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July 26, 2006
More Bad News for Blackwell in Cuy. Co.
It seems that race really will become a big issue with this upcoming election. As both sides are trying to woo the African-American vote, generally Democratic, there have been at least two groups here in Cuyahoga County that are coming up against Blackwell and for Strickland. The first is organized by many community leaders, including our own US Rep (and Colbert Favorite) Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Cleveland's Newest Mayor, Frank Jackson, was also at the groups latest meetin for support. This organization is working with the Strickland Campaign. Most likely they are trying to make sure the Congressman knows what the concerns of their communities are and to make sure he is aware of the problems that need to be fixed.
The other group, which is being organized independantly, calls itself "Blacks Against Blackwell" and is portraying the message that Blackwell is no different from President Bush or Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. It's a bit more upfront about their dislike of Blackwell, and their views about his policy.
To read the write-up go to the Plain Dealer
Posted by ear14 at July 26, 2006 09:43 AM
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Comments
Bad news? That some black liberals feel threatened enough by Blackwell's candidacy that they create "anti" organizations? I don't think so. However, this is an example of why the GOP's focus on Blackwell's race is going to create problems. It's inherently racist, and invites Democratic racism.
Posted by: Jeffrey Quick at July 26, 2006 10:53 AM
Recent polling I've seen only puts Blackwell's support among African-Americans at around 25%. That's not a particularly good showing. Bush got around 10% without even trying to court African-Americans. Considering that Strickland will be pulling in a portion of the southeast Ohio vote that the Republicans have traditionally relied upon, there is an increased need for Blackwell to shore up his urban showing. Don't get me wrong, a Democrat can't win in Ohio without overwhelming showings in a few counties (Cuyahoga, Lucas, Trumbull, Franklin, among others). That's why leaders in the African-American community are taking Blackwell's play for their vote seriously. And it never hurts to remind key constituencies whose side your on. I didn't see key Democrats temporarily blocking renewal of the Voting Rights Act...
Posted by: David Gasser at July 29, 2006 06:14 PM
I think the fact that Blackwell can manage to get 25% support from African-Americans just shows how most people look at only one or two details when supporting a candidate (such as race, abortion, gay marriage, minimum wage, etc). Blackwell has done nothing to support the African-American community and certainly made some suspicious moves in the 2004 elections to suppress voter's rights, yet he still can manage 25%. In the end, this percent won't likely put him over the top, but it just goes to show how short-minded voters of all races, class, or party affiliation really are.
Posted by: Stephen at July 31, 2006 08:31 AM
I think the fact that Blackwell can manage to get 25% support from African-Americans just shows how most people look at only one or two details when supporting a candidate (such as race, abortion, gay marriage, minimum wage, etc). Blackwell has done nothing to support the African-American community and certainly made some suspicious moves in the 2004 elections to suppress voter's rights, yet he still can manage 25%. In the end, this percent won't likely put him over the top, but it just goes to show how short-minded voters of all races, class, or party affiliation really are.
Posted by: Stephen at July 31, 2006 08:31 AM