Response to letter about John Harris

July 09, 2008 05:24 pm

— Response to letter about John Harris

This letter is in response to the Open Letter to Melba Clark, signed by Pat Harris, which appeared on the editorial page of The Meridian Star. I find it interesting that Ms. Harris resorted to an open letter to me to be published in The Meridian Star inasmuch as she mailed the same letter to me dated June 18, 2008 with a return address which does not have a mail receptacle, and according to neighbors, has had no residents for years. To clarify my position with Ms. Harris, I proudly serve as chairman of the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee, a position to which I was reelected in March of this year.
The Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee does not endorse any candidate in a primary election. John C. Harris was not a member of the Lauderdale County Democratic Committee when the election for supervisors was held last November. As to her concern for people who switch political parties, let me assure her that Mr. Harris did not set a precedent. She might take note of Senator Videt Carmichael, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, and Senator Terry C. Burton, all of whom were first elected as Democrats then switched to the Republican Party, or to Wally Hudnall who has run for political officer representing both parties.
The Democratic Party election process begins each presidential election year with caucuses being held in each of the five supervisor districts in Lauderdale County. Each person who participates in a caucus must sign a form stating that he or she is a Democrat. John C. Harris signed such a form on February 23, 2008 when the Democratic Caucus was held in Lauderdale County. John C. Harris was elected to serve on the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee at the Democratic County Convention on March 15, 2008. Likewise, he was elected as delegate to the Third Congressional District Convention.
At this convention, Mr. Harris campaigned for a position on the state Democratic Executive Committee and was one of two persons from Lauderdale County to be elected. The Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee has no part in the decision of the candidate as to which party affiliation he or she chooses to embrace. We welcome anyone who is willing to uphold the ideals and principles of the party by working to carry out these principles, not just when there is an election but throughout the four year term of office. John C. Harris has been a loyal and faithful member of the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee since his election, and we are proud to have him work for the party each day.

Melba B. Clark
Meridian