Dr. James Baxter, a candidate in the Democratic Primary for State Representative in District 73, didn’t mention his opponent by name, but he used a few adjectives to describe T. Robert Hill, during a press conference at Jackson City Hall, Friday.
Hill accused his opponent of going into a verbal tirade after accusing Baxter of blocking his campaign signs during early voting at the Madison County Election Commission on North Parkway.
“(Tuesday) he had set up his (campaign) sign and blocked our signs,” Hill said. “We didn’t approach him about that. (Wednesday) I walked up to my sign, which was about 30 feet from the back of his car, where he was turned, working, and told James, “”I hope you won’t block my sign, today.””
Hill said Baxter proceeded to go into a verbal tirade, and eventually the Jackson Police Department was called to intervene.
“He immediately rains down on me, cursing – using words I wouldn’t use on a street corner, much less out here where we are running for office,” Hill said. “Realizing Mr. Baxter was not acting in a way that I thought he should respond to a request, I turned around and walked back about 40 feet to my chair.”
Hill said tensions continued, and his stepson stepped in.
According to Hill, his stepson informed Baxter, “You are not going to talk to my stepfather in that manner, using that kind of foul language.”
“As I reflect on Tuesday … and Friday … what has been said by my opponent is not representative of my character, or who I am,” Baxter said. “It’s fake news. It does not represent my character as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a pastor and community leader.”
Hill said he had his back turned when he was informed by witnesses Baxter turned around and pulled a hammer out of his car.
“I never saw the hammer … either threaten my (step)son and wife, or threaten to do something with it,” Hill said. “It won’t go away, because Mr. Baxter is not acting in a stable manner … all uncalled for.”
Hill said there has not been any further discussion with Baxter.
“I don’t plan to talk to James Baxter again in my lifetime – if I can help it,” Hill said. “I don’t know what we could have done that we didn’t do to de-escalate it. We had no control over him.”
Baxter said the encounter with Hill was an extension of problems that began earlier in the campaign.
“I have had to endure from my opponent racial slurs, unwanted name calling, racist jokes and negative remarks from my opposition,” Baxter said. “This man is vicious, this man is evil – he wants to smear and damage my campaign.”
Continuing, Baxter said, “This man has been very rude and disrespectful to me as I conversate and mingle with the voters. I refuse to be bullied by this seasoned, ruthless attorney, who endeavors to win at any cost. We are on our way to a great victory, in spite of fake news.
“I say to you today, go vote – we need souls to the polls. Vote, that’s how we make our opposition known.”
(PHOTO: James Baxter)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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