Jackson Free Press

The unabridged interview.

State Rep. Chuck Espy comes from a long line of politicos. His father is former Clarksdale Mayor Henry Espy, and the Espy family has had dibs on the Second Congressional seat for many years. In 1987, Espy's uncle, Mike Espy, was the first African American sent to Congress from Mississippi since Reconstruction, before President Clinton later appointed him as the first black Secretary of Agriculture in 1993. Chuck's father, Henry, ran in the 1993 special election to fill Mike's vacated seat, but Thompson beat him.

Now Chuck Espy is looking to continue the Espy lordship over the district in 2006. Last weekend, Espy spent a good 40 minutes clarifying himself for the JFP audience.

How long have you been involved in politics?

All my life, but politically, for myself, since 1999.

Why do you want to be a federal representative?

The core of why we need additional federal assistance that we're not getting now is because Mississippi needs effective representation, and for the last 13 years this situation of people's lives have been deplorable. When you look across the district, someone has to answer the cries of the people. People need help out here. We're talking about 10,000 jobs lost in the last five years.

How can a congressman help that if the president is standing behind international trade agreements and a facilitating tax environment helps send our jobs oversees?

Deal with the 2nd District first. There are so many triggers, but the main reason why I had to challenge Congressman Thompson in this election was because we're about to have the largest budget ever. It's coming through the Agricultural Committee, and we do not have a seat at the table.

Because Thompson moved over to the Homeland Security Committee?

Exactly. He had seniority on Agriculture. He had the same tenure on Homeland Security. He was given a choice. He chose Homeland Security. I know we need to protect the coastal shores of California and New York, but we've got this Agricultural Committee with this large budget that's getting ready to happen. You have housing, rural development, economic development, WIC, food stamps and empowerment zones. All of these are being discussed at the table along with farming. All of these things come through agriculture.

That committee is so powerful for the 2nd Congressional District. When we lost that seat at the table I had to get active, and I'm hoping to seek a seat on the Agricultural Committee in the next 2007 Congress.

What makes you qualified to occupy that congressional seat?

Well, qualification can be defined in many ways. First: I have the desire to serve people and I have the desire to bring forward a plan to revitalize the 2nd District. Oftentimes politicians get caught in the vision of only wanting to get elected. And, clearly, our vision is much different. Our vision is to serve the people and actually have a comprehensive plan to rebuild the 2nd District. So we have a plan.

What is your plan to bring economic development to the district?

First, we must be able to work with the other congressional delegates. The relationship factor is so important, and clearly Bennie has changed. Washington has changed him and he has become hotheaded, divisive and he destroys relationships, both black and white. You have to sit at the table with Thad Cochran, who is the Appropriations Chairman over all the money in the United States.

Some Democrats say Republicans don't particularly want to work with Democrats anymore and don't feel they have to now that they hold majorities in both the House and the Senate.

I don't know anything about that old taboo that Democrats can't work with Republicans because my family history has always dictated that we've been coalition builders. And you have to work with Democrats, independents and Republicans to get agendas passed.

But Democrats have been locked out of many debates regarding many bills over the last five years.

The reason I don't buy into that is because you have people like Barak O'Bama. They're Democrats, but Harold Ford Jr., is so effective for the people in Tennessee because he has the ability to work with anyone. I'm hoping to be a congressman who can work with everybody.

So, you don't think the Newt Gingrich Congress of the last 10 years is in effect anymore?

No, I believe that you have people on both sides of the aisle who are interested in working, but you still have some ineffective leaders, some who want to stay far left and some who want to stay far right.

Has your opponent put up a clean fight so far?

He's from an era that has a lot of politicians that are self-serving and ineffective. I did a little research on this. Congressman Thompson is going around telling everyone that Chuck Espy is a Republican.

