Pike County Democratic Party officials reportedly questioned the political leanings of one Democratic candidate and the spouse of another during the local party’s monthly meeting Monday.
Incumbent Pike County attorney David Brewer is unopposed in his bid for another term. Apparently, Brewer’s wife, Deidre Brewer, is driving around with signs showing the family’s support of Republican District 4 supervisor candidate Luke Brewer, who is David Brewer’s uncle.
“Somebody mentioned (the signs) at the committee meeting last night,” David Brewer said Tuesday. “(Deidre) was raised as I was. My uncle is running for District 4 supervisor. Our support will always be to our family before a political party. I hate to think someone would put party over family.
“My leanings have long been Democratic, but I support family first. The comment was made that she shouldn’t be driving around with the opposing party’s candidate. It’s no big deal.”
“I do support my family,” Deidre Brewer said. “I can’t vote for him, but I can support him.”
Another issue causing concern among some Democrats is whether Faye Hodges, who is the Democratic nominee for the District 2 supervisor’s seat, also has Republican leanings, a claim Hodges vehemently denies.
Hodges faces Republican candidate Jimmy Dale McDaniel in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat currently held by Lexie Elmore, who is not seeking another term.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Hodges said as she defended her voting record. “I always vote Democrat. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. This is my first time in the political process.
“When I am elected, I plan to work with the other board members. We’re all interested in prospering our town,” Hodges added.
Pike County Democratic Chairman James O. Taylor said the discussion came about after some in the local party expressed concern about party loyalty.
“People were expressing last night how they define a Democrat,” he said Tuesday. “Some people have been expressing concern about it. That is not unusual. No, I wouldn’t be upset if some Democrats supported Republicans.”
Taylor maintained no candidates were mentioned by name during the meeting.
