Today, candidate for CRNC Southern Caucus Chairman John Burris responded to what has become to be known as "The Mississippi Matter." Burris only sent his email to the Southern Caucus, but CRNC World News has obtained a copy of it.
Burris stated, "While there are many lessons to be learned from the events that unfolded in Mississippi, I believe one key lesson that was clear throughout, and that is the importance of having an independent representative for the Southern Caucus. Jessica continues to lead her state federation because there were people who were willing to help."
Burris also shyed away from the national commotion that has taken place as of late. Burris stated, "In closing, I would like to say that this release was only sent the states of the Southern Caucus. I believe the issues addressed here are best suited for that forum. Other issues on the national scene seem to cloud the events that truly matter here."
Earlier this week, MS CR Chairman Jessica Westbrook had called on the NewCRNC Campaign team to quit tampering with her delegates. Former NewCRNC Campaign Manager Ethan Eilon responded that "Neither Kristy Cottrell nor any member of the New CRNC team contacted any Mississippi College Republican other than yourself in regard to the Southern Caucus elections."
However, Westbrook later produced emails from inside Mississippi where one delegate claimed to have been contacted by "some girl" regarding the Southern Caucus elections. Kristy Cottrell has since denied that she personally had any involvement in the alleged tampering.
Westbrook also produced an instant message conversation with Nick Micarelli, NewCRNC candidate for National Co-Chairman, in which Micarelli attempted to coax Westbrook into voting for Cottrell. After Westbrook refused, Micarelli stated, "to hell with you."
After Westbrook's first email, former MS CR Chairman Natalie Cole attempted to have Westbrook impeached, an attempt that failed. Later, Cole asserted that she was the true State Chairman in MS and ordered a state convention be called for August. Cole has since backed off of this assertion. Westbrook later noted that Cole was a NewCRNC supporter and questioned whether this was an attempt to cause confusion as to who truly represented Mississippi at the National Convention.
Note that Burris' email was not posted on TruthCaucus.com
