George Smitherman's mayoral campaign team says it has earned the support of six members of Rocco Rossi's team – but Rossi says most of those mentioned haven't been involved in his campaign for months.
The following former members of Rossi's team were listed in a news release Smitherman issued Tuesday afternoon:
- Sachin Aggarwal, former campaign manager and director of policy
- Gary Anandasangaree, former campaign co-chair
- Alexis Levine, former chair of the organization committee
- Jon Kastikainen, former director of operations
- Wes Davis, former director of tour & scheduling
- Darryl Tempest, former director of organization
According to the release, the Rossi organizers switch camps in an attempt to stop mayoral candidate Rob Ford.
"We have two weeks to stop four years of chaos in Toronto," Aggarwal is quoted as saying. "I have great respect and admiration for Rocco, but we need to put our emotions and friendships aside, and unite behind a common banner to save our city."
However, Rocco Rossi campaign manager Bernie Morton told CP24 said some of the organizers listed haven't been involved with the campaign for months.
A statement released by the camp Thursday evenings distanced the camp from the majority of the people listed on Smitherman's release.
"All but one of these individuals has not been part of this campaign since Bernie Morton took over as campaign manager in late August," it stated.
"None of them have had any recent formal role in the campaign with the exception of Mr. Davis who was fired last Saturday for refusing to put up lawn signs during a major sign blitz and instead choosing to play golf out of town."
The Rossi release says most on the list were associates of former campaign manager Aggarwal, who left the team at the end of August.
