| THE RACE HEATS UP SOUTH OF THE TRINITY |
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| by Rufus Shaw | Fri, Jun 1, 2007, 05:10 PM |
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The race between Tom Leppert and Ed Oakley maybe heating up a little out north but in the southern sector the race has become downright nasty. A campaign sign war is looming in the background with the potential to turn violent. A new and hopefully improved Super Sunday “Get Out The Vote” event is being planned for Sunday June 10th. The Democratic Party’s endorsement of Ed Oakley has pitted some of Dallas ’ most prominent Black Democrats against one another thus threatening the unity the party desperately needs if it intends to permanently replace the Republican Party as the dominant political party in Dallas County . The last time organizers of Super Sunday “Get Out The Vote” event attempted to get out the Black vote for the May municipal elections, the event was a flop barely drawing many Black voters. But this time, organizers are promising a much larger effort mainly because the organizing group has expanded beyond the ministers and included other Black organizations. The Urban League and the NAACP joined Rev. Freddie Haynes III and other ministers to host the last Super Sunday event. With this effort they are being joined by the Black Firefighters Association, representatives from all of the Black sororities and fraternities, and CAAPCO, an organization of Black professionals. Lynn Flint-Shaw, who coordinated the last Super Sunday event, is also heading up the June 10th effort. Mrs. Flint-Shaw has stated, “ I feel I can make an important contribution to the continued development of the Black electorate by working to make sure the Black vote turns out. Our Super Sunday event is nonpartisan and all candidates are welcomed. The Super Sunday event has not endorsed any candidate for mayor or city council.” Super Sunday is June 10th. The voters will be asked to early vote that Sunday at the Martin Luther King Community Center , Samuel Grand Recreation Center , and the Oak Cliff Sub-Courthouse Dwaine Caraway is the only Black city council candidate to win his race without a run-off. He is also a major Tom Leppert supporter. He and his wife State Rep. Barbara Mallory-Caraway are both prominent Democrats. Mr. Caraway informed me that he believes that the Ed Oakley campaign has engaged in destroying Tom Leppert’s campaign signs in parts of Oak Cliff and south Dallas. According to Councilman-elect Caraway, the battle over campaign signs has gotten so heated violence maybe next if the destruction of campaign signs does not stop. “I have no doubt that Ed Oakley is behind the destruction of Tom Leppert’s signs. That is the kind of dirty politics that Ed is famous for,” Mr. Caraway emphatically told me. Whoever is stealing the signs, one thing is certain: there is no love lost between the Caraways and Ed Oakley. The issue with the potential to cause the most harm to the Black electorate is the Democratic Party’s endorsement of Ed Oakley in Dallas ’ historic nonpartisan mayoral election. Many African-Americans who are supporting Tom Leppert are upset that the Democratic Party has endorsed Ed Oakley when Tom Leppert is being supported by a number of prominent Black Democrats. Ed Oakley publicly insist that he did not seek the Democratic Party’s endorsement however, there are others who disputed Mr. Oakley’s claim. Whether he sought it or not, Mr. Oakley accepted the endorsement and campaigned as a Democrat in a non partisan election. If Black political players who are supporting Tom Leppert feel betrayed by the Democratic Party because of the Oakley endorsement, this could cause a rift in the Democratic Party. I am not suggesting that Black Democrats will become Republicans because of a mayoral race, but Black Democrats could feel left out of the decision making loop at the local party level thus causing many Black voters to stay at home when the next real partisan election comes to town. Ed Oakley is tempting fate by possibly waking up the Republican Party and alienating some powerful Black folks in the Democratic Party at the same time. Some Black leaders feel Mr. Oakley is deliberately attempting to divide and deceive the Black electorate by injecting partisan party politics in this race. I always figured Ed Oakley to be a better candidate then some of his campaign tactics indicate. It really would be something if Mr. Oakley’s tactics ended up unifying Black Democrats and Republicans to vote against him. At least that is how I see it from South of The Trinity.
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Comments (27)
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written by asmith , June 01, 2007 It interesting that many of the black ministers are supporting the candidate that is using the same slick consultants that Laura Miller used. Leppert's expenditures have Republican operatives all over them. Rob Allyn knows how to play dirty as well Mr. Shaw.
