A candidate for Leflore County Court judge says he wants to experience the joy of helping others and giving back to the community.
James Littleton, a current Leflore County Justice Court judge, spoke to the Greenwood Voters League Wednesday. He is challenging incumbent Kevin Adams in the Nov. 8 general election.
Originally scheduled to speak to the Voters League last week, Littleton was unable to attend because he had the flu. Adams was also invited last week but said he had a prior commitment.
During his remarks, Littleton did not refer to Adams by name, instead calling him “my opponent.” Littleton and Adams are the only two candidates in the contest.
He criticized Adams’ tenure numerous times throughout his speech.
“He’s failed to protect our children,” said Littleton of Adams.
Littleton emphasized the importance of youth court, which he said “falls squarely on the county court judge. That’s the most important aspect of this race.”
He said that people within the youth court system can do more to “try to make a difference in the lives of our young people before things get out of control.”
The race between Littleton and Adams has gotten heated and personal. Both men have filed defamation lawsuits against the other over campaign advertising.
The first suit was filed by Littleton in September, who argued campaign flyers distributed by Adams were defamatory.
Adams denied the allegation and filed a countersuit against Littleton, claiming the challenger defamed Adams in radio ads.
During his speech Wednesday, Littleton introduced a new allegation, claiming that Adams on Aug. 8 had said “profane and derogatory language I can’t repeat” about Solomon Osborne, a former county court judge who now sits in the state House of Representatives.
On Thursday, Littleton claimed that he had overheard the insult during a telephone conversation in his office between Adams and one of Adams’ campaign workers. Littleton said he had proof but declined to divulge what that proof was.
Adams on Thursday denied the allegation and said he had said nothing about Osborne that would violate his judicial oath of office.
- Contact Kevin Edwards at 662-581-7233 or kedwards@gwcommonwealth.com.
