MT. VERNON — — Meleah Walton, a Democrat candidate in the March 20 Primary has announced her intention to withdraw as a candidate. “An effective candidate must dedicate most of one’s time to the campaign,” Walton stated. “At this time it is just not possible for me to do so and still maintain the foremost needs of my family and my private practice.”
According to Jefferson County Clerk Connie Simmons, Walton has not filled out the forms to officially withdraw from the race. “Her name is on the ballot and the count program is done,” Simmons explained. “There is no way to change it.” Walton will appear on the ballot facing off against local attorney Nobel Dowell for the Democrat nomination for Jefferson County State’s Attorney. Walton stated she is urging those who worked for her race to support Dowell.
“I entered the race for State’s Attorney because I care deeply for this community and for the safety of our citizens, especially our children,” Walton said. “I knew, with my years of legal experience and my time as a criminal prosecutor, I could help make a difference. When I entered the race, no other experienced lawyer was a State’s Attorney candidate for either political party. Nobel Dowell has since announced his candidacy.” Simmons said since the ballots for the Primary can’t be changed, there is a chance Walton could win. “If she wins, she could decline the nomination,” Simmons added. full story
