A few weeks ago Democratic County Mayor candidate Steve Mulroy scored something of a coup when he gained the endorsement of Judge Joe Brown. So who has opponent Deidre Malone countered with?
Joe Brown, among others. That’s Joe Brown the City Councilman, not Joe Brown the former Criminal Court judge and TV personality, who’s still for Shelby Cdounty Commissiner Mulroy.
And former Commissioner Malone apparently has an even bigger catch to feel good about: Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, who served two terms himself as County Mayor.
The Memphis mayor, who weeks ago indicated at a Memphis Rotary Club luncheon that he intended to endorse somebody for mayor, is at the head of a list of Malone supporters announced in a campaign press release late Wednesday afternoon in advance of a Malone press conference at 2 p.m. on Thursday at candidate Malone’s headquarters at 1519 Madison.
Here’s the full list put out by Malone’s campaign:
Mayor A C Wharton, Jr.
Councilman Harold Collins
Councilman Joe Brown
Former Councilman Edmund Ford, Sr.
State Rep. Johnnie Turner
State Rep. GA Hardaway
State Rep. Larry Miller
State Rep. Joe Towns
Former Senator Beverly Marrero
Sen. Reginald Tate
Former County Trustee Regina Newman
Commission Chairman James Harvey
Commissioner Melvin Burgess
Commission Sidney Chism
Commissioner Henri Brooks
Former Commissioner J.W. Gibson
Former Commissioner Julian Boltom
SDP Sec. Rose Ann Bradley
Former SCS Commissioner Tomeka Hart
Former SCS Commissioner Sara Lewis
Former SCS Commissioner Dr. Freda Williams
Greater Memphis Democratic Club and the Shelby County Democratic Club.
“This is about rallying people to vote during this democratic process for the one candidate who can win against the Republican incumbent, Deidre Malone.” said Hardaway in the press release.
Malone said, in part: “I am overwhelmed by the continuing outpouring of support across this County. People want change in their schools, communities, businesses and in their healthcare. They want someone who will advance their issues on the Hill and bring back results.”
UPDATE: Mayor A C Wharton was not in attendance at the Thrusday afternoon endorsement ceremony for Deidre Malone (see picture below), but Wharton later released this statement to the media.:
It is my proud honor to endorse Deidre Malone for the office of Shelby County Mayor in this election. She has a proven track record of leadership in our community, and she has worked tirelessly both on the front lines and behind the scenes to address the needs of our citizens. Having served as Shelby County Mayor for seven years, I can tell you that it is always a plus to have someone who has served as Chair of the Shelby County Commission and Chair of the Budget Committee, because working with the Commission is a key component in advancing the important issues towards a solution on a local, state and national level. Deidre Malone has served in these capacities and she understands and will do what it takes to strengthen Shelby County.
JB
Deidre Malone endorsement ceremony: Malone is in red dress, with child directly in front of her.
