(Not) asked and answered: Nelson Diaz questions Jim Kenney on Morales issue

In the waning days of the mayoral-primary season, NinetyNine reached out to the six Democratic candidate to pose a question about, well, questions.

Specificially, we wanted to hear their response to this query: What question hasn’t been asked of a competitor(s), or of yourself, that you wish had been? (And if it’s the latter, please provide a response).

Today’s entry marks the first back-and-forth between campaigns; namely, Nelson Diaz’s has a question for Jim Kenney’s.

From Diaz spokesman Barry Caro:

“During this campaign, you’ve tried to be the candidate of both old-school Philadelphia politics and reform.

“Whether in your relationship with Johnny Doc or the FOP, you’ve been endorsed by by groups that wholeheartedly oppose key elements of your theoretical agenda. But nowhere has this dichotomy been more profound than your support of racist, sexist, and bigot Manny Morales — who you were caught on video campaigning with at a joint rally.

“Your campaign admitted last week it pays elected officials and groups that endorse you, but you expect Philadelphians to believe Manny Morales and his backers are the exception.

“The cat is out of the bag, and the video evidence proves beyond any doubt you’re campaigning with Morales — why won’t you just admit that you’re supporting him and finally explain why?”

The response from Kenney’s spokeswoman Lauren Hitt:

“The campaign event was for all endorsed LUPE candidates.

“There were at least a dozen candidates on stage, none of whom support Manny Morales and many who support Maria Quinones-Sanchez.

“In fact, my campaign has also done joint canvasses with Maria Quinones-Sanchez.

“This has been explained several times now.”

Candidates’ “(Not) asked and answered” responses will run over the course of the last week of the primary campaign season.

Previously

Lynne Abraham on women, children and the elderly

Tony Williams on narratives and stereotyped candidates