Jefferson still has a shot in Louisiana

Politico ^ | September 16, 2008 | JOSH KRAUSHAAR

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Even as he faces a 16-count federal indictment on charges that include racketeering and soliciting bribes, Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) may be down, but he isn’t out. At least not yet.

Devoid of virtually any influence in Congress and with his campaign treasury almost empty, Jefferson may still have a path to victory in the Democratic primary next month. By virtue of his high name identification and a small cadre of die-hard supporters, he is hoping to win enough votes in the crowded Oct. 4 primary to head into a runoff. And his likely runoff opponent is the only white candidate in the seven-person field, creating a racially divided contest that Jefferson has a real chance of winning.

Jefferson’s potential runoff opponent, Helena Moreno, is well known in New Orleans from her recent stint as an investigative reporter for a local TV station. Given that the African-American vote is splintered among six black candidates, she could gain the runoff simply by winning the majority of the white vote. She has also self-financed much of her campaign, giving her enough cash to get her message out.

About 64 percent of the New Orleans-centered district is African-American, while 28 percent is white.

[clee1]

Hell, LA loved to elect known felons.

[conservativemusician]

Why not. DC re-elected Marion Barry after he did time for smoking crack with someone he thought was a hooker.

[kabar]

About 64 percent of the New Orleans-centered district is African-American, while 28 percent is white.

Does that mean the 64% are racists and that if Moreno loses, she will be a victim of racism?

[Artemis Webb]

He’ll win.

[NonValueAdded]

Yes. "... where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." If Jefferson is re-elected, the voters fail the MLK test. That makes them Racist by just about any definition.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Jefferson will beat the rap and be reelected. End of story.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Re-elect a felon? Why not? He is a perfect representative of the people of his district.

[Carley]

A crowd at a function in NYC the other night....gave Charlie Rangel a standing ovation.

[FreeAtlanta]

Spitefully elected disgraced politicians is an embarrassment to the good conservative logically thinking members of the black population. This in your face nonsense hurts everyone and makes the black population a parody of the many negative stereo types that exist and are called racist.

Sad. Really, really sad.

[MSF BU]

Forget about Jefferson; how about losing that mediocre senator?

[AppyPappy]

Best news I heard all day. Go Willie J!!!

It will break Pelosi’s heart if he wins.