James Jones joins race in 8th (Arkansas sharecropper, Republican, "Tea Party guy")

Phillyburbs ^ | 2/14/10 | GARY WECKSELBLATT

[Libloather]

Jones joins race in 8th
By: GARY WECKSELBLATT
The Intelligencer
February 14, 2010 03:34 AM

Calling it "a historical moment," a black man from rural Arkansas raised as a sharecropper officially entered the 8th District congressional race for the Republican nomination Saturday.

"This is Black History month," James Jones told a group of family and friends. "What better time to stand in front of you?"

Describing himself as a "Tea Party guy," Jones, who fought in two wars with the Navy and also served in the Middle East, spoke out against government spending, deceitful politicians and the "killing" of the U.S. military's morale.

Jones, 54, lives in Langhorne with his wife Sharone. They have five adult children and eight grandchildren.

He contends that his background with the military and as a small business owner has given him the unique ability to expand the Republican base.

"It is time we unify rather than splinter and divide America," Jones said. "That's what I'm here to do, take the grassroots message, the crossover voters' message, and carry it forward."

Indeed, one man not usually seen at Republican events, John Jordan, president of the Bucks County NAACP, showed up at the Middletown Municipal Building to support his friend.

"It's a big day for Bucks County politics," said Jordan, who is giving up his position next week with the intention to run for the state's 6th District Senate seat. "I know how important it is for young black men to see people like James stand up for them in this community.

"It's not all about rappers, it's not all about sports stars," he said. "James has a good heart. He is a good person."

[Libloather]

Kewl.

[cripplecreek]

"This is Black History month,"

He should have gone on to say that it should be replaced with American History month.

[kingattax]

jesse jackson and al sharpton in full panic mode ?

[highlander_UW]

He contends that his background with the military and as a small business owner has given him the unique ability to expand the Republican base.

That background makes him FAR more qualified than our president.

He sounds like a strong candidate, although I don't know anything about him beyond this article.

[4Speed]

I feel another Money Bomb coming on..............

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

[piytar]

He served - REALLY served, not Kerry-served - and he’s run a small business. Unless he’s got some real skeletons and/or nutso “truther” views in the closet, I’d vote for him in a second.

(Although I find his playing the race card distasteful, I understand the political necessity to leverage everything he can.)

[usastandsunited]

Good for him. In case the title confused anyone, this is in Penn. not Arkansas congressional race.

[Mike Darancette]

The incumbant Republican is not running so this is an open seat in a “Red” district Jones has a chance if he can get nominated.

[Falcon28]

"This is Black History month,"

Well, he lost me with that one. He should watch this Video

[Falcon28]

The question that should be asked of every black GOP candidate is this: “Will you join the Congressional Black Caucus?”

If they say “yes,” then they are not worthy of our votes.

I like JC Watts answer to that question. He said “NO” and added:

“...they [ Jesse Jackson, et al.] said that I had sold out and Uncle Tom. And I said well, they deserve to have that view. But I have my thoughts. And I think they’re race-hustling poverty pimps.”

[Libloather]

The question that should be asked of every black GOP candidate is this: “Will you join the Congressional Black Caucus?” If they say “yes,” then they are not worthy of our votes.

I see it differently. If a Republican can actually get IN to that private club and expose it, I'm jazzed.

[spectre]

There was nothing wrong with him saying "it's black history month".

The man is a Republican and wants to get his fellow Blacks to move away from the Democrats "Plantation" mentality nonsense and take a positive look toward the future.

I'm proud he's running here in Arkansas.

sw

[spectre]

oops, sorry..I thought he was running here in Arkansas. Nevertheless, I was born in PA, so that's the next best thing!

sw

[Mind-numbed Robot]

The man is a Republican and wants to get his fellow Blacks to move away from the Democrats "Plantation" mentality nonsense and take a positive look toward the future.

That is the way I see it, too. Those who call that playing the race card are out of touch with reality.

For years I have personally been telling young blacks whom I encounter in life that the Republicans do more for them than Democrats. The mouthy ones argue the Democrat talking points loudly and with true conviction. Often their friends who are standing behind them will smile knowingly and nod their heads in agreement with me.

The loud ones claim to be oppressed and held back by "the white man." When I point out they have good jobs they say, "But not the job I want!" I point out that few white men have the job they want and ask who is holding those white men back? There is usually some stuttering followed by silence whereupon I take my leave.