When he couldn't stand on his record, he created lies about who Chuck Espy is to psychologically play mind games with the black community. But when you have the next generation of Democrats in this nation, especially in the South, watch what happens. This guy, Harold Ford Jr., (of Tennessee) when he ran for Congress, he came from a family of Democrats. He's a strong Democrat but when he first ran they said he was a Republican. And he's proven to be a great Democrat.

(Sen.) Barack Obama, (D-Ill.), when he first ran for U.S Senate they called him a Republican, but he's proven to be a strong Democrat. Earl Hilliard was a long-standing member of Congress, been there for over a decade. He had a challenger that came out of the state Senate named Arturo Davis. He was a strong Democrat in the state house in Alabama. Earl Hilliard, who couldn't stand on his record, said that Arturo Davis was a Republican. Then, in New Jersey, a young councilman by the name of Cory Booker ran against the long-standing mayor by the name of Sharp James. James called him everything in the book and a Republican. The common thread is these self-serving, ineffective leaders against these young Democrats is that their last stand that they made, when they couldn't stand on their record, was saying "you're a Republican." What's another common thread between those guys? They defeated every single person that stood against them. That's just next-generation Democrats.

The Clarion-Ledger points out that you have strong Republican support in campaign donations. What's the explanation for it?

What you have to understand is that Bennie Thompson is playing psychological games, but he's playing this game with every person he can tell this story to, and he doesn't have a choice because he can't stand on his record, because if you look around the 2nd District. This is the largest impoverished region in the state, and it's never moved.

But this is a Clarion-Ledger report.

My FEC report looks like this. You have Democrats, Republicans and independents. Some contributors say they don't believe in politicians. I said to him, "do you know you just contributed to a political campaign." He said, "I just believe that you're different than the rest of these guys." So we bring all the people to the table to rebuild the 2nd District. But if you look at my opponent's FEC report, the largest company in this nation just made record profits, billion-dollar profits: Exxon-Mobile. They've contributed to Bennie Thompson's FEC report. Now while people are suffering with high gas prices, members of Congress all across this nation have been giving press conferences about how they're going to fight high gas prices in this nation. Not one press conference has Bennie Thompson held about high gas prices. Why? Because the money has silenced him. The lobbyists have changed him.

So let's address Thompson's accusation. Are you a Pelosi Democrat or a Clinton Democrat?

I can't define myself like that because this next generation of Democrat isn't that traditional politician, but I would think that I'm from the Bill Clinton era, that would bring all people to the table.

OK, let's talk about political philosophy—

You brought up Nancy Pelosi. It's interesting, if you look at Bennie Thompson's FEC report, he was out there in California with a fund raiser. Now all the way in California, and Pelosi is from California. She hosts some kind of fund raiser for him. Pelosi is the minority leader, and she helps to make the decision of committee assignment. Our congressman took himself from the most powerful committee that we could possibly have for the second district, and that's Agriculture. That's farming, WIC, food stamps and housing. And he moved to Homeland Security. Now Homeland Security affairs are needed more for Mississippi or California? They're needed more so for Mississippi. And she had a large arm in helping him make that decision, so once again, Washington has changed him. The Bennie in the past served on the Agriculture Committee, but the Bennie of today goes for Homeland Security with Nancy Pelosi helping him with a fund raiser.

Imagine the impact of the Homeland Security Committee versus the impact of the Agriculture Committee. Look at the 2nd District. Everybody is tired of this ineffective and self-serving leadership. They're tired of it, and Republicans, Democrats and Independents are all interested in revitalizing the 2nd District and he's never once had a plan. Under his 13 years he's never talked about how he's going to revitalize the district.

Give me some more detail about your plan to revitalize the district.

This is just not a white problem about Bennie Thompson. African-Americans are tired of the divisiveness. If you don't agree with him, he'll put a person in your election to get rid of you. It doesn't matter to him if you're black or white.

