Records uncover pasts of hopefuls
Some candidates have bad history with police, debts
Web posted
Sunday, October 13, 2002
Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.
By Sylvia Cooper and Heidi Coryell Williams
Staff Writers
But a check of candidates on the Nov. 5 general election ballot found two congressional hopefuls with judgments against them for unpaid debts. One incumbent state representative went bankrupt last year. An Augusta mayoral candidate went bankrupt in 1992. And a Georgia House hopeful had unpaid property taxes.
A check of state and Superior Court records in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties found criminal offenses against some of the same candidates.
The Augusta Chronicle researched the financial and criminal histories of candidates in contested races for local, state and national office whose names will be on ballots come Election Day. The search period stretched from 1984 to the present.
Those with bankruptcies were recorded, those with judgments against them for delinquent taxes or bills were logged, and those with citations were noted.
When qualifying for public office, candidates must swear only that they have never been convicted of or sentenced for any fraudulent violation of primary or election laws, malfeasance in office or felony involving moral turpitude, or domestic violence. State law even allows candidates convicted of a felony to run for office 10 years after their civil rights have been restored.
Inside, The Chronicle covers the pasts of the men and women who are running for office.
Reach Sylvia Cooper and Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 724-0851.
Overcast, 57 ° Humidity: 93%
