Pro-Watson campaign flyer brings back Norwood's 'Republican' past

• Democratic Party of Georgia
• The dreaded elephant returns!

Atlanta City Councilman Aaron Watson is gaining some help from the state's Democratic party in a heated race against Post 2 At-Large challenger Mary Norwood.

The Democratic Party of Georgia has paid for a flyer that attacks the former councilwoman's previous "Republican" voting record. The mailer comes with less than two weeks until voters will decide if Norwood should reclaim her former Council seat. Both Watson and Norwood have been duking it out in recent weeks with six-figure campaigns in arguably the tightest Council race this year.

The flyer, expected to be sent out this weekend, reads:

Politician Mary Norwood wants to return to the Atlanta City Council - but she's still trying to hide her Republican record.

Voted for Republicans
Since 1992, Norwood has voted at least seven times or Republican candidates. She was even a delegate to a Republican convention.

Nominated by Republicans
Earlier this year, the local Republican Party nominated Norwood for a position overseeing elections in our area.

Her Republican "Values" Hurt atlanta
While on the city council, Norwood opposed putting police and firefighters back on the streets to protect our community. But she had no problem spending $106,445 from a slush fund.

This isn't the first time the DPG has fired shots at Norwood in a non-partisan city election. In 2009, the party fought against the mayoral candidate, helping Kasim Reed claim victory in a runoff by a mere 700 votes. She responded to those claims with ad that touted Democratic voting record in past presidential elections.

We've reached out to Norwood for comment. If we hear back, we'll post an update.

? ? ?
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Norwood has fired back over the DPG's flyer, calling it a "flagrant violation" the spirit of the city's nonpartisan elections. And she insists that she's an independent candidate. Here's the full response:

In the City of Atlanta, our form of government calls for Non-Partisan Elections. Both in 2009, and now in 2013, the Democratic Party of Georgia has inserted itself into our municipal elections.

This flagrant violation of the spirit of our City's Non-Partisan Elections strives to divide Atlantans and harms our ability to solve Atlanta's problems and move our City forward. Our City's issues are too important for our citizens to select winners and losers based on partisan politics.

I am Independent. I ran as an Independent twice for City Council. I ran as an Independent for Mayor. I ran as an Independent for Fulton County Commission Chair. I was appointed as an Independent to the Fulton County Board of Elections, and I am running as an Independent for City Council right now. What part of Independent does the Democratic Party of Georgia not understand?

As an independent candidate and former city councilwoman, I have worked with all of my colleagues on the important issues that affect our citizens. If re-elected, I will do so again. It's past the time of personal attacks - what Atlanta needs is positive results. To politicize this election - it's just wrong.

I put people before politics. I stand up to the political establishment. I stand up for each citizen in Atlanta from Southside to Northside and back again.

I ask the Democratic Party of Georgia and all persons who are behind this to apologize to Atlantans, and I ask all Atlantans to go to the polls and to vote for an Independent Voice on Atlanta City Council.