A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. The ad features alleged victim Juanita Washington.
Washington details her experience, and says when she reported the harassment, she was “out of a job”. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.
“It’s certainly an emotional ad and an ad that the governor would prefer not to discuss or see on television,” said Pinsonat. “It’s something that he has to deal with and the candidates are going to take advantage of it.”
Anderson was hired to the office after serving as Southern University board Chairman. Six women at the school accused Anderson of harassment, but the Edwards Administration says he was hired after he was cleared by an investigation.
Pinsonat says a series of problems are starting to stack up against Edwards’ hopes to avoid a run-off, including increased Republican engagement due to national issues, and now a series of home-state concerns.
“The impact of the ad, the Governor’s statement, her emotional appeal, her calling him out for what happened, she basically blames him,” said Pinsonat.
The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment was ended hours after they were informed, and that the office has a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Pinsonat says it’s a good rebuttal.
“It’s a good statement by the governor, it’s what he has to say,” said Pinsonat. “The problem is there’s a woman on the television saying Johnny Anderson should never have been hired.”
The ad is run by anti-Edwards advocates Truth in Politics. You can view the ad here.
