MEMPHIS, TN – Like a fighter making his way to the ring, Dr. Willie Herenton made his way to the podium to kick off his campaign, through the sea of supporters. Many say he’ll need that fighting spirit over the next six months. “I want to go to Washington with some common sense pragmatic approaches to help those congressional people to understand the plight of the common man,” Herenton told about 200 supporters. Understanding the common man is something Herenton says is missing with current Congressman Steve Cohen, along with diversity.
Herenton says his record proves how successful he was as Mayor of Memphis and it shows how successful he’ll be as a member of Congress. “When Herenton arrived, black folks arrived in high places. I’m going to try to make conditions better for the descendants of slaves.” Close friend and Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism agrees. “Something wrong with that picture when you can’t find a person in Congress that look like you.”
Congressman Steve Cohen calls Herenton’s statement political poppycock. “That’s been used before and that’s been rejected before twice. The people want representation that’s effective and works in their interest.” Cohen says his record speaks for itself and that his actions have gained the support of many people who don’t necessarily look like him. “I’m running on my record which I think is a strong record. An “A” from the NAACP, endorsements, praise from President Obama, Speaker Pelosi.”
Herenton says there’s a lack of African American representation in Congress and he wants to change that. “Don’t hate on me because I want representation. Join us; it’s the right thing to do.”
Election Day is November 5, 2010.
