Sandy Springs City Council candidate Le’Dor Milteer’s campaign has retracted a fabricated quote included in a press release about her endorsement by Georgia Stonewall Democrats.
The LGBT Democratic group indeed endorsed Milteer, but a lengthy quote personally praising the candidate, attributed to Stonewall Democrats board member Juliana Illari, was fake. The quote said, among other praises, that Milteer has a “diverse campaign that is leading the way on addressing issues facing all residents in Sandy Springs” and that “Le’Dor will be an ally to the LGBTQ community in Sandy Springs.”
“I didn’t say that … It’s very disappointing,” said Illari, who learned of the fabricated quote from reading it in the Reporter, adding that her group did not provide any endorsed candidates with individual praise quotes this year.
At Illari’s request, the campaign issued a new version of the endorsement press release that retracted the false quote and attributed it to “staff error.”
“We accept the campaign’s sincere regrets and then acting swiftly to retract and send a corrected release,” said Illari. She said Stonewall Democrats will continue endorsing Milteer and other previously announced candidates “unless new information comes to light.”
Steen Kirby of Bold Blue Campaigns, a Florida-based Democratic political consulting firm hired by Milteer, declined to describe exactly why the quote was fabricated, saying that it was a “rookie staff error” and that Milteer was not involved.
“The quotes were erroneous due to a rookie staff error and no other reason,” Kirby said in an email. “Le’Dor did not write or involve herself in the statement in any way, as she is far too busy campaigning to be responsible for internal day-to-day campaign operations. The staff takes full responsibility for this matter and it has been dealt with internally.”
Kirby added that “these types of errors and mistakes are common, and frequently far more serious, particularly when campaign staff lacks significant experience (as is common in a grassroots city council race).”
Georgia Stonewall Democrats represents gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community interests and works to elect Democrats.
Milteer is competing with Jody Reichel for the City Council District 4 seat on the Nov. 7 ballot.
I don’t understand how this individual can be considered for
City council. Very little about her has been truthful. I wonder
What the next fabrication will be. I can’t wait unti November 7
and put an end to this circus
Le’Dor Milteer for President! She will fight the power and bring sense to local politics.
I find this quote interesting, “far too busy campaigning to be responsible for internal day-to-day campaign operations.”
Uh, your the boss (candidate in this case) you ARE responsible for what happens in your organization.
Clearly no accountability in this shop. If elected, will this lack of accountability continue?
A fabricated quote is not “a rookie staff error”.
It is a blatant attempt to deceive.
Ms. Milteer must opt for honor, and withdraw.
Publicity stunt, opening a new Hair Salon…..needs investors….just an “educated guess”..