Signs, signs, everywhere a sign
Wording and placement of campaign signs cause concern for some voters
Photo: A Michael McLendon campaign sign on Pleasant Hill Road near McIngvale in Hernando Friday afternoon. State party officials say the words “Republican Endorsed” should not be read to say the state party is officially backing the incumbent state Senator. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Campaign signs, where they are placed and what they say, are the latest bone of contention in a special state Senate primary race.
The issue involves campaign signs for incumbent state Sen. Michael McLendon. There are signs placed alongside roadways that have McLendon’s face, the words, “McLendon State Senate,” and a website address. It’s what is said at the top of the sign that apparently has some Republicans concerned.
The words “Republican Endorsed” have them believing the statement means McLendon is endorsed by the state party. McLendon denies the statement says nothing more than that individual Republicans endorse him.
“(Former Sheriff) Bill Rasco is a Republican and he endorses me,” McLendson said in a text sent Friday afternoon. “We are Republican endorsed, along with countless others.”
Enough reaction to the signs apparently came about, however, that state GOP leaders have now taken notice. Mississippi GOP Party Chairman Mike Hurst issued this statement Friday morning:
Party Executive Director Rance Bilbo, when asked by DeSoto County News, said he could not speak further to Hurst’s message beyond what was stated. However, both Hurst and Bilbo make a point to say the Republican Party does not get involved in party primaries and does not endorse one Republican over another in a primary election.
Bilbo also refused to confirm the statement from Hurst came as a direct result of McLendon’s sign verbiage.
McLendon Friday dealt with another campaign sign issue with a post on Facebook about certain signs put up in Hernando that were later taken down.
The state Senator said several people have reached out asking why his 4×8 signs are disappearing inside the city limits. McLendon said they now violate a new city ordinance.
“The mayor and some city board members, many of whom used 4×8 signs in their own campaigns to get elected, passed a new ordinance that now bans them,” McLendon wrote. “We’ll follow the rule, even though it’s being applied selectively. At the same time, it’s important the public understands what’s going on, which is why I’m bringing it to your attention.”
McLendon claimed some exemptions were granted during the city elections, but the rule is now being actively enforced.
In early May, the Hernando Board of Aldermen passed a new ordinance restricting signs in the city. The ordinance addresses limits on signage and banners along city streets, signs such as real estate, event, promotional and political signs. It also looks at the number of signs that can be placed, their size and duration at the location.
McLendon is facing businessman Jon Stevenson in the Republican primary on Aug. 5. Stevenson denies involvement in the sign issue and said he has placed himself on a leave of absence from the County Republican Club and executive committees. He added he has had no contact with those groups since his leave of absence.
The Republican primary winner will be challenged by Democrat Chris Hanna in the November general election.
