Mike Cox denies partying in mayor's mansion

Associated Press

Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox's campaign is attacking new allegations that he attended a rumored 2002 party at former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's official residence.

Campaign manager Stu Sandler released a memo Tuesday aimed at debunking what he says are "smear attacks" against Cox, 1 of 5 Republicans running in next Tuesday's primary election.

The allegations come in a sworn statement obtained by Norman Yatooma, the attorney representing the family of an exotic dancer who allegedly performed at the party. She was killed the following year in a drive-by shooting.

The affadavit comes from a motorcycle club member who says he worked security at the party and saw Cox receive a lap dance.

Yatooma declined to name the man who made the statement.

The Cox campaign says he's Wilson Kay Jr.. and says he has multiple criminal convictions for attempted arson and weapons violations.