Kasim Reed fires back after Atlanta NAACP issues repudiation of him

ATLANTA — For the first time ever, the Atlanta NAACP chapter has issued what it’s calling a “repudiation” of a mayoral candidate.

The NAACP is asking people not to vote for Kasim Reed. Reed is calling the organization’s reasons false and without merit.

Atlanta NAACP chapter president Richard Rose told Channel 2′s Richard Elliot that he’s never written a letter like the one he wrote against Reed and his campaign.

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In it, Rose lists seven reasons why they don’t believe voters should cast their ballots for the former mayor, including a lack of creation of affordable housing, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium deal and his endorsement by the local police union.

Rose said they felt strongly enough that they needed this sort of “anti-endorsement” against Reed.

“Atlanta is important enough to not just Georgia but the South and for America, that I thought it was important to put out this statement,” Rose said.

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The reed campaign pushed back hard Thursday, sending out a list of organizations that have endorsed him, including the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

In a statement, his campaign said:

“The allegations in this letter are false and wholly without merit. Our campaign is being attacked because we sought and received the support of the women and men of the Atlanta Police Department at a time when crime and violence is devastating our city.

“It is unfortunate that the leader of a local chapter is allowing this historic organization to be used by dark money interest.”

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Rose said that while they issued the repudiation of the Reed campaign, they have no plans to endorse anyone for mayor.

“We’re not endorsing any candidate. There are 14 candidates including Mr. Reed. But Mr. Reed’s record speaks for itself,” Rose said.

Reed is one of 14 candidates vying to become the next mayor of Atlanta.

Election day is 12 days away and Friday is the deadline to request an absentee ballot.

The Atlanta Mayoral Debate: A WSB-TV Special Presentation It was a pivotal moment Sunday night as Atlantans get the chance to hear from the candidates that want to be the city’s next mayor.

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