Norwood Campaign Denies Shielding Candidate from Media ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Mary Norwood's campaign today denied that it has shielded its mayoral candidate from reporters all week. As Norwood's rival, Kasim Reed, trotted out for several highly-orchestrated press conferences, the news media has stewed and puzzled over Norwood's reticence to get in front of cameras.

WABE's Odette Yousef reports.

The frustration boiled over Thursday at a press conference at the Norwood campaign's Sweet Auburn headquarters. Reporters had been chasing Norwood for a direct response to new endorsements that Reed had won, Norwood wasn't there.

REPORTER: Is it just a coincidence this week that we have not been able to catch up with Ms. Norwood given these endorsements?
BRADFORD: Again, that is so not true, and that is so unfair for you all to say that, and I really want your viewers to know that.

Norwood's media relations manager Zee Bradford tried to combat the notion that Norwood has been hiding from the press.

REPORTER: We want to know to know where Mary is
BRADFORD: Mary is out campaigning.
REPORTER 2: Where is Mary?
REPORTER 3: Does anyone in the office know where she is?
BRADFORD: Mary is out campaigning.

Later that day, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution posted an article on its website under the headline "Where is Mary Norwood?"

On Friday, the campaign gave a different reason for Norwood's absence from the press conference: they said she was taping a new TV commercial.

(sound from ad)

Campaign Manager Roman Levit says reporters' claims are simply untrue:

LEVIT: Mary has had this week already 2 press availabilities. She's having a third one this afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Kmart on Cleveland Avenue.

But at a Veteran's Day press availability, the campaign refused to let reporters ask Norwood about the endorsements of her rival. They said questions would be limited to Veteran-related matters.

Odette Yousef, WABE News.
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