NEW: Smiley Calls for Elorza to Disavow Marrocco Endorsement, Money

NEW: Smiley Calls for Elorza to Disavow Marrocco Endorsement, Money

Democratic mayoral candidate Brett Smiley is calling on primary opponent Jorge Elorza to return a $2,000 donation and repudiate the endorsement of Gianfranco Marrocco, a man Smiley says "has been at the center of repeated incidents of violence in our city."

Marrocco told GoLocalProv he supported Elorza in a one-on-one interview, calling Elorza "the perfect candidate for the job."

Statement from Smiley

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"Jorge Elorza has accepted thousands of dollars, and an endorsement, from Gianfranco Marrocco, a man who has been at the center of multiple incidents of violence in our city and just this week uttered a string of racist comments directed towards Mayor Taveras," Smiley said. "Mr. Elorza should refund Marrocco's money and repudiate his endorsement immediately." 

"Last Wednesday, I released my 'Good Government Plan' to prevent disproportionate access for people like Gianfranco Marrocco, people who donate to politicians and expect special treatment in return." Smiley continued. "This type of pay-to-play politics cannot be allowed to continue, and Mr. Elorza is sending the wrong message by cashing Marrocco's checks."