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written by Michael Davis , June 01, 2007 Whether Oakley asked for the endorsement or he didn't, he sent out the piece that started all of this partisan stuff in the May 12th Mayor's race. Oakley's tactics are going to hurt Democrats next year at the polls when they try to campaign north of the Trinity. So what he has done in addition to ruining the spirit of our city elections is burdened every party candidate that runs in 2008. That's not fair! I trust that the Black voter can see through all of the divide and conquer strategies that Oakley is doing and vote for Tom Leppert.
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written by Dr. Stuart A . Meyers , June 01, 2007 Race must not be a factor in any election. Nor should our political affiliation. Rather Dallasites must rise above these petty arguments and focus on growing our city into the future. Dallas needs fresh vision and outside perspective rather than the status quo. Over 100,000 new people move into the North Texas area. We Dallas citizens must show our new neighbors sound Texas hospitality, therefore; Leppert in my opnion is the man for the job. In the end Leppert will win the race, and Dallas will be a better off for decades to come.
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written by Mary Hasan , June 02, 2007 Judging from the current piece of literature from the Oakley campaign, he is no stranger to dirt. Looks like he could be crowned king dirt.
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written by Byron George , June 02, 2007 Francine, I guess these "prominent black democrats" are DINO's. Correct?
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written by Michael Davis , June 02, 2007 I firmly believe that Francine Borden is a pseudonym of a person that was banned from Dallas Blog. Everyone knows who that person is. There's no Francine Borden on the Dallas county voting rolls. Someone with the same name writes posts at the website operated by the previously mentioned person that was banned from DallasBlog because of hateful comments.
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written by jan b , June 02, 2007 Too many folks elevate their feeling to an extraordinary degree, much like what one expects with an infant, and use their feelings to rationalize their vile discourse and actions. They paint those who disagree with their ideology as heartless and lacking in compassion, rather than recognizing that people can have different ideas about the most effective solutions to problems. Rosie O'Donnell and F. are great example of this dynamic: They bully those who disagree with them and lob incendiary statements backed up with little more than their feelings.
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written by asmith , June 02, 2007 I voted for Oakley, but I don't think Leppert will take us back to the 50s. Michael, the Dems will most likely win every countywide office again in 2008. Even Lupe will survive if she makes it out of the primary. It will be close but the average Democrat will likely get 52.5% The numbers aren't there for the GOP in Dallas County anymore. All you have to do is look at the average vote in the judicial races from 1998-present. Many GOP voters have moved to Collin, Denton, and Rockwall. They can only keep the gerrymandered single member districts in Dallas County. I don't see how Oakley's efforts hurt Democrats in North Dallas. Looking at how Harriet Miller and Phil Shinoda did in North Dallas precincts, if you told me 10 years ago Democrats would be getting 45% in Republican North Dallas I wouldn't believe it. But I hope the ministers and businessmen are right about Leppert, if he wins. Because his senior campaign advisers are the same people Laura Miller had. Houston has non-partisan city races, but when the choice was clear, especially in the Lee Brown years the local Democratic party made endorsements.
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written by Jonathan Green , June 03, 2007 Stay Down Michael, bust em and bring em out of hiding!!! Rufus, Lynn is welcome over to Pilgrim Rest.
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written by Mark Hammond , June 03, 2007 I would not be surprised that Dwaine Carway would make such claims about Oakley. My concern is that Rufus would even quote him... realizing that he is such a biased source.
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written by Tabitha , June 03, 2007 Francine, Your argument against Tom Leppert and his Dallas Country Club ties are old and tired. Get something new. That is no longer an issue. Is that the only thing you can come up with against Mr. Leppert?? BORING. I haven't made up my mind who I am voting for, but you are not helping Oakley's case in my opinion. You are costing him votes. I hope you can live with that.
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written by Domingo , June 04, 2007 Tom Leppert is a republican,Ed Oakley is a democrat.The question is why are any minorites supporting a multi-millionare Republican who has only lived in Dallas less than 4 years and who most people had not heard of until he was handpicked by the citzens council to run for Mayor.How many of you were part of that decsion?I understand those who are hired political consultants and are getting paid to do a job,but those of us who care about Dallas want somebody who has paid his dues,represented and knows black,brown,and regular people.That is Ed Oakley.
