Denise Majette
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
Posted on 08/10/2002 6:06:01 AM PDT by mhking
Denise Majette Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney |
The relentless war of words between by Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) and former state court judge Denise Majette in the Democratic primary for Georgia’s 4th Congressional District transferred to a debate podium Friday night.
The two met in a 30-minute debate broadcast live over Georgia public television. McKinney did not announce her intent to participate in the debate until some 20 minutes before it began.
It, however, did not take long after the stage was set for the accusations that have colored the race thus far to come to the forefront.
When candidates were allowed to ask each other questions, Majette said, "On 9-11 while the rest of the world watched in horror ... you were counting money received from some people who have been named as Arab terrorists. How do you explain this?"
It has been widely reported in various media outlets that McKinney has received contributions from several Arab groups that may have suspected links to extremist groups.
"We don't racially profile our contributors," McKinney replied. "All of our contributions are legal. My opponent, on the other hand, has an awful lot of Republican money going into her coffers."
Later, after a panelist suggested Majette had taken different positions on affirmative action in various interviews, McKinney joined in the attack, saying Majette flip-flopped on the issue and also criticized her for opposing slave reparations.
Majette said she supports affirmative action and has been a beneficiary of such programs. But, she said, reparations for slavery can best be made through improved public schools and by leveling the economic playing field for all.
McKinney also charged that Majette's financial portfolio includes stock in drug companies and questioned whether she would be able to support a prescription drug plan to benefit consumers.
Majette said she owns no stock outright in pharmaceutical companies, but acknowledged her mutual fund is invested in a wide range of businesses, including drug companies.
Also during the debate, McKinney pressed the charge she is using in campaign ads which assert that while a state court judge, Majette abused power in several cases and then sought to conceal the record.
Majette dismissed the charge as "more misrepresentations and lies."
Several polls have shown McKinney to be trailing Majette in the race. Analysts have speculated that McKinney, a five-term incumbent, is facing her toughest challenge in 10 years.
McKinney said of the polls Thursday night, “These are very specious polls. They are not an accurate reflection of this race. I’m sure you’ll find that out on election day.”
When asked after the debate Friday night why she thought McKinney showed up, Majette replied, "Because she knows she's in trouble. She's in the race of her life. I'm her worst nightmare and she has to appear because that's the only way she can try to convince enough people that they should keep her on."
The primary is scheduled for Aug. 20.
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In other words, Republican contribution are illegal? She sure has no trouble voting to take my tax dollar. Cyndi, its all green baby.
-Rep. Cynthia McKinney
What a hoot! I just may have to donate some illegal Republican money to Majette.
you have my deepest sympathies
And money from terrorists is fine.. It would be racial profiling not to take it.
This woman is pathetic
McKinney also charged that Majette's financial portfolio includes stock in drug companies and questioned whether she would be able to support a prescription drug plan to benefit consumers
The democrat way of thinking. Unbelievable.
Hmmmmm.
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