Wilkerson Called to Resign

Embattled Democrat Dianne Wilkerson Facing Calls to Resign from Senate
              Yesterday, Republican challenger Samiyah Diaz called on Wilkerson immediately to resign from the Senate. This comes in the wake of revelations that disgraced incumbent Senator Dianne Wilkerson is under investigation for perjury arising from statements she made to attempt to beat her nephew's manslaughter conviction, coupled with Wilkerson's accusation that the story was released to distract attention from what she described as "cokehead cops".
              If Wilkerson fails to resign, Diaz has called for the Senate Democrats to censure Wilkerson and remove her from her seat. It is thought by some that if Democrat leaders can convince her to leave, the party’s nomination may be left open for a more viable candidate; or at least one not facing felony charges.
              "Senator Wilkerson's remark that the perjury investigation is merely to distract public attention from 'cokehead cops' is further proof that she is unfit for office," said Diaz. "The actions of a few bad apples should not be allowed to tarnish the entire police department," said Diaz, "just like Wilkerson's actions no longer should be permitted to tarnish the institution of the Senate and to disgrace the citizens of our district. This is not her word against the police," observed Diaz, "she made statements that are contradicted by a tape recording and confirmed by a Superior Court Judge. It's past time for Wilkerson to go," said Diaz.
              In addition to these issues, Wilkerson is facing a campaign finance fraud trial which is scheduled for after the election. She also has a conviction under her belt for tax evasion.
              Wilkerson, the seven-time Senator in the Second Suffolk district, failed to get enough signatures to get on the ballot as the Democrat candidate for the upcoming primary. Diaz, who is certified as a Republican, is also running a sticker campaign to capture the spot on the Democrat ticker. Her efforts, however, may be hurt by another challenger with the same last name who is also seeking the democratic nomination for the general election.