Candidates surprised by Hudnall's endorsement of Smith

By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
May 18, 2001
Former mayoral candidate Wally Hudnall's endorsement of Mayor John Robert Smith has at least temporarily dumbfounded three other mayoral hopefuls.
On Tuesday, Hudnall called a press conference on the steps of Meridian City Hall in which he pledged his full support to Smith. The endorsement came just two weeks after Hudnall was soundly defeated by Smith, who carried 68 percent of Republican Primary vote to Hudnall's 32 percent.
Democratic nominee William Hugh Johnson said he doesn't believe the endorsement will have any significant impact on the race.
At the press conference Hudnall said he was supporting Smith because "he is the only candidate qualified" to run the city in an efficient manner. Hudnall said he believed "great things" would happen in the next four years under another Smith term.
The defeated opponent not only endorsed Smith, but said he intended to campaign for him door-to-door.
Hudnall said his endorsement of Smith shouldn't have surprised the candidates, considering he is also a Republican and supported Smith in his previous two mayoral campaigns.
Independent candidate Bill McBride took the endorsement much more personal. McBride said he felt stabbed in the back after he had actually helped Hudnall prepare for his campaign.
Hudnall could not be reached Thursday night to respond to McBride's comments.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x