Group Plans to Turn in Signatures to Oust Alderman

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Organizers of a campaign to recall a South Dakota alderman accused of making racially insensitive remarks to a black TV reporter say they have more than enough valid signatures.

Former councilman and recall leader Gary Brown says the group plans to turn in petitions Friday calling for the ouster of Rapid City Councilman Bill Clayton.

Clayton allegedly suggested during a telephone interview that the TV reporter be deported to Kenya. The alderman said he was not aware of the reporter's race and publicly apologized for the controversy.

Clayton tells the Rapid City Journal that the reporter's account and ensuing coverage has not been accurate and says "this is what happens when you try to hoist a lie up the flag pole."

A recall would force a special election.

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