But let's get into the plan. The first thing we need to do is get back on the Agricultural Committee. Secondly, we need to make sure that we work with all the members of the congressional delegates, as a team to rebuild the state. Thirdly, we can go to health care. We have 23 counties in the second district. Twenty-two of them are medically underserved. We're going to make sure that doctors are attracted to the area by offering them insurance coverage to make sure that they can be competitive in reaching their bottom line, by giving them insurance coverage to locate to the 2nd Congressional District for a minimum of seven years.

During the tort reform years, I recall doctors telling me that they didn't want to move to the Delta not because of Mississippi's expensive medical liability insurance rates but because they "don't want to move their family to a cotton field with bad schools."

Well, the one's I've talked have said that they're trying to protect their bottom line, and they're interested in locating to regions in the state that are more rural and serene and quiet than the big cities of Chicago, New York and California. They want to raise their kids in a small town, and if that's attractive to them then I'm going to help them get here.

We've never had on the congressional staff an economic development coordinator in the 2nd District. Now we have economic coordinators for the chambers in certain counties and municipalities but all the members of the congressional delegate have economic development coordinators on their team. We will put one on our team.

Locating industries to certain areas is very competitive. We must be able to compete with the southern region and other parts of the state to locate industries in our district. The economic developers' job will also be to maintain and keep industries happy with their employee base not leaving the company.

You have to make sure that the owners of all these companies (get) customer service. We're going to make sure that if they need additional incentives to keep their employee base here we'll use the economic development coordinator to find out what things they need in their region to make the community stronger to maintain their employees.

Why do you think keeping people from fleeing the area is so hard to do? Are you saying Thompson couldn't do it because he can't get along with folks?

Well, he fights all the time with everyone, and when you have that attitude it leaves you ineffective. He's too combative, and that's why the district isn't moving.

Now here's my plan on education. We have Level 1 and Level 2 schools all across the district. The part we're interested in targeting is that we're interested in fully funding Head Start first.

You know we've got a president who cut Head Start, don't you?

Yeah, but while Bennie Thompson sat there and voted against that cut, he never offered one amendment to put the money back into Head Start. He could've done that, but he just voted against it. I'm not going to just sit back and say "I disagree." I'm going to get out there on that House floor and offer an amendment to fully fund Head Start.

Do you think you've got a pretty good understanding of the Washington process where you could've set an amendment in there that would have attracted eyes on the Republican side of the building?

Absolutely, because that's what it's all about. You have to work the process.

I interrupted your description of the education component of your plan.

What we're going to do is put a master level reading teacher in the areas of these Level 1 and Level 2 schools, in the day care structure, where some of these day cares are just holding our children. What we're going to do is teach these children phonics skills and reading skills and bring them up to the proper level of reading when they begin to go to the pre-K and First grade.

How will we pay for this extra education in a state that's already falling behind education funding every budget year?

It's simple. I'm going to personally sponsor the first pilot project on this. We're going to target one or two communities with a Level 1 or Level 2 school, and I'm going to fund their first-ever pilot project for this. We're going to set that teacher in there, and we're going to prove results and set benchmarks and after proving the results we'll attempt to implement this through legislation on the federal and state level. Other states have already implemented this, like Kentucky, and it's been proven in Orlando, Fla. For the first year, it'll only cost $48,000 to put the master teachers in place. We're only talking about two teachers. After we set the benchmarks we're going to move to show these results to the federal and state level.

The spin-off of this came about when in 2001, I began to give my legislative salary to people who were in need of help with utility bills and light bills. It didn't take legislation, and it didn't take the governor's approval and now people get immediate help. They submit a letter to the P.O. box, and a committee of five ladies meet and they verify the bill, and they pay it.

What's your take on the pro-choice, pro-life argument?

I'm pro-life, with the exception of rape or incest and to save the mother's life.

How about the morning-after pill?

I'm against the morning after pill

What's your take on the environment? That's a hot topic as the mountain glaciers melt away and monster storms tear through the state. More and more people are starting to equate it with global warming. So tell me: does global warming exist?

