Shelby County Democrats to take legal action against political club
The chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party says the group will pursue legal action against the Greater Memphis Democratic Club after the midterm elections.
Corey Strong said the club has continued to present itself as an official Democratic group, though it is not recognized by state Democrats.
The latest example Strong cites: Flyers distributed at polling places from the Greater Memphis Democratic Club.
When Shelby County voters walk up to their polling place on Election Day, they might be approached by someone distributing flyers for an organization called Greater Memphis Democratic Club.
One side of the flyer is entirely devoted to context around the three controversial city referendums: one that would extend term limits for City Council members and the mayor of Memphis, one that would repeal instant runoff voting (IRV), and one that would eliminate runoff elections.
Recently, Memphis City Council decided to use $40,000 in taxpayer money for an “educational campaign” around the referendums.
Should the referendums pass, every City Council member and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland will be eligible to run for third terms.
The Democratic Club urges voters to vote “yes” on all three referendums.
The state-recognized Democratic committee, the Shelby County Democratic Party, urges voters to vote against all amendments that would repeal IRV.
The difference between the two organizations is straightforward, Strong said.
“They’re just a group of Democratic consultants. They are not affiliated with the Shelby County Democratic Party or the state party,” Strong said. “This flyer is nothing more than a paid advertisement.”
Greg Grant, a longtime consultant for Memphis politicians, is in charge of the Democratic Club.
Grant did not immediately respond to attempts by The Commercial Appeal for comment.
Strong said the flyers created by Grant masquerade as official Democratic picks.
The differentiating factor, Strong said, is the word “club.”
“The reason he has been able to get away with this is by designating himself as a club,” Strong said.
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