Unfortunately, it’s almost a given in local run-off elections.
The candidate that finishes second goes into desperation mode.
That means trying to get the endorsement of the other candidate(s) that finished third or lower. Failing that, mudslinging is the last resort.
Mavice Hughes-Thigpen came in second to Gary Brooks in the District B primary. She barely squeaked out a victory over James Carstensen who unsuccessfully challenged the election.
Brooks received over 40% of the vote and Mavice approximately 26% of the vote.
Mavice has already stubbed her toe big time.
She was caught red-handed on a security camera video pulling up the campaign yard signs of Brooks.
Although this frequently happens in political races, she is the only candidate that has been recorded in what is a criminal act.
In addition, her relative and employee at her restaurant posted a social media message threatening her opponents in the council race.
And the cherry on top of her ill-fate campaign is the real question: does she really reside in the district.
She listed the address of her mom, but few neighbors believe she sleeps at that abode.
Now Mavice has funded a very negative mud-slinging radio ad on a local station. The radio ad is incorrect factually, and in addition to slinging mud at Brooks the ad dumps on Carla Buntyn who was an unsuccessful candidate for the District G race. But then Carla's dad had the security camera that recorded Mavice's criminal acts.
Shreveport does not need these types of political ads. They are reflective of the integrity of the candidate who pays for them. Mavice continues to show by her actions that she should not be elected to the council.
And the radio station that runs these ads should review its policy on political ads and truthfulness in advertising plus the equal time requirements for candidates.