Yes, it does. And that's why I'm seeking the Agricultural Committee seat. To make sure that we have alternative fuel sources. We have some very promising hopes through the Agricultural Committee to begin to use Ethanol and other products that are naturally coming from the earth to have alternative fuel.

Drilling in ANWR, up in Alaska. Good or bad?

With everything going on overseas with all the problems, I wish we could use good ol' USA kind of products, everything coming out of the USA, but we need to protect the environment. That's one of our great resources, and I think we really need to take a second look before we begin to tap into those resources there.

Tell me about how we should treat the nation's immigration problems?

Well, the first, most important, thing is we do need to protect our borders. Period. With the rift of terrorists and other activities we need to protect Americans, but it's as simple as this about the immigration: We need to follow the law and implement the laws that are in effect right now. They're very strong, but we're not implementing our own laws that we already have in place to protect our borders. You have to make sure that you stop—you have to protect your borders and make sure that people come into this country legally.

Is Bush a good president?

Hindsight is 20/20 on the war, and I wish we had had all the adequate information—truthful information before we went to Iraq, but that's in the past, and I think he's receiving his lowest approval rating ever thanks to Iraq, but overall, I think he's our president, the people put him in office, and I just wish we could go back to the Bill Clinton era.

Was Bush dishonest with America in promoting the war in Iraq?

I think the intelligence was wrong. Was he dishonest? Was his administration dishonest? I believe they were misled. I really do. That's unfortunate.

In the last eight years, many Democrats assert that the rich have gotten richer while the poor are getting poorer, and some progressives link the president to this growing rift between the rich and the poor. Do you?

Poverty has always been with us. I believe more light has been shined on poverty because of Hurricane Katrina, but for me coming out of a district that's high in poverty, my job is simply to go where the problems are, and in the 2nd District this is the poorest in the nation, and I'm going to make sure that I stand for those people.

Well, what about the president's support of the recent tax extension. The average person got very little back from that tax. Do you support it?

I heard a report on it, and I don't have the actual legislation in front of me, so I guess I'll speak pretty broadly on that topic. I believe we need to offer more incentives for the working class because the rich can take care of the rich, but the poor will always be with us and, you know, help our corporate industries begin to see other tax breaks so they can keep on hiring people.

But would you have voted for the extension had you been in office?

I don't have the bill in front of me. It's a difficult question.

How do you plan to tackle American companies fleeing overseas to tax havens and cheap labor?

We've seen this right here in Mississippi when numerous members of Congress voted for NAFTA. It's a mass exodus of industries leaving Mississippi without employment.

But should they be allowed to take advantage of tax havens offshore?

I believe they should, but at the same time, we have to begin to become competitive now in an innovative way to make sure we bring companies back to Mississippi and give them incentives, with a combination of bettering education and lowering their taxes.

How do you feel about the continuing issue of domestic spying? Does the president have the right to peek in on phone conversations without a warrant?

Well, you know, everybody has the uh—we need to protect our civil rights as humans in this great America, but in today's society in post 9/11 I understand the intent of where we're going and what we're attempting to do by spying, but I think we're going to take it too far and infringe on civil rights.

Was the warrantless peeking an infringement on civil rights or no?

Which one was it?

The NSA spying without a warrant. Was that taking it too far?

Yes.

Your opponent is very open about helping to pursue an investigation of President Bush for a variety of deeds if Democrats get the chance. If an investigation did follow through and culminate in articles of impeachment, would you vote to impeach?

If you were to ask me that same question about Bill Clinton I would not support the impeachment of any president under those circumstances with Clinton or Bush.

Do you think the two compare? Clinton was impeached for diddling an intern. Bush might be proven to have lied to America in leading up to the war in Iraq and violating the rights of the Constitution in not getting a warrant before spying on Americans. Are the two comparable?

