Posted on 10/29/2004 8:32:43 PM PDT by Land_of_Lincoln_John
EAST ST. LOUIS - Carl Officer, the four-term mayor of East St. Louis, Illinois, announced before local supporters today that he has accepted the position as head of the Illinois Steering Committee of "Democrats for Bush," founded earlier this year by Democratic Senator Zell Miller of Georgia.
A life-long Democrat, Officer is a third generation African-American entrepreneur with a family funeral home business and mayor of one of the poorest cities in Illinois and, for that matter, America.
Officer was once a top aide to Secretary of State Alan Dixon, a Democrat who later served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois before being defeated in a 1992 primary by Carol Moseley-Braun.
Officer was welcomed into the organization by a personal congratulatory phone call from Brian Lunde, National Executive Director of "Democrats for Bush."
"I watched the debates intently, especially to try to measure the strength of each man and compare how each would face the awesome responsibility of America's safety -- a President's #1 priority, said Officer. "As a relatively new father, I indulged my three-year old daughter and let her stay up with me as I watched. When it was over, and I looked into her eyes, I knew I had to go with the proven product, and I believe on the issue of protecting Americans first, nearly everyone agrees George Bush is the leader by far."
Officer's endorsement comes on the heels of national reports that Bush's support among African-Americans may double in number from his vote totals among this demographic in 2000.
In breaking with his party on the Presidential race, Officer, an ordained minister, cited serious differences he has with the Democratic leadership on issues like gay marriage and abortion.
East St. Louis is a majority African-American city of approximately 31,000 residents located in St. Clair County in what is commonly referred to as the "Metro East" region of Illinois.
I remember newspaper stories about him speeding from bar to bar with his body guards, who carried real Uzis, and intimidated people with their weapons.
His funeral home would throw dead children in the dumpster behind the building just as soon as the services were over in order to resell the coffins.
Officer's best friend, and biggest supporter, was a cocaine-dealing minister of a church with eight members, who had a Lincoln Continental for every day of the week, and millions in the church fund.
The state police had to come in and take over East St. Louis to clean up Officer's mess. Voters gave him the boot after his first term.
WOW!!!! Yes, I can remember over the years seeing a few exposes of this town on TV as being unbelievably irretrievably corrupt and beyond the pale, with EVERYTHING broken down, no municipal services, high unemployment, blight, crime, just general awfulness, and also some refernces to Mr. Officer, all negative but none as colorful and vivid as yours. He is NOT the kind of "Democrat" you want on your side. Apparently he's looking for a way to re-establish himself on what he sees as the likely winning side this time around. Wouldn't trust this guy any farther than I could throw me. He should not be entertained or encouraged.
wHOOPS!! I meant to say "wouldn't trust this guy any farther than I could throw HIM", not "throw me", though, come to think of it, I kind of like the mistake now.....
"Beautiful response from the mayor"
---You've either got to be kidding, are historically/politically naive, or haven't read the rest of this thread. Do a Google search on CARL OFFICER, and educate yourself. And re-examine the verbiage from him you quoted. He sounds as smarmy as John Kerry.
What???
The mayor of East St. Louis???
The same East St. Louis that makes look downtown Baghdad like downtown Salt Lake City???
I guess you haven't read the thread either. If you look carefully my friend, you'll see that I indicated I did not know this person. So get a grip because people like you run off sincere folks interested in politics.
By the way, I'm sure I could teach you a few things about local NC politcs. Cut the smart mouth and simply dialogue without the immature attitude.
Pigs are flying by my window as I type.....?
Are they wearing dresses?
I apologize.
I apologize.
Apology accepted. No hard feelings. I'm sure both of us look forward to Bush winning big time on Nov. 2. Have a great weekend and be safe.
"This is just amazing!"
You took the words right off my keyboard!
After reading the "dirt" about this guy below, I wonder, were they too CONSERVATIVE for him?
Or did this fellow actually repent?????
Bahbah, I don't know who Carl Officer is, except now I know he's the mayor of East. St. Louis. :)
East St. Louis would have absolutely nothing that the Talibums would want to attack.
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