Black Vote Crucial to Stopping briefs Conservative Takeover in 2010

Stephon Johnson |

(NNPA)- Its been a trying year for the Democratic Party; a year when even its collective achievements have been dampened by public relations disasters. Despite Democrats fright at the thought of losing seats in Congress to the

Republican Party, there are several groups that can help them sustain its power, if it can get them to the polls.

One of those groups: Black folks. All over the country, Black voters have a chance to make a significant

impact in major elections. From Senate races in Kentucky, Nevada, and Missouri to gubernatorial

races in Georgia, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, the Black vote could be the key to Democrats

holding down the fort come November. But does that mean candidates, incumbents, and newcomers alike will alter their message to cater to Black voters?

Tailor a message for Black voters? By and large, no, said David Bositis of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. In part because the issue, with respect to Black voters, is going to be turnout, and the Republicans, they basically are viewed by African- Americans as the party of the people who opposed the Civil Rights Movement. Its a party dominated by White southerners like Jim DeMint and African-Americans are never going to support anybody who represents the views of White southerners.

Some were shocked that Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty lost a re-election bid to City Council Chair

Vincent Gray. Allegedly, Fenty, who is Black, lost his election because of the perception that he left the Black

vote behind in favor of gaining White voters.

It would behoove candidates around the country to not ignore the Black vote any longer. Theyre on

the clock.

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