NEW ORLEANS -- It was, at times, a heated and awkward news conference.
"Unintentionally, there are consequences sometimes on what it is being said and how they're being said," said mayoral candidate Troy Henry during his afternoon news conference.
In announcing the last minute meeting, Henry's campaign said the media gathering was to "discuss the future of his candidacy."
Eyewitness News Political Analyst Clancy DuBos said the purpose of the meeting was oversold by the campaign and "gave everyone the impression that he was dropping out."
But far from it, said Henry, who called the last-minute meeting to discuss his disappointment with the media and its coverage of African American candidates in the New Orleans Mayor's race.
"You guys are referees," Henry told reporters. "You're not supposed to be wearing a jersey."
Henry said he takes issue with journalists repeatedly bringing up the possibility of a run-off with two white candidates in light of state Sen. Ed Murray's recent decision to drop out of the race.
"And it's not just me thinking that," said Henry. "James [Perry] and Nadine [Ramsey], you can also talk to them. I met them earlier today and we spoke about it specifically."
Moments before yet another mayoral debate Wednesday evening, fair housing advocate and mayoral candidate James Perry told Eyewitness News otherwise.
"I think it's unfortunate that Troy used my name in his political stunt," said Perry. "The fact is he said the race should be about the issues, but he didn't talk about any issues, he didn't talk about crime, he didn't about blight ... it seems to me that someone was playing politics today.”
Perry said the press conference proves he is the only candidate focused on unifying the city -- a common talking point among his opponents responding to Henry's words.
"The people of this city are really wanting to come together and to begin to speak with one voice to begin to find common ground around issues that affect all of us," said Lt. Governor and mayoral candidate Mitch Landrieu.
"People are looking for not black and white but green -- they're really worried about their own situation," said wealthy businessman and mayoral candidate John Georges.
Wednesday evening candidates gathered once more to sell their platforms during a mayoral forum at Loyola University. Former judge Nadine Ramsey spoke of spearheading a much needed political makeovers.
"We have to make City Hall consumer friendly, citizen friendly and business friendly," said Ramsey. Attorney Rob Couhig promised better budgeting if elected mayor.
"We've been spending as though we're a city of 420,000 people," said Couhig. "We have 300,000 people."
And come election time, political pundits promise it will be all about numbers as well.
"History tells us that most black voters would feel comfortable voting for a black person over a white person, but the same polls are telling us right now that a majority of African Americans support Mitch Landrieu in the polls," said DuBos. "That could change."
The primary is set for Feb. 6 and early voting begins Jan. 23.
