According to WREG-TV, Mayor Willie Herenton has announced his intention to run against Steve Cohen in the 9th Congressional District in Tennessee (Memphis). The Mayor has filed appropriate forms with the FEC.
I don't have words enough to say how disturbing this is. Herenton, the first elected Black mayor of Memphis (He claims to be first which I might not mind if he weren't so arrogant about it.), has been a disaster as mayor. One by one, the excellent parts of this city have been destroyed as the bad parts have gotten worse. Herenton began his career as superintendent of the Memphis City Schools, and no one has been able to fix the problems there since. Memphis was once proud of being called the most beautiful city in America--now it is filled with garbage. Herenton believes himself to be called by God to be mayor. I believe in God's call, but not in this one. It's long past time for Herenton to go, but sending him to Congress is not the solution.
Steve Cohen, on the other hand, is a member of the Progressive Caucus, and has done wonderful work on the Judiciary Committee. He deserves our support, and I hope very much that he will fend off this challenge. But with the popularity Herenton has in the local Black community, Steve has something to worry about.
This is definitely one we should keep hold of. Herenton in Washington could be a disaster.
Sorry this is quick, but I just had to say something.