Posted on 09/23/2004 1:48:15 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
WASHINGTON -- A new strategy to expand the black vote, primarily in swing states, has triggered infighting among black and white Democratic activists over money, turf and political priorities.
The plan, launched by "527" groups led by powerful white Democrats, has angered Jesse Jackson and other black leaders who say they have been bypassed and denied funds.
"Of black organizations that have been traditionally responsible for increasing voter registration and turnout, none have been empowered to determine priorities for the resources," Jackson said. "We know what to do and how to do it. We've done it before. It's insulting that none of us who have been responsible for most registration and turnout are at the table determining priorities."
Ron Walters, a longtime black political activist and University of Maryland political scientist, said funds are only "trickling in" to traditional groups such as Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.
Walters said white Democratic leaders "have tried to substitute people with Palm Pilots and Blackberries for the success we have had over the years" in voter efforts.
The 527 groups are named for the provision in the Internal Revenue Service code that allows them to raise millions of dollars to help elect Democrats and Republicans. Under law, they may not coordinate their activities with the candidates.
Kirk Clay, deputy director of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, which includes Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH, said that in a typical election, their groups would receive $8 million for registration efforts. Although he said he could not specify this year's amount, he added, "we're not anywhere near that." The groups relied in past years on contributions from individuals and other sources; they believe those funds are now being diverted to the 527s.
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
He said that times have changed, and African-Americans no longer need the government to constantly intervene on their behalf.
"The majority of African-Americans believe in economic opportunity and not handouts ... It's a new world, and with that comes new political affiliations," Kellman said. ***
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Is this something like the UN BLOOD MONEY every hack wants their cut of the take?
Oh, and Clinton got Jesse Jackson a plane to fly around in to secure the black vote - he's not flying this time - yet.
If there is any real sign that the RAT leadership has jumped into far more liberal waters than before, here it is. Bypassing the built in registration system for 'quick buck' registration 527's just shows how far the RATs are ready to leap away from their party.
Typically, Jesse Jackson and his crowd can demand air time, issue statements and the like as well as the money for registration outreach efforts, but now they're being bypassed by the '527' of the moment.
A shame that Jesse Jackson doesn't have the guts to just say 'Fine, you don't need us? We'll go talk to those big tent guys over on the other side of the street.'
That would be a leap. Jesse likes to "hold up" corporations and he needs to race/class bait to do that. If Kerry blows him off, he has nowhere to go. BUT black voters have a home in the GOP.
That is a nice piece of change but the truth and a small amount of money by honest patriots trumps a lot of money
and lies.
I love that they are skimming money to line their own pockets.
The contrasts are striking.
petty aspiring kleptocrats squabbling over the division of the boodle. This is news? I think not, but it does make for amusing copy to remind us of the type of people who gravitate into this line of work.
As Teresa Heinz-Kerry would say, "scumbags."
$8 million for voter registration? Sounds like a payoff to me.
This is a fight over "walking around money." The money they want and aren't getting is money these pimps put in their own pockets. It's not for registering voters. It's just that extra cash floating around for a few rip-off artists to grab every four years.
Short cigarette and cheap wine stock.
I think Jesse Jackson should be investigated. How much of this "walking around money" is his cut.
I agree!
Organizations cannot pay people to vote for a particular candidate. There is some concern that paying people to walk around and encourage people to vote for a particular candidate is tantamount to paying them for their vote. Organizations may, however, pay people to knock on doors and encourage people to vote, even for a particular candidate. What they may not do is pay people to vote for a particular candidate; nor may they pay for an endorsement by the organizations. 3
Federal bribery statutes serve as an extreme limitation on election day activity and Get Out the Vote Drives. Very rarely will an item or service offered during a Get Out the Vote Drive be so substantial that it falls under a federal bribery statute. Instead, election day politics will more likely include gifts with a nominal value like buttons, pens, or a free bottle of water with a candidates name on it. (In Germany, by comparison, campaign workers have been known to distribute a small bottles of alcohol, together with a request that the recipient vote for a particular candidate). These smaller gifts of goods or services usually are not considered bribes. ...***
"That would be a leap. Jesse likes to "hold up" corporations and he needs to race/class bait to do that. If Kerry blows him off, he has nowhere to go. BUT black voters have a home in the GOP."
The 527's made Jesse irrelevant. The DNC now puts their money behind these groups and Jackson has to wait in line for some crumbs. It is too bad he is a Socialist or the Republicans would welcome him into the fold.
I an sure if Jesse came over, he would see that the Republicans are far more equality conscience then the Rats were.
With all due respect, he (Jesse) does have somewhere else to go - the CPUSA or the Socialist Party. After all, that's what he preaches anyway (no pun intended).
"Power to the people. Bring down the bourgeoisie! Blah, blah, blah"
Now as to 'Black Voters', sure they'd be welcome - however I'd appreciate it if the gangstas and Felons stayed right where they are - those 'we' don't need, nor should 'we' want.
Jackson has nowhere to go.
He has been completely discredited outside his little PUSH and the DNC.
He would never has access or credibility in any other party, and he knows it.
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