Posted on 05/16/2005 4:14:31 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Mfume Addresses Allegations of Favoritism
By FOSTER KLUG, Associated Press Writer 47 minutes ago
Casting himself as a determined underdog in the race for U.S. Senate, Kweisi Mfume said Monday that he wanted to erase doubts caused by allegations that he favored a subordinate he was dating while NAACP president.
An internal memo from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People outlined alleged claims that a woman who once worked at the civil rights organization had threatened to sue over Mfume's relationship with a subordinate.
"This whole issue of doubt in the minds of people is a natural reaction," Mfume told reporters in downtown Baltimore. "You can't run and you can't hide, so I don't try ... The more I talk about it, the better I feel."
Mfume, who is divorced, has acknowledged dating a subordinate in 1997 and adopting her son. But he denied that any of his personnel decisions were affected by the relationship.
"I'm a human being," Mfume said of the relationship. "It was very short-lived and terminated because I recognized it was a boneheaded thing to do. It was my mistake and my mistake solely. That's what makes us better as human beings. Not to repeat mistakes ... and to try to own up to them."
Mfume was eager to talk about his campaign for the seat held by retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes (news, bio, voting record); he mentioned the opening of a campaign headquarters in Baltimore next week, with a lease for 18 months, which would coincide with the general election in November 2006. "I have every intention of being there for the November election," Mfume said.
"Mfume, who is divorced, has acknowledged dating a subordinate in 1997 and adopting her son. But he denied that any of his personnel decisions were affected by the relationship."
ROTFLOL. I can't believe anyone would even write and print this stuff. Dumb, dumb and dumb.
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