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Dick Kay reports that a meeting between Sen. James Meeks and 79 black ministers yesterday was “no love fest”.
Andy Shaw has this:
Reverend James Meeks fielded some tough questions Monday about his possible run for governor. Some African-American ministers are worried a Meeks candidacy might actually help the Republicans.Some of the Chicago area’s most prominent African American ministers agree with Reverend and State Senator James Meeks that the Democratic Party’s taken the black vote for granted much too long and shortchanged their community when it comes to key issues like education. But the ministers say it’s too soon to even consider supporting an independent run for governor by Reverend Meeks until they’ve met with the other candidates, including Republican Judy Baar Topinka and Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich. “Meeks is a pastor. We are pastors. We love him as a pastor. We support him as a pastor as we understand him. His candidacy is all but a proposition. We have two candidates right now, Topinka and Blagojevich,” said Bishop Tavis Grant, Clergy Speaks.
Most of the 79 African American ministers who grilled Reverend Meeks for two intense hours during a meeting Monday morning are worried about an independent candidacy siphoning off enough votes from Democrats, including Governor Rod Blagojevich, to elect a slate of Republicans led by Judy Baar Topinka. They are inclined to support Blagojevich– but only if he meets their demands for more spending on education, prison reform and drug treatment.
“We need to hold the governor’s feet to the fire right now. And if we have not heard something from the governor by a certain date, then we may have to look at other options,” said Bishop Larry Trotter, Clergy Speaks.
Mike Flannery adds:
A few minutes later, Illinois’s highest-ranking African-American politician, Sen. Barack Obama, declined to take sides.“Something I think would be great is for Meeks and Gov. Blagojevich to sit down and figure this thing out,” Obama said. […]
“Rev. Meeks’ proposals are gonna be helpful in the short term, and he’s also proposing ideas in the long term that ought to be discussed and need to have a hearing,†Blagojevich said.
“Well, and, If that’s true, the Democratic Party needs to sit down and find out what the African-American community need in order for me not to run,†Meeks said.
More here.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 2:59 am
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Illinois’s highest-ranking African-American politician, Sen. Barack Obama
Does it smack of racism to include Obama in this fight? Is it fair for him to be automatically be included in this mess just because he’s African American?
What does the other senator from Illinois (his name escapes me at the moment…the non-African American one) think about all this? Or is it not important?
Comment by Slick Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 5:42 am
As a Republican, the more I watch Barack Obama operate, the more impressed I am with him. He knows when to get involved in a street fight and when not to.
Jim Meeks and Rod Blagojevich should sit down and talk with Barack as a third party. Reverend Meeks seems like a good man but the State of Illinois is drowning in red ink as it is. I also have a “wish list” if I can be assured that “you” will pick up the tab and pay for it.
Reverend Meeks efforts to play the part of Robin Hood may be well-intentioned but he is coming across as “Robbing Hood” instead of Robin Hood. Maybe Reverend Meeks can pass the collection plate at his church the next few Sundays for the State of Illinois. Perhaps, he can donate 50% of his salary as a state senator and pastor for his church to these worthwhile endeavors (education, drug rehabilitation)that he is seeking for the rest of us and our children to pay for? I sure don’t want Senator Meeks being that camel trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle to get into heaven. Empty your pockets first, Reverend Meeks and then come talk to us about your expensive giveaway programs.
Comment by Beowulf Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 8:24 am
I question the insistence that by these ministers that Meeks will take votes away from Democrats. I know that it might actually happen if it’s true. Unfortunately we know where these minister’s allegiance lie. And they even know that Democrats take their votes for granted.
And yes the commentor above me is correct perhaps Meeks should offer his services for the issue of education and drug rehab.
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 9:23 am
Go figure-Barack Osama not taking a stand. I can’t wait for someone to knock him out of the US Senate. Believe me it could happen. The honeymoon period is over. Besides at the next Democratic convention the Dems will find a new poster child and Barack will be old news. This ‘rock star’ is no Mick Jagger.
Comment by Fouts Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 9:50 am
slick is right..what do the others in the democratic party think? white chicago alderman, da mayor, and so on…. what are they willing to do about meeks. surely they cannot think a trickle down will occur if meeks proves succesful. rod may wear the coat but all others wear a jacket
Comment by anon Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 11:45 pm
Hmmm, 79 black ministers and not a white one among them. That smells of racism… Wonder if any white ministers were invited? I wonder if any would have been allowed in, had they shown up? (Maybe they could’ve taken a seat in the back o’ de …).
But something far worse - where is the ACLU and its compaining about the separation of church and state? Oh forgive me, they only complain when it suits their purposes.
If these ministers want to get into the political arena, then they can give up their tax-free status and start paying their fair share for the businesses (churches) they run. Ooohh, Jesse Jackson are you listening? Here’s another chance for you to make a buck, instructing your brothers how to side-step legalities and get by without paying your taxes, for a reasonable fee, of course. Won’t cost you a cent more than H&R Block would charge!
Comment by bbishere2 Wednesday, Apr 5, 06 @ 4:26 pm