JACKSONVILLE, FL. — Today, at an early morning presser, Republican mayoral candidate Daniel Davis spoke directly to LeAnna Cumber’s campaign, addressing their most recent television attack ad which accused him of being soft on sex crimes against children.
The ad aired on the day that City Council President Terrence Freeman announced that he’s reconvening a special committee to investigate political associations regarding the scandal surrounding the failed sale of JEA as emails and text messages surfaced showing contradictions to statements made by LeAnna Cumber.
Flanked by his wife, Rebekkah, and supporters that included Sheriff T.K. Waters and Fraternal Order of Police President Randy Reaves, Davis described the ad as nothing more than “gutter politics.”
“My opponent’s latest attack trivializes the serious issue and politicizes the pain of others for nothing more than political gain,” he said. “When dirty politicians are down and out, they resort to these gross tactics. I believe that Jacksonville deserves better.”
Having previously endorsed Davis, Sheriff Waters described him as the law and order candidate he needed as a partner in City Hall “who will approach public safety with a compassion for victims and a respect for the mission at hand.”
Reaves also spoke and accused Cumber’s campaign of “exploiting victims of horrific crimes in pursuit of power.”
Davis’ wife, Rebekkah, a childhood sexual abuse survivor, expressed her shock and pain at the accusations against her husband.
“I’m deeply disturbed by the most recent attacks on my husband Daniel,” she said. “This disturbing and disgusting tactic is based on lies and manipulation. Today, I am speaking up for myself and other victims, asking you to stop politicizing sexual exploitations.”
Davis described the investigation Cumber’s association with JEA as a search for the truth.
“The City, the citizens and the City Council need to know the truth,” he said. “That’s not an attack, that’s righteous.”
The Cumber Campaign did not respond to our repeated attempts to comment on this story.