Man who ran against former Charlotte mayor speaks out

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The FBI's case was well underway before Patrick Cannon was elected mayor.
 
The man who ran against Cannon sat down with Eyewitness News anchor Blair Miller on Thursday for an exclusive interview.
 
He said after reading the entire 48-page complaint, the details were so shocking he said it kept him up overnight.
 
Ever since the political bombshell Wednesday, Edwin Peacock has been taking calls from supporters.
 
Peacock said he is still shocked by the allegations against his former opponent in the mayor's race last year.
 
Peacock lost the mayor's seat to Cannon by just 5,000 votes.
               
The FBI's case against Cannon was in full swing even during the race for mayor.
 
According to the complaint, three days after Cannon won the Democratic primary, he was meeting with undercover FBI agents posing as developers.
 
A day before the election, Peacock accused Cannon of lying about whether he attended closed door financial negotiations with the panthers.
               
Cannon then admitted he was in those sessions, but he said he never took part because he could benefit financially.
 
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would turn into what we're seeing now," Peacock said.
 
Peacock said ever since the election, he hasn't thought twice about running again until Wednesday.
 
"Yesterday's events completely changed the equation for my desire to go through the process again," Peacock said.
 
Peacock said it's too early to know what will happen next for him. He said it's not about any one politician.
               
He said it's about the city and the public's trust being restored.

WSOC