Borders charges former rival with shakedown

By Ernie Suggs

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lisa Borders, one of the front-runners for mayor, said Wednesday that a former candidate in the race offered her his support in exchange for $25,000 and the promise of a key city job.

The former candidate, Glenn Thomas, denied making any such overtures and said Borders was seeking attention because she is "dropping in the polls."

Thomas endorsed mayoral front-runner Mary Norwood last week, which prompted Borders to make the shakedown charge public on Wednesday.

“Glenn Thomas asked me for $25,000 and a commitment to make him the chief operating officer of the city," Borders said.  "I refused.  I will not pay anyone to play or to support me."

Thomas replied, “This is defamation of character and slander. But all we can do is respond and state that they are false. For her to make these allegations are disheartening and it saddens me.”

Borders spokeswoman Liz Flowers said Thomas’ endorsement of Norwood surprised the Borders camp. “We would have taken this information and done nothing with it, but then he comes up with Mary,” Flowers said.

Norwood's campaign said it had no deals with Thomas.

“There is absolutely, unequivocally no truth to that," said Norwood campaign manager Roman Levit. "There has never been a payment, promise,  closed door payment or deal to Mr. Thomas, or to anyone who has endorsed us."

Flowers said that Thomas and Borders met at a restaurant in early September, as qualifying approached. It was there that Thomas asked for the money and the position in exchange for his endorsement, Flowers said.

Thomas said he recalls meeting Borders at a restaurant -- neither could remember which one -- but said he made no offers to her.

“Ask her if she is willing to make this type of allegation under oath," Thomas told the AJC Wednesday night.