Dem Unity: Congressional Black Caucus rallies around Reid...Dems throw race card back at Repugs [View All]

[marmar]

from the Politico:



Democrats launch counterattack to save Harry Reid's career
By MIKE ALLEN & JAKE SHERMAN | 1/11/10 5:05 AM EST


Democrats are preparing to throw the race card back in the laps of Republicans as part of a counterattack designed to help save Harry Reid’s political career.

First, Reid’s allies plan to distribute the NAACP vote ratings of Republican senators who have scolded him. The data will be made available to editorial boards, cable programs and the blogosphere — including votes on minimum wage, community-oriented policing, education funding and HIV/AIDS programs.

Separately, the Congressional Black Caucus plans to issue a new statement Monday, defending Reid and brushing back Republicans.

“Senator Reid’s record provides a stark contrast to actions of Republicans to block legislation that would benefit poor and minority communities — most recently reflected in Republican opposition to the health bill now under consideration,” CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. “I look forward to Senator Reid continuing to serve as Majority Leader to guide this important agenda through the Senate.”

...(snip)...

“There are some Republicans who are trying to use this for political advantage,” said a source close to the Reid camp. “If Senators (Jon) Kyl, (John) Cornyn and others want to have an open and honest debate about race — and if they want to discuss their records on issues of importance to the African-American community — we welcome that dialogue. But we are not going to stand idly by while hypocritical Republicans take swipes at Senator Reid, distorting his record of achievement and their own record of failure.” ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31340.html