As runoff election approaches, Johnson denies claims of campaign’s racist attacks against Bussells

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –Dr. Aditi Bussells and Sam Johnson are poised to face off in a run-off election November 18th for Columbia’s At-Large seat on city council.

In the days leading up to the election, Dr. Bussells has openly accused Johnson’s campaign of on-line attacks including racist and disparaging remarks, saying,

“Columbia deserves better than this. What we’re seeing from Sam Johnson’s campaign is hateful, racist, and deeply disappointing. In recent days, his top supporters have launched vicious attacks online – in some cases using fake accounts, while others use their real names – spreading lies, and fueling hate. Instead of condemning it, Sam Johnson has stayed silent. He has dodged calls for a televised debate and has been caught promoting false endorsements. Now he is allowing his top supporters to weaponize racism and misinformation in a desperate attempt to take focus away from his clear conflicts of interest and misinformation to win. If you have to rely on racism, lies, and fear to get elected, you have no business serving the people of Columbia. I ran for office to make government more accountable, bring people together, build a brighter future, and lead with integrity. Those values have guided every decision I’ve made. What’s happening now is the exact opposite of what public service should be. Columbia has seen historic results in the last four years, and I don’t want to see this progress undone by someone more interested in a title than helping people in our community. This is the ugliest behavior I’ve witnessed in a city race. If this is how he campaigns, imagine how he’ll lead if elected. Sam Johnson owes Columbia an apology, and he should withdraw from this race immediately. Our city deserves leaders who lift people up, not tear them down. I still believe in decency and compassion. I believe in the power of our community to rise above hate, and I will keep choosing that every single time.”

On her Facebook account Dr. Bussells shared examples of the posts which she claims Johnson’s supporters “weaponize racism and misinformation”.

Johnson responded to the accusation in a letter posted to social media Wednesday.

In the letter Johnson writes in part, “Over the past few days, things have been said about me, about my campaign, and the people who support me that are not true. Let me be crystal clear: I condemn racism, bigotry, and hate in all forms. Full stop. Those words and actions have no place in either campaign, or in our community, or in the city we all love.”