MIM - Gene Taylor accuses Tegerdine’s campaign of cyber-attack

According to sources from the Coast, Rep. Gene Taylor accused Republican challenger Joe Tegerdine’s campaign of tampering with the Congressman’s website at the dedication of the new University of Southern Mississippi Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship on Friday.

They states that when Tegerdine approached Taylor to shake his hand, the Blue Dog Democrat and 20-year incumbent immediately dismissed any pleasantries to accuse Tegerdine’scampaign of tampering with his website. Taylor threatened it was a federal offense and that there is an investigation underway to determine the source of the cyber-attack.

Tegerdine openly denied the allegations to Taylor and seemed taken aback by the Congressman’s choice of venue and words. Sources said that Tegerdine informed Taylor that if it was discovered that anyone related to his campaign had participated in such actions they would be immediately asked to disassociate themselves from future campaign efforts.

In a statement made after the incident, Tegerdine is reported to have said, “I am really disappointed by Congressman Taylor’s behavior. I think we expect a higher level of professionalism and decorum from our elected officials. It confirms again to me why I am in this race, we deserve better.”

Majority in Miss.
3/9/10