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DEL.ICIO.USRepublicans ready to field an African-American against Barrow?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Larry Peterson at the Savannah Morning News is reporting this morning that a former staffer to U.S. Rep. John Kingston, the Savannah Republican, is considering a run against U.S. Rep. John Barrow, the Savannah Democrat.
The staffer is Karen Bogans, now a government and community affairs consultant. She is African-American.
“I’m more in it than out,” Bogans said.
Significantly, Kingston sounded close to backing her. “I would lean toward endorsing her,” he said. “She’s a hard worker, very knowledgeable, very presentable and very articulate.”
This means two things. First, of course, is the fact that Kingston likes her. But given Kingston’s stature in the region, it also means that — very possibly — this is the candidate that Republicans have chosen to rally around next year in their continuing effort to oust Barrow.
Comments
By Churchill
November 27, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
O.k. Democrats, let us turn to Thomas, Powell, Rice, Blackwell, Steele chapter in the play book. Now is the time to marginalize this candidate.
By Nick
November 27, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I love the assumption that just because she is African-American that she can make this a close race. Of course Churchill trots out the same old Republican talking points that say that African-American Republicans are treated unfairly. Any candidate no matter the color of their skin or their gender (Mrs. Clinton) should be subjected to criticisms of their political beliefs. I am an African American who happens to agree more with Dems than Republicans. I respect the contributions of African-American Conservatives and frankly wish there were more of them. So please guys can we not make this about race?
By Churchill
November 27, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
I can. Yous guys cannot. I am simply pointing out the truth.
By RJ
November 27, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Given the current state of affairs resulting from seven years of national Republican governance and the pain it is causing the average Georgian, Kingston may be at risk. Thus, he may not have the time to involve himself in another race.
2008 will be quite different from 2006. Failure to anticipate and strategize for this new reality will spell doom for Georgia’s Republicans. The electorate may be ignorant but its not stupid.
By Zane
November 27, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
I hate to bring this up, because I like Kingston, and also hope Bogans can come in and defeat Barrow. But seriously, if you hadn’t noted that she was black, I could have figured it out from this part: “very presentable and very articulate”
Why are these notable qualities only in black people?! Did Kingston miss the Biden-Obama flap about this very same type of thing? (Although, to be fair, Biden was much more overt.) And while I assume neither of these guys watches much Chris Rock, he called this junk out years ago, when he observed that it was often said of Colin Powell, “he speaks so well”. Of course he does. He’s a grown man (or in this case woman), in a high-profile job and with a strong background. Shouldn’t every major party nominee for Congress be presentable and articulate? (Well, maybe Barney Frank isn’t…)
The sad thing is, I’m sure Kingston was trying to say something positive about her, and I doubt he’s a racist of any kind. It’s just that there’s an institutionalized concept of what a black person is “like”, and when someone doesn’t fit it, it’s surprising to some people. It’s unfortunate, though, because I feel certain Bogans does more than speak well, and I bet Kingston could tell us a lot about it.
By Wackolibhack
November 27, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
It’s Bush’s fault there aren’t enough black republican candidates out there. It’s also Bush’s fault that these things are always about race.
By Churchill
November 27, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Counting chickens RJ?
By RJ
November 27, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Churchill, not counting chickens just calling it as I see it based upon observations of today’s reality and more than 23 years of experience in the election arena.
By Churchill
November 27, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
RJ have you been a sleep the past 10? I remember back in ‘94, when people said that GA would never have a Republican Gov. or Republican majority in the legislature. All you 1960’s retreads are betting on this election cycle. Your influence is wanning. I’ll bet you my UGA season tickets that you are wrong. Game?
By RJ
November 27, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Churchhill, Too early to bet because, as you perhaps know very well, between now and election day the environment will make some changes. I will be glad to take your offer two weeks out.
Contrary to you assumption, I was one of those who predicted the Republican revolution. It was driven by Democratic Party arrogance. I will not describe next year as a revolution for Democrats, just a correction. The Republicans ran excellent campaigns in 2006 they just have not demonstrated satisfactory governance capabilities.
By Churchill
November 27, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
We will see RJ. Two weeks out? Six months maybe.
By Anonymous
November 27, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised there aren’t more black Republicans… after all, there are plenty of battered wives who stay loyal to their husbands.
By Stephen
November 27, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Jack Kingston picked the wrong candidate in 2002 by supporting Barbara Dooley and failed to help Max Burns. His candidate, Bogans, will meet the same fate as Dooley. Jack Kingston doesn’t know a single thing about picking the right candidate, but he does know how to wastefully spend our tax dollars.