Well let me say this; I don't know the full story on the Bush impeachment. It doesn't exist yet. Let's leave that one alone, because, honestly, I can't answer that because there's not anything before.

Well, let's base it upon the implications that we see floating around the press. If the accusations are discovered to have foundation by an investigative committee would you vote to impeach?

Well, there may be cause for suspicion, but I don't have all the information to answer that this early on and I really need more information on that to say, you know, what are the grounds that we're talking about impeaching the president. I would have to see the impeachment of the president to actually make a comment on it.

Previous Comments

ID

79842

Comment

Is Bush a good president? Why didn't he answer this question?

Author

jd

Date

2006-05-18T01:11:47-06:00

ID

79843

Comment

Chuck Espy says: I’m pro-life, with the exception of rape or incest and to save the mother’s life. ... I’m against the morning-after pill. Why the hell is he against the morning-after pill? The DNA hasn't even formed yet pre-implantation, for crying out loud! I think this interview clearly demonstrates that he is a stealth candidate who is running on the basis of Republican crossover support. He may well win; I don't know. I do know that he has an agenda, and it is not a progressive agenda, and it is not a Democratic agenda. Cheers TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-05-18T02:49:01-06:00

ID

79844

Comment

Dosen't he sound just like Clinton B. Leseur? (or however you spell his name) His answers are sooooooooo empty. He cannot come straight at you with real talk. If he has so many great ideas, why hasn't he introduced any of them before now? You do not have to be in a political office to help. I hate it when candidates can give you all of the answers as if issues are just that simple. I don feel that Espy is ready for this. I don't think that he knows it yet either. Great interview Adam, as always.

Author

lance

Date

2006-05-18T06:31:59-06:00

ID

79845

Comment

I think it's LeSeuer, who wins points from me for at least running as a Republican. If a candidate is going to put forth a conservative agenda, that's really the party it belongs in. The frustrating thing is that Espy is young, charismatic, and obviously has a great pedigree. On a superficial level, he comes across as exactly what the state party needs--if not in Congress, then perhaps in the governor's mansion. He may well win Rep. Thompson's seat. But folks who see him as a conservative stealth candidate aren't kidding; he leaves me with the unmistakeable impression that this is exactly what he is. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-05-18T06:54:55-06:00

ID

79846

Comment

At least his office won't have a picture of him and Castro, embracing, displayed in a prominent place. He will represent the District in an honorable way and will welcome all students to Washington regardless of his race. These principles are dear to Mississippi hearts and its time to return to our basic beliefs as much as is possible. Who does know what they are getting into when they leave the Mississippi arena and go to Washington? Everyone of our delegation had to learn once elected. There would never be new thought in Washington if lack of experience is considered an impediment.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-05-18T07:15:57-06:00

ID

79847

Comment

Espy is nothing but an opportunist too happy to be used by the right wings. He may not have a picture of Castro, and he might even pretend to hate Castro for no good reason just because certain kinds of people want him too; but he will never be man enough to call it straight like Benny will. I'll take a fair, bold and honorable man any day over a pawn too willing to be used just for a little glory he knows the truth could never merit him. If I'm lying, why is he playing the game he's playing?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T09:36:10-06:00

ID

79848

Comment

Good Interview...it gave me even more reasons not to vote for him.

Author

JAC

Date

2006-05-18T10:05:13-06:00

ID

79849

Comment

Anybody thinking Espy is a "stealth Republican" simply has no understanding of his hisotry in the state legislature. take a look at any voite out there and he has been right in the thick of the Democratic stalwarts. Republicans hate him in the legislature. But compared to Thompson? Yes, he is less liberal. But trying to redefine him only shows a lack of both knowledge and understanding. I would also take issue with this phrase from the beginning of the article: Now Chuck Espy is looking to continue the Espy lordship over the district in 2006. If there is a lordship in the Delta, it comes out of #2432 Rayburn House Office Building. As for those who really want a fair and honorable man, it won't be Thompson.

