JB Akers | File photo
CHARLESTON – The state Democratic Party is criticizing a Republican member of the House of Delegates who serves as legal counsel to a podcaster it calls “right-wing” and “extremist.”
But JB Akers says his client has a legitimate claim in civil court, which is “part of our normal democratic process.”
Earlier this month, conservative podcaster Tim Pool filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in federal court in Martinsburg, alleging that Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign claimed it supported a dictatorship. In his complaint against Harris For President, Pool, who lives in West Virginia, describes himself as a social media content creator, commentator and independent journalist.
Body | File photo
On September 26, state Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin issued a press release sharply criticizing Akers’ representation of Pool in the federal case, stating that Pool is paid $100,000 per episode of his podcast to spread propaganda and “divisive and false narratives favorable to Vladimir Putin’s regime “.
“JB Akers has chosen to stand on the wrong side of history by defending Tim Pool, who not only spreads lies, but does so on the Kremlin’s payroll,” said Pushkin, who is also a member of the House with Akers. “Pool has often hosted extremist guests such as Gab founder Andrew Torba, who regularly promotes anti-Semitic content; Alex Jones, who was successfully sued for calling the Sandy Hook massacre, which left 20 first-graders and six teachers dead, a hoax; right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, who once said that sexual relations between 13-year-old boys and adults could be consensual; and notorious white supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, all of whom spread perilous and debunked conspiracy theories.
“West Virginia deserves better than leaders who align with those who promote divisive, anti-American propaganda.”
Pushkin also said Pool’s connections and his role in “amplifying lies” make Akers’ decision to represent him troubling.
“We cannot tolerate this type of cooperation with those who are spokesmen for foreign adversaries,” Pushkin said. “Akers’ actions show that he is willing to side with those working to undermine our democracy, and that is simply unacceptable.”
Akers’ opponent in the 55th minutevol District Race is Linda Bodie.
“JB Akers and Tim Pool have shown they will do anything to make money, even if it means aligning themselves with the enemies of our country and democracy,” Bodie said in a Democratic Party press release. “Akers’ decision to represent Pool – who has hosted extremists and spread perilous conspiracy theories financed by Kremlin-backed propaganda – demonstrates that both men are willing to put personal gain above the good of our nation.
“West Virginians deserve a leader who stands for truth and justice, not someone who will sell our values to the highest bidder. The people of the 55th District deserve better.”
In response, Akers said voters believe there is too much negativity in politics.
“So I’m optimistic and I didn’t mention my opponent at all,” Akers said West Virginia record. “I have known her for over 20 years. We went to the same church. She was probably there when my children were baptized.
“Now, when my opponent mentions me by name for the first time, she goes berserk, claiming that I am allied with pro-Kremlin forces that are enemies of democracy. It’s ridiculous, except it currently encourages violence. We have seen many high-profile examples.”
Akers said he’s surprised this problem even exists.
“I didn’t expect this from someone I knew, I just wanted to try to win the local House race,” he said Record. “My opponent obviously doesn’t care. He will say anything to win as long as my wife and children live here too.
“I represent people in civil trials. In civil society, this is how we resolve disputes. My client, Mr. Pool, has a valid claim. I have taken his case to federal court, where a federal judge and jury will decide our fate.
“While my opponent makes extreme statements about ‘enemies of democracy,’ what I am doing is part of our normal democratic process.”
Akers then noted that Bodie’s firm has been involved in the civil court system for years, calling her criticism of it “hypocritical” because Element Federal Credit Union has sued customers and has also been sued.
“In one case, among other things, her unemployed client alleged that my opponent’s company illegally accepted loan repayments, applied them as deposits to a credit union, and then sued the client over the loan,” Akers said. “When my opponent went lower and wrote that I would do anything to make money, it looked like the opposite was true.
“My opponent is campaigning saying she is for working families. In fact, when collection time comes, my opponent’s credit union sues unemployed working women. I represent working people who earn a living.”
Akers said the difference between his campaign and Bodie’s is stark.
“I focused my campaign on positive plans for jobs, roads and schools,” he said. “My opponent chose personal attacks and goofy political rhetoric. Voters in the area are tired of what my opponent and people like her are doing. I know because they tell me.
“I agree with my opponent on one thing – our district deserves a good leader. After seeing how my opponent chose to run her campaign, that person is definitely not her.”
Gov. Jim Justice appointed Akers earlier this year to fill the House vacancy left when Moore Capito resigned to focus on his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign.
