Today's House Race Hotline: Racial Politics
From House Race Hotline:
Black Dems currently hold every majority-black CD in the House. (PA 01's Robert Brady (D), who is white, represents a black plurality CD.)
That could change this fall, as two white Dem candidates are well positioned to compete in crowded winner-take-all primaries. In NY 11, David Yassky (D) has outraised his four announced opponents (all black), and once worked for then-Rep. Chuck Schumer. And in TN 09, state Sen. Steve Cohen is strongly considering entering the Dem primary, which already features nearly 20 announced candidates.
Cohen told HRH that he wants to be "the first white member" of the CBC. His voting record in Nashville indicates he'd be a reliably liberal vote.
Will there be consternation at the CBC if he wins? Interestingly, three white members represent majority Hispanic CDs -- Reps. Berman, Filner, Doggett -- with limited controversy. (CA 51's Filner is facing Assemblyman Juan Vargas in a Dem primary.) But if these two win, will CBCers coalesce behind one challenger in '08, or place voting record over racial identity? [JOSH KRAUSHAAR]
The Hotline's Top 25 House Races
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I was at the Polk County Democratic Convention and there were no Draft Warner tables, just a lone person passing out poorly written literature on Warner.
Though, I do look forward to seeing Warner in Des Moines again.
Don't forget NC-01, a represent that, according to the 2000 cenus data in the almanac is just over 50% African-American and formerly represented by long-time Rep. Eva Clayton is now represented by G.K. Butterworth, who is white.
Of course, perhaps the most racially divisive race may be the contest for New Orleans mayor in which embattled Mayor Ray Nagin is being challenged by LA LG Mitch Landrieu and a number of others. Landrieu is probably more liberal than (at least the pre-hurricane incarnation of) Nagin and his senatorial sister, as well. Still, black voters may resent his candidacy which can be painted as taking advantage of the hurricane's impact on the city's demographics.
Steve Cohen is not just the most experienced and effective Rep. TN 09 could have; he has the wit and agility to be a fresh national voice. I think you'll like him.