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written by Michael Davis , June 04, 2007 Oakley has no reason to assume that Black people will vote for him. He has acted like the southern side of Dallas is a given since he started this race. Who are Oakley's prominent Black supporters?
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written by Richard S. , June 04, 2007 Tabitha, These blogs are extremely skewed and in no way reflect the way the political winds blow. I would suggest you make your own informed decision regarding who you vote for. I like both candidates, and I too haven't made up my mind, and I am sure not going to have my mind made up about a candidate based on what I read in these blogs. You are a smart intelligent person, and you are capable of making your own decisions. Both sides of this election has extremists working on their behalf (Tom and Ed alike). Don't allow anyone force you to vote any other way other than what you yourself see and hear. The problem with blogs is that they are very black and white and the truth is always somewhere in the middle.
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written by asmith , June 04, 2007 Sorry Francine, I doubt Leppert is a racist. I know Darrell Jordan isn't one and he kept his membership. This run-off is like voting for the flu or the mumps. I don't like either candidate that much. I voted for Oakley.
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written by Roger Herrera , June 05, 2007 I voted for Tom Leppert today. I was impressed by him the first day he introduced himself. I think it was his firm handshake and humble persona. I am very excited about the possibilities of a Leppert administration. We lost the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas can't afford to lose Tom Leppert. (I was nervous voting for myself during the general election. I was excited voting for Tom Leppert).
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written by Jonathan Green , June 05, 2007 Francine you had a racist in City who for 7 years wreaked havoc on the Southern sector of Dallas. Mayor Miller never supported anything that would give economic clout to African Americans. Tell me what economic development you see in the Southern Part of Dallas that Mayor Miller can stake a Claim?
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written by sandra crenshaw , June 06, 2007 Jonathan, I would like to talk to you, now I am able to Id you because of your church. Lyn is a beautiful, intellegent person, who would add grace to your church and the political arena
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written by sandra crenshaw , June 06, 2007 Laura lays claim to the cadillac heights, the trinity river projects and the largest MLK parade in the country, at this time she is a lame duck, let's focus on defining what we would like the next mayor to bring to us and hold that person accountable
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written by sandra crenshaw , June 06, 2007 thanks, richard quite frankly, i;m insulted with operatives telling me to vote for someone else. I make comparisons on several issues and then vote my conviction. Help us with voter education. Responsbililty is more than casting a vote, a robot or a monkkkey can punch a key.
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written by Michael Davis , June 06, 2007 Ed voted with Laura Miller many times...how soon some people forget.
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written by Taylor Brannon , June 07, 2007 I first would like to say that I was introduced to this site by a seasoned Dallas political activist some time ago I will also like to say that your site has been very helpful to myself as I would never think of speaking with any of the Dallas political power brokers without first gauging the political winds of Dallas on your site. I said all of that to say I have very rarely seen a real life every day person or voter comment on this page. Why? Maybe they should visit though as they might have a rare chance to see the manner by which the leaders of Dallas engage Your site is Dallas politics in the RAW, and would make good teaching for up and coming political would Be's on what not to do in order for Dallas to move forward. However for those innocent voters not corrupted by politics you know the ones who just wants the pot hole fixed on there street, I hope this site remains in executive session. P.S My comment is in know way intented towards Dallas Blog.com
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written by Gehrig M. Saldaña , June 10, 2007 Impressive, best describes Tom Leppert's ability to steer his campaign in a dignified issue driven manner steering clear of his opponent's (Ed Oakley) missteps of false endorsements, misrepresented attack ads, and a shameful willingness to take advantage of his opponent's facial disabilities. Outrageous, best describes Ed Oakley's admission to a local media representative indicating he did not provide oversight of the mean-spirited attack ad. This is not a trait citizens would appreciate of their next mayor. Dallas' citizens deserve much better.
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written by Betty Culbreath , June 12, 2007 Annette Strauss,Ron Kirk and Laura Miller have been the only two Democrats Mayors that I know of. Who cares most folk just want safe and good streets and lower tax and a good park. Write comment
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