polls.

#16.2 Anonymous on 08/05/08, 08:42 AM (Reply)

you are incorrect. even the barrow newspaper got this right! Smith did not let any "child molester out of jail". That is Sikes' ploy to try to draw attention away from the fact that she is no more qualified to be the DA than I am!
there is too much information available for you to believe such tripe.
please research.

#17 Jackson County Resident on 08/04/08, 08:52 PM (Reply)

Brad Smith not only prosecutes criminals justly, he looks out for what is in the best interest of the victims. Simply sending a criminal to jail for a crime, does nothing for the victims involved. My family and I know this first hand, as we are victims of a crime. I can't go into it further as it is an ongoing case. What I can say is that we are very glad to have Brad Smith representing us. We are a hard working normal family. Please vote for Brad Smith, like his post said at the top. If you have concerns CALL HIM. You will see he is a good honest family man, who will look out for us all. God Bless, Jackson County Resident.

#18 Anonymous on 08/05/08, 06:20 PM (Reply)

Best interest of the victims??!!!
Tell it to the girl in Florida.

#19 C.M. Thonrton, III on 08/05/08, 11:25 PM (Reply)

Congradulations Brad. This circuit is finally headed in the right direction. Two things: Bring Ally back and put Jason Gaub in prison where he belongs.

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