A prior post had the basics of what is now being called Picture-Gate and the dirtiest Senatorial election in Mississippi History, at least recent history. The background can be read here; A Picture is Worth a Decillion Words.
The state’s most popular blog, Jackson Jambalaya, has been all over the story, even before it was a story. The investigation is ongoing and a recent JJ post shed some light onto the speculation surrounding the conspiracy charges. My prior blogged opined;
The most bizarre aspect, other than the brain that thought this was viable strategy, are the conspiracy allegations that have embroiled an attorney (Mark Mayfield), soccer coach (Rick Sager)and Hattiesburgian (John Mary), leading to their arrests. What role they played, if any, remains to be seen, but could include providing aid or information on Mrs. Cochran’s whereabouts and how to gain access, or after the scheme, the taking down the posting and trying to “bury the evidence.” Who knows?
The conspiracy piece did indeed include Clayton Kelly receiving information on Mrs. Cochran’s exact whereabouts, how to infiltrate the facility she was in, and otherwise plotting the photo opportunity for McDaniel’s political gain. The players seemingly only “knew” each other via Facebook. Yet another good reason to not put your junk on Facebook; here or here.
No clear connection has been made to McDaniel personally and the speculation that has surrounded his campaign has largely been increased due to McDaniel’s campaign’s seemingly inconsistent stories and their pronouncements of refusing to use this situation and be above it, all the while using this situation to be critical of Cochran and his campaign. McDaniel also did himself no favors in refusing to answer a basic question of what he knew and when in a recent CNN interview. The counter to this is Cochran’s seeming complete avoidance of CNN’s attempts to interview him and any other newsworthy entity, though there was a Wall Street Journal article some two nights ago indicating multiple statements to interviews by Cochran.
This sordid mess is not over yet. On June 3, Mississippi will have a candidate for Senator and the guaranty of a nasty race in the general election. Picture-Gate ain’t over by a long shot.
Matthew Thompson is a Chancery Practice Attorney in Mississippi (formerly the Hospitality State), aced Legislation in Law School and is still taken aback by this ever-growing saga.
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