September 17, 2007
Contact: C. Brylski/J. Henderson
(504) 897-6110

JEFFERSON BEHIND CHALLENGE TO CHERYL GRAY!

Representative Cheryl Gray, a candidate for Senate District 5, issued the following statement today after a challenge to her candidacy was dismissed in Civil District Court. During the trial, the individual who filed the lawsuit admitted he was related to challenger Jalila Jefferson and his landlord is her uncle, Mose Jefferson.

"My domicile is not an issue in this race. Frivolous lawsuits like this get filed by candidates who are too afraid to debate the issues and too afraid to let voters decide elections. Our government needs real leaders who are not afraid to take a stand, and not afraid to stand on their own name. The Louisiana Senate needs leaders chosen by all the people, not those who fear the people's choice and hope a judge will decide the race.

"The campaign behind this lawsuit tells people they are for them and fighting for their rights, and then attempts to manipulate the law to diminish the voting rights of every voter in this district who was forced out of their home due to Katrina.

"I, like so many others in our community, lost my residence after the levees failed. Finding a new place to rent, problems with insurance, and slow moving renovations were a part of my daily life until recently. Despite this uncertainty in my personal life, I have always maintained my domicile in Representative District 98 and Senate District 5. As State Representative, I've always put service to the people at the top of my agenda. I will do the same as State Senator for District 5."

To arrange an interview, call (504) 897-6110 , C. Brylski.