Ward Boss May Bow Out for Bush (Powerful African-American Ward Boss in Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ^ | 27 September 2004 | By Sandra Tolliver

[Vigilanteman]

For the second time in his 32 years as one of Pittsburgh's most powerful Democratic ward chairmen, Dock Fielder Jr. might throw his support to a Republican -- George W. Bush.

It's not that he dislikes U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic nominee. But Fielder complains the Kerry campaign staff hasn't responded to his overtures and now he'd like to talk to Bush campaign staffers in Pennsylvania.

"Bush is going to beat him anyway," said Fielder, whose influence drew phone calls at home from President Jimmy Carter. He supported Carter only after extracting his promise to funnel money into the city's predominantly black neighborhoods.

Backing winners is Fielder's forte, because "once you win, you win." The last time he supported Republicans, the 12th Ward helped to propel an obscure Brentwood councilman, Bob Cranmer, onto the Allegheny County Board of Commissioners by 1,036 votes in 1995

[Vigilanteman]

He's holding his ground despite a pleading phone call from Jimmy Carter. This could help tip Pennsylvania into the Bush column and flush the johns.

[raybbr]

...Dock Fielder Jr. might throw his support to a Republican -- George W. Bush.

How much will this cost the U.S. taxpayer???

[CondiArmy]

Don't worry, this is just typical race-politics shakedown. He will get his "love" from the Dems.

[patriciaruth]

Economic zones for Pittsburgh might end up paying off.

Some Republican redevelopment geared toward free enterprise rather than freebies might end up putting more taxpayers on the rolls in the long run.

I assume he will want some sinecures for his boys, but the tollway fee might be worth it to see an area get on its feet instead of remaining on their knees to Demcrat failed urban development.

[small voice in the wilderness]

There's nothing like situational convictions to make a man stand firm.

[Old Sarge]

"Ya'll runnin'a nice campaign heah. 'Pity if summthin'd happen to it..."

[LADY J]

"How much will this cost the U.S. taxpayer???"

If the Republicans won't play - he'll get it anyway - from the RATS. We pay for all the votes that the RATS buy.

[jmaroneps37]

My friends, there is definitely something happening among Black voters this cycle. In NJ 20% are voting Bush, as are 20% in Georgia and 21% in Maryland and 30% in Oregon. Since the Temple U/Philly Inq poll leaves out Black voter info, I suspect it is bad news for frenchie in Pa as well.
Something is in the wind friends, something is in the wind!

[heartwood]

wish something was in the wind without local bigs taking bids on it.

[Tennessean4Bush]

something is in the wind!

No way. Where do you see Bush getting 20-30% of the black vote. Which polls?

[Petronski]

I've seen this play before.

In the third act, Kerry will promise whatever it takes and all will be well in lefty-land.

[SuziQ]

It's not that he dislikes U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic nominee. But Fielder complains the Kerry campaign staff hasn't responded to his overtures and now he'd like to talk to Bush campaign staffers in Pennsylvania.

Whoa, this is HUGH!!! I hope the Bush people start talking with him right away, pushing the values issues that are near and dear to black people; education vouchers, homosexual marriage, crime prevention. Come to think of it, those are the same values conservative Whites, Asians, and Hispanics hold. I hope Bush's people make THAT point, as well.