Posted on 10/12/2006 7:44:11 AM PDT by SmithL
The Rev. Amos Brown, who heads Third Baptist Church -- an African American landmark in San Francisco -- lambasted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger two years ago as part of "the national axis of evil" and charged that President Bush was "his partner in crime."
Now, Brown's position has changed dramatically: This week he lauded Schwarzenegger as a leader who has "brought back school counselors, arts, music and physical education to our schools." Brown's comments, which appeared in an official Schwarzenegger campaign press release, also praised the governor for addressing prison reform and small-business development.
The shift, some political observers say, could be rooted in a new relationship between the fiery liberal minister and the Republican governor: In the past two months, the San Francisco pastor was paid more than $16,000 after he was put on the Schwarzenegger campaign payroll as a political consultant.
According to documents on file with the California secretary of state's office, Brown received three $5,000 payments from the California for Schwarzenegger 2006 campaign for work as a campaign consultant in August and September. In addition, he received a payment of $1,045.24 for travel, lodging and meals for the campaign.
Katie Levinson, communications director for the Schwarzenegger campaign, confirmed Wednesday that Brown is a paid campaign adviser -- and will be until the November election.
"The campaign is proud to have his wise counsel and support in the campaign for the governor's re-election," said Levinson.
Brown, a former San Francisco supervisor, stars this week in a new radio ad for the Schwarzenegger campaign. "I have been a Democrat all my life, but in this election, I am making an exception to that -- for an exceptional governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger," Brown says in the spot. "I'm judging the governor on his record, based on the issues."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Here's a reminder of exactly who Amos Brown is:
In September 2001, while the WTC was still burning, Brown joined every California politician on a San Francisco stage for a memorial ceremony. Brown's sermon was the "America, what have you done?" rant.
Amazing how the so-called 'black leaders' change their tune once they're paid off.
Arnold is a backstabbing rat that will say or do anything to get elected. He's not a Republican.
Arnold may be a backstabbing rat and a bad example of a Republican, but this is a master stroke of backdoor political manuevering.
Amos Brown is like a god in Frisco. To pay him off and get him to speak well of Arnold is definitely going to reap dividends for him in the end. Talk about a knife in the heart of the Angelides campaign. Phil can't get on Leno and now he's not welcome at one of the biggest black churches in one of the most left wing cities anywhere.
Ouch...
It is an election year, after all.
Just Win, Baby!
Next up: WILLIE BROWN ENDORSES ARNOLD!
Maybe conservatives should apply for a job?
Maybe we can get Schmidt to underwrite our winter quarter fund drive if we all behave for the next 30 days.
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