Last Thursday Rob Teilhet released an ad in the Democratic race for the Attorney General nomination that could well be a knockout blow if it gets enough airplay – though I have yet to hear about the size or location of the TV buy for it.
This video centers on Ken Hodges’ botched prosecution of the cop who killed a black man in Columbus during a traffic stop where the man was already restrained on the ground. The officer fired two shots into the man’s head, and the video shows the dashcam footage from the cop’s car with the victim’s mother clearly near tears doing narration. Some places have already called this the most powerful campaign commercial of the season, and they could well be right.
Of course, many of us in Albany know Ken for his corruption in regards to the Pheobe Factoids case or the multiple prosecutions many feel he has botched in Albany, including at least one other case where he let another slam dunk murder case get away.
I wish this ad would air in Albany.
Hodges did show the video to the Grand Jury and the 23 citizens voted not to indict – this wasn’t a trial where you can have a mis-trial or a hung jury – once the grand jury decides – thats it – so Teilhet has an ad that has falsehoods in it and, despite, the mother’s grief – it was not Ken’s fault – it is a desperate ploy by a losing candidate
oh yeah, the “knock-out blow” was delivered tonight in the debate between Ken and Rob – teilhet looked like a deer in the headlights – Hodges won the debate in a big way and put the falsehoods in that ad to rest as well
“…once the grand jury decides – thats it…
Only one shot at the grand jury? Go tell that to Bagnato and Rehberg.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/11/georgia-democratic-candid_n_640661.html
In all fairness, this gives Ken’s side of the story through Greg Edwards. It doesn’t quite cover everything but it covers a lot of it. Personally speaking, Greg has credibility with me. Ken does not.
IMHO, I still think Ken had his thumb on the scale of justice, during that grand jury presentment. If my son had no drugs or weapons, but did have two 9mm holes in his head, I would at least expect a trial jury to make the call. A prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich if he wishes. It’s all in the presentment.
Just my opinion. I wasn’t there.
Richie, What debate did you watch? My wife and I agreed that Kenny Boy came across as a mean and bitter man, while Rob Teilhet seemed composed and smooth. Kenny Boy stuttered through each response. He clearly did not win that debate.
Wasn’t there a LEO in California found guilty of manslaughter just last week? He pulled his duty weapon thinking it was his Taser and shot a suspect while he was detained on the ground.
Other than geographic location, what is different?
Ken Hodges: A prositute, not a politician.
WSB, 11 Alive, Fox 5 & the AJC are all coming out with reports that this ad is completely false. Ken Hodges did not need to swear in the officer for his testimony, which matched the written testimony. The video tape was shown multiple times to the grand jury. Ken never refused to reopen the case. Shame on Rob Teilhet for exploiting a mother’s grief. I think this WILL end up being the “Knockout Blow” . . . for Rob Teilhet.
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/24278050/index.html
http://staging.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=146293&provider=top
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/ag-candidate-rolls-out-controversial-ad
http://politifact.com/georgia/statements/2010/jul/15/rob-teilhet/candidate-says-opponent-botched-prosecution-fatal-/