Author

Rex

Date

2006-05-18T10:39:43-06:00

ID

79850

Comment

Rex the same was said by some of Tuck and what did she do? Espy's history means nothing to me at this point, and his present actions are all I need to see right now. This interview convinces me more than ever that he's nothing but a shallow opportunist even if he wins. He will be just like his uncle was. I doubt Mississippi really needs another one of those. Some may want it but we don't need it. We will see how much the republicans hate him on election day. But don't we already see the level of hate by the money they're giving him. The young fellow proabably will be more liked than Benny by many whites. We're not fooled as to why though. I wish him well if he wins. And should he win and does anything worth praise or receiving a second term I'd be the first to proclaim it. My bias in not intractable.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T11:07:25-06:00

ID

79851

Comment

For those of you who keep up, BIPEC has assigned a big "zero" to chuck's voting record in the legisalture.He voted against tort reform when it counted and votes with the democrats in the house on nearly every issue and is no barbour ally..I admit that his interview with JFP came off less than stellar on a number of points but the broader themes he espoused have merit and are relevant to his district. thompson should have stayed on the agriculture committee and developed seniority there. every aspect of rural development flows through that committee. mississippi has been served best when at least one member of the delegation exercises leadership and expertise in agriculture and rural development issues.mike espy picked up the mantle from whitten and later was tapped by clinton to be secretary of agriculture.as an aside i think it would be farfetched to believe that any future Democratic administration would select thompson to lead the department of homeland security. in my estimation pelosi gave thompson this plumb because thompson could in turn make decisions that would not be influence by his constituents( the district has no major port and no international airport to worry about) and thus would take his cues from the house leadership,comprised mostly of members from the blue states(pelosi of california and hoyer of maryland).the other cord espy touched is that bennie is perceived(and i believe actually is)mean and arrogant and ,even if your from in the district, hard to work with unless you are in his click.the anecdotes of his rough, imperial behavior are too numerous to list. mike is a warm,open human being who might be able to bring out the better angels in some of the white folks that thompson openly despises and excludes from the usual courtesies bestowed by an elected official

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T11:38:44-06:00

ID

79852

Comment

in my lats sentence i meant to say "chuck" instaed of mike,although uncle mike is a nice guy too

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T11:46:28-06:00

ID

79853

Comment

Could somebody tell me what Whitten and Uncle Mike delivered to the Delta and Mississippi by being on the Agriculture Committee? Yes, Know they did something that likely benefited the large white farmers but who else in Mississippi or the Delta other than those benefited from their presence on that committee. My father-in-law is a black farmer who has survived in farming for 50 years or better and his father before him. Neither Espy or Whitten did jack to help him in any way.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T13:05:25-06:00

ID

79854

Comment

Ray rather then me try to showcase mike espy's accomplishments and track record for the district i am linking you to his web page which contains a professional biography describing his tenure in congress and as ag secretary. see www.mikespy.com i will get back with you on whitten

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T14:07:46-06:00

ID

79855

Comment

Rex writes: Republicans hate him in the legislature. Well, next month we'll find out whether they also hate him at the polls. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-05-18T14:15:32-06:00

ID

79856

Comment

Chimneyville, I know all about Mike. I've watched him closely since moving back to Mississippi. I even attended a Delta Council meeting with some of his staff where he was the speaker in 1992 or 1993. I know several of his old staff people. I'm not impressed by his educational or personal achievements. I know lots of people with similar personal skills and history. I want to know what did he do to help all those poor people in the Delta that is head and shoulders above anything Benny has been able to do? Mind you, I lived in the Delta a few years and looked hard for anything noticeable he was doing. Im not impressed that he lead the agriculture department either because he blew that.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T14:33:25-06:00

