So, what's the truth?
Gilley says, "I have never endorsed Harri Anne Smith in this election until now, I've never given Harri Anne Smith any money in this election nor has she asked for my endorsement nor has she asked for any money from me."
Ronnie Gilley wanted to address a statement made in a recent campaign commercial supporting Representative Jay Love. The advertisement has been circulating the air waves for weeks, giving life to the now heated finger pointing that involves Gilley's alleged endorsement of Harri Anne Smith.
Love's campaign ad states that Gilley was a host at a fundraising event in enterprise supporting Senator Smith. Gilley did admit to attending the event, but it wasn't for an endorsement.
Gilley says, "I agreed to be one of the many hosts at that fundraiser simply because of my business relationship here in Enterprise, asked me to be one of the hosts."
Gilley also claims Represenative Jay Love came to him and asked for his endorsement, something Love adamantly denies.
Gilley says, "Mr. Love and one of his campaign persons came to this office, sat in my office with me and asked in no unspecific terms for our support, he also asked for our contributions by way of writing a check."
Gilley says he hopes Thursday’s meeting cleared up any misconceptions that have been lingering. He hopes now concentration can be on the real political issues.
Gilley said while he and Harri Anne Smith have had different views on issues in the past, he is now backing her. As for Love, Gilley simply says he is a, "blatant liar.” Gilley says he has not been in contact with Love about the issue.