Even in loss, Smitherman retreats to his base

One of the biggest bursts of applause to erupt from the Board of Elections last night came not for a winner, but for a loser.

Christopher Smitherman walked past the print reporters and television cameras to the corner of the board room, where African-American-oriented radio station WDBZ had set up shop.

"We are definitely going to continue to be a voice in the city," Smitherman promised the radio audience, though he gave no specific future plans.

"I'd like to keep this about Sen. Mark Mallory," he said. The financial planner from North Avondale said contributors to David Pepper's $1 million campaign for mayor should have hedged their investments.

"Now today, those people are going to have to call Sen. Mark Mallory and readjust their game plan."