ID

79857

Comment

ray- i didnt live in the delta and do not have an encyclopedic knowledge about mike espy bringing home slabs of bacon.i will say that one of the most signifigant moments in my life was the night mike beat webb franklin.(who would be hardy lotts son in law). in one moment mikes election changed the image of mississppi forever. mike was a victim of an independent counsel running amok. he didnt cop a plea but stood trial. he chose not to offer any defense witnesses and the jury acquitted him within hours of their deliberation. i wish he had never resigned in the first place

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T15:12:33-06:00

ID

79858

Comment

Don't get me wrong, I do like Mike to a large degree. I was happy about his winning a victory to congress, too. I'm aware of what happened in his trial. I'm glad he prevailed. I wish him the best.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T15:41:02-06:00

ID

79859

Comment

Chimneyvill wrote: "[Chuck] is a warm,open human being who might be able to bring out the better angels in some of the white folks that thompson openly despises and excludes from the usual courtesies bestowed by an elected official". This sounds to me like it is necessary to "bow and scrape" and "step n fetchit" in order for a black man to enjopy the largess of "white folks". Bennie is a strong black man who agressively represents the poor folks who don't otherwise have much representation from anyone else in the Mississippi delegation. Espy has done NOTHING in the state legislature in terms of leadership representing his small district, how could anyone expect him to exert much inlfuence or "power" in a congressional post that represents 700,000 of Mississippi's poorest citizens. A close examination of his time as a state legislator will reveal that he has not passed one piece of legislation or for that matter, sponsored any that has been sucessful. Also, he has not received one, single endorsement from his fellow black caucus members in the state House. Nor does he chair one single committee. That should tell us something about his leadership and "influence".

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-18T15:41:51-06:00

ID

79860

Comment

I'm voting for Tomac as soon as Benny voluntarly moves on. He just earned my vote.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T15:47:59-06:00

ID

79861

Comment

This debate is very interesting but have any of you thought about the Republican woman who is running? How do we know if Chuck defeats BT that the pubs want then switch to her and send him home thus killing 2 birds with one stone. She is a black woman and I am not to sure could get a lot of support from black women and some men. This might turn out to be the killer election of the year.

Author

jada

Date

2006-05-18T16:12:18-06:00

ID

79862

Comment

I'm really worried about this happening Jada. I have little doubt that this would be their ideal plan. I have followed her career since she and the Revern Doctor moved here. I don't like her or Espy as a representative. I'm going with Tomac over Espy or Brown whether he/she runs or not.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T16:18:57-06:00

ID

79863

Comment

if chuck gets the nomination all the democrats will rally round him and it wont even be close.chuck has been a good legislator. i think the quotes of steve holland ,house public health chairman, found in another article are reliable as to his effectiveness at the capitol. i am aware of one important bill he led with during the katrina session(allowing limited landbased gaming)and i will post it later. chuck has never impressed me as anything other than dignified. its hard to believe that this kind of name calling(stepinfetchit) is still used in 2006 especially in referring to a guy who was elected by the people of coahoma county from a black majority district, who depends on his livelihood almost entirely from the black community(funeral home) and whose family has stepped up to the plate to be leaders(his father is the first black mayor of clarksdale) who the black community has turned to for years. would someone care to ask about chucks great grandfather and chucks philanthropy?sam

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T16:37:27-06:00

ID

79864

Comment

No one called Chuck that. Tomac simply said apparently some whites desire or prefer that. I certainly wouldn't call him that. He's nothing like that from what I have heard. We don't want him to become that either. I would probably vote for him under different circumstances as presented in this election. I know his daddy, too. I got in-laws from the Clarksdale area who have probbaly voted for the daddy.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-18T16:44:25-06:00

ID

79865

Comment

I would not disparage Chuck by referring to him in such terms. I was conveying to you how your statement about appealing to the "angels (white folks) and how they might respond to a more benign visage than that presented by Bennie. The question for me isn't how well the candidate is perceived by "white folks", but how well Bennie has represented hisw district. You must bear in mind that Bennie is seen as the representative of ALL black folks in Mississippi, not just the 2nd District. That's a helluva burden to bear, but I'd rather have Bennie in the role than Espy.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-18T17:20:36-06:00

