Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is being accused by state Democrats of referring to Black people as “coloreds,” on more than one occasion. Merrill also admitted this week to having an extramarital affair and that he wouldn’t run for an elected office in 2022. Democratic leadership says his affair is mostly his business, and the racist language is their main concern.
“With the exception of the use of state resources to facilitate his affair, Merrill’s personal life and conduct are just that – personal,” Wade Perry, executive director of the state’s Democratic Party told ABC 33/40. “The Democratic Party is much more concerned about the allegation that he regularly referred to African American judges and citizens in Alabama as ‘The Coloreds.’ If true, he must apologize AND resign immediately,” Perry said.
Merrill has denied the accusations and called them “entirely false” and “politically motivated.”
“The allegation is entirely false. I, along with my office, have worked in a bipartisan way with all groups –– regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background,” Merrill wrote in a statement to the outlet. “These charges are baseless,” he added.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement on Thursday (April 8) on Merrill.
“It is always unfortunate when someone in public life, especially an elected official, betrays the trust of his family, his constituents and those who have supported him. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been negatively impacted by these poor decisions and bad choices.”
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