Posted on 06/28/2002 10:52:30 AM PDT by mafree
I just found out today that Milwaukee Alderman Terrance Herron has decided to join the Republican Party.
Actually, this is not much of a surprise, as Herron has been seen on some conservative talk shows lately and has been taking stands on some issues that leaned to the right.
Herron, one of six Blacks on the 17-member city of Milwaukee Common Council, served as a Milwaukee County Supervisor before being elected alderman in 2000. He started out with support from some pretty lefty groups, some of whom have been displeased with him for some time.
One reason Herron gave for joining the GOP is that he felt the Democrats took Black voters for granted. He also said that he agreed with the Republicans on a number of issues, especially school choice.
It is rumored that Herron has his sights on a higher office, possibly Congress. He is personable, articulate, and presents well- he could go far.
I know Terrance Herron personally and have emailed him a note of support, though I don't belong to a political party myself at this time. He is likely to catch some flak over this, so I'm asking anyone so inclined to email him messages of support at therro@ci.mil.wi.us
If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)
One more down, millions more to go...
Like I said yesterday, this is an opportunity for the GOP to gain a lot of black support - as soon as more enlightened blacks see that the GOP supports their opportunity to send their children to better schools than the piss-poor ones closer to home (that the Dems INSIST that they must send their kids to), then they start to rethink their party affiliation.
RPW WELCOMES TERRANCE HERRON TO GOP
Jun 28th, 2002
By: RPW(MADISON) – A Milwaukee city leader said today he is joining forces with the Republican Party, in an announcement that drew immediate praise from the head of the Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW).
Terrance Herron, an African American who spent seven years as a Milwaukee County Supervisor before becoming the alderman representing Milwaukee’s 2nd District, said his personal views are more in tune with the principles of the Republican Party.
In particular, Herron agrees with the GOP’s support of school choice and fiscal responsibility in government. He also praises Republican beliefs that welfare reform and job training are the best ways to boost self-esteem and improve the lives of those who take part in such programs, versus Democrat efforts to continue supporting the status quo.
“I see many signs of opportunity in the Republican Party for African Americans and members of all other minority groups,” Herron said. “The door is open, and we must walk through it.”
In making the announcement, Herron said it’s important for urban residents, including those in the African American community, to maintain an open mind about the Republican Party.
“For too long, the Democratic Party has taken the African American community for granted,” Herron said. “It is time to offer a legitimate alternative to African American voters – a choice that takes into account the issues that matter to them. I will be working to make that choice real and compelling for the people I represent.”
RPW Chairman Rick Graber said Herron’s decision to join the GOP is another sign that Milwaukee is becoming more politically conservative – especially after Republican Scott Walker’s recent win in the Milwaukee County Executive’s race.
Graber added the Republican message of government reform, personal responsibility and lower taxes is resonating with voters in Wisconsin’s largest city, and called Herron a shining example of someone who deserves praise for acting on principle.
“Terrance Herron has made a bold decision to join the party that puts faith in people above faith in bureaucracy,” Graber said. “We welcome him to the Republican Party and encourage other like-minded citizens to consider joining the GOP team.”
Will do.
Especially true since the USSC decision on Cleveland. Excellent!
In other words, school choice is, at best, a way to start to change Black perceptions of the GOP but much more work needs to happen along with it.
Agreed, but we have to crawl before we can walk...
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