ID

79866

Comment

chimneyvill wrote: "if chuck gets the nomination all the democrats will rally round him and it wont even be close.chuck has been a good legislator. i think the quotes of steve holland ,house public health chairman, found in another article are reliable as to his effectiveness at the capitol" The second part of your sentence proves my point regarding Espy's acceptance by Holland and other "white folks" in the legislature. So Holland thinks he's a nice guy. Holland and a whole lot of other "white folks" ain't and it seems they've accomplished a lot more. As far as all of the democrats rallying around Espy, don't be too sure. Bennie has strong grass roots support, particularily in the Jackson area. Much ado is made of Clinton LeSeur's showing in the last election (43%?) but Bennie polled more than 90% in some of Jackson's "grass roots" neigborhoods. If these people stay home, and I suspect they would if Espy is the nominee, he will not be elected.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-18T17:37:40-06:00

ID

79867

Comment

Adam, Clinton wasn't impeached for diddling an intern! He was impeached for lying. He also wasn't conviced either. Ask yourself, what legally could the Repubs have done if he'd said yes? There's no (enforceable) law against being stupid and cheating on your wife. Otherwise, they all sound the same to me: Democrats, Republicans... Bah.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-05-18T18:53:14-06:00

ID

79868

Comment

I was considering giving Espy a second look until he mentioned his stance against abortion.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2006-05-18T20:02:51-06:00

ID

79869

Comment

tomac the angels i was referring to are "the angels of our better nature" which i lifted from the last sentence of lincoln's first inaugural. he was addressing the successionists whom he would soon oppose in the bloodiest war in american history.the "better angels" --compassion,goodwill,tolerance,humaneness-- were being summoned as a plea preserve the union and avert a war. lincoln's inaugural is a great reflection of statesmanship and represents "crossing the aisles" in the highest sense.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T21:25:42-06:00

ID

79870

Comment

golden eagle boy,dont give up on chuck. i am pro choice too and think chuck should not let his views on the morality of abortion cause him to use governmental power to unreasonably interfere with a womans reproductive rights.perhaps there is more to his position than that espoused in the JFP article. fortunatly 99% of the issues on abortion are not taking place in congress but with the u s supreme court where roe may be under assault . it is my humble opinion that abortion rights issue should not be considered top tier in this congressional race because i foresee very few abortion issues in which congress will be required to vote.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T21:35:03-06:00

ID

79871

Comment

ray ,steve holland is a progressive populist who votes with the back caucus almost consistently. he stood up to barbour on plaids and fought to end the sales tax on food. he cant help it if he is white. he probably could lose some weight and not talk so loud in small rooms. do you really have enough information to conclude that espy is such a sorry legislator or is that the easiest shot you can make from the third row of the cheap seats?

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-18T21:56:09-06:00

ID

79872

Comment

chimneyville: Whoop de do, so "holland...votes with the back (sic) caucus almost consistently", what has that to do with Espy's qualifications to represent me in Congress? That is what we are discussing here, isn't it? It is not an easy shot from the "cheap seats" to question Espy's performance in the state legslature. I stand by my earler challenge for someone to point out ANYTHING he has done while he has been in office. Other than earning praise from Holland for being such a "nice guy". Furthermore, why is it that black legislators are expected to mute their opinions and beliefs and be Lincolnesque "angels" when history has proven that to be a flawed strategy for black folks. As Benjamin Mayes said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand, never has and never will." Give me Bennie.....

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-18T22:47:48-06:00

ID

79873

Comment

Yeah. I don't want to vote for a wuss, regardless of what color he is. Give me a candidate with some self-respect, for pity's sake. Send Governor Dean back to Vermