University of Virginia Library

Republicans Charge 'Voter Deception'

By CHRIS DONART

Albemarle Republicans have charged
Democratic leadership with "deception of
the voters" regarding the hospitalization
of Downing Smith, Democratic candidate
for Commonwealth Attorney.

Spotswood Connelly, acting chairman
of the Albemarle County Republican
Party expressed his concern about
"certain facts" which he feels have not
been placed before the voters in the
current campaign for Commonwealth Attorney
of Albemarle County.

WINA radio reported Tuesday that Mr.
Smith was taken to the Davis Ward at the
University Hospital on October 17 and has been
a patient there ever since.

Mr. Connelly claims that, if this report is
accurate, a press release issued by a spokesman
for Mr. Smith is "incomplete, inaccurate and
misleading."

The release, which was issued on October
18, by Eaton Brooks, an associate in the law
office of State Senator Harry Michael, stated
that Mr. Smith had "admitted himself to the
hospital for a brief rest to recover from fatigue
due to overworking himself."

No Stigma

Mr. Connelly stated that "the voters must
by informed as to the true state of Mr. Smith's
hospitalization. He explained that "we live in a
very enlightened time in which there is no
stigma attached to illness—emotional or
otherwise."

Mr. Connelly said his "sole criticism is of
the Democratic leadership," not of Mr. Smith
himself. The Democratic leadership, Mr.
Connelly said he felt, is trying to "sweep the
matter under the carpet," to avoid a campaign
which is based on issues.

Obstetrician's Statement

According to Mr. Connelly, the only
statement made by the Democratic leadership
since Mr. Brooks' release has been a statement
to the press by Dr. Herbert Jones, an
obstetrician and family friend.

Mr. Connelly stated that he is only asking
for a full disclosure of the facts surrounding Mr.
Smith's condition. "The public has the right to
know," Mr. Connelly asserted, "if a man is sick
and unable to serve, whether he is a Democrat
or a Republican."

Mr. Brooks said he felt that "a true report
had already been given" during Dr. Jones' press
conference. The Democratic leadership, Mr.
Brooks asserted, has "made every possible
effort to give the public the information to
which it was entitled." He stated that Dr. Jones
had given his opinion as a physician that Mr.
Smith was "in very good condition" and
"capable of holding the job."

A spokesman for WINA radio stated that
Mr. Smith's condition is listed a
"satisfactory" and that he is expected to be
released in a few days. The WINA spokesman
said that Mr. Smith is "still in the race." An
assistant in Mr. Smith's law firm stated that Mr.
Smith is "in the hospital" and is not expected
to return to the office this week.

Mr. Connelly asserted that the campaign
should be "based on issues, such as the
candidate's conviction records." He added that
he feels the Democratic party has the
responsibility to inform the public fully and
not to deal solely with "what the leadership
feels the public is entitled to know." He
continued that the public should "receive
nothing short of a full disclosure."

"It seems that the physician treating Mr.
Smith would be better qualified to answer
questions regarding his condition," Mr.
Connelly stated.