A "wait and see" on candidates

[politicasista]

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Snip:

Black Democratic vote is up for grabs

By James Wright
AFRO Staff Writer

In the minds of many Black Democrats, the race for president, and the race for their support, is wide open. Despite the presence of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), an African American and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), the former first lady whose husband, President Bill Clinton, was popular with Blacks, many have developed a "wait and see" attitude.

Everett Sanders, a DNC member and an attorney from Natchez, Miss., said he does not know who he will support.

"I am leaning toward Obama, but I have not made up my mind yet," Sanders said.

Texas State Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston), a longtime member of the DNC, agreed.

"It is too early to decide who to support," he said.
Shirley Franklin, the mayor of Atlanta, said that she wants to see more from the candidates before she makes up her mind. Franklin is not a DNC member but is serving a term as the president of the Democratic Conference of Mayors.

"The candidates should come to Georgia and meet the people," she said. "After they do that, then we should talk."

Ted Blunt is the president of the Wilmington, Del., city council. He came to the mid-winter meeting to support his candidate, Biden.

"Joe Biden is a strong man who would make a good president," Blunt said. "He is extremely capable of leading this country.

"He consistently gets the highest rating from the NAACP, he will keep our borders well-protected and will bring our troops home."

Blunt dismissed the recent remark that Biden made about Obama, saying that "it was meant as a compliment to the senator and that was all."

Herculee Clark, a real estate agent from Upper Marlboro, Md., said that she is supporting Clinton.

"I think she is smart and can do a good job," Clark said.
Joe Johnson, a former resident of Albuquerque, N.M., said that Richardson is his man.

"I have known Bill Richardson for a long time and he is good," he said. "He has brought a lot of changes to New Mexico and he can bring this country together. He has a strong record in hiring minorities and helping small business."

Johnson said that Richardson's resume, which includes serving in Congress, as United Nations ambassador, energy secretary and as governor, is the best among the field.

DNC Vice Chair Lottie Shackleford said that she cannot commit to a candidate because she is an officer of the Democratic Party. However, she said that Blacks should be careful who they choose to support.

"Blacks should ask the same questions all Americans should ask:" she said. "Which candidate will be able to keep the country safe and secure? Which candidate will create more opportunity? Which candidate will make sure that this is a strong country for future generations to come?"

Shackleford said that Blacks must get solid answers on energy independence, health care, economic development and educational opportunity.

"Blacks must ask these questions and get behind the candidate who they feel best meets their needs and concerns," she said.

http://www.afro.com/content/templates/?a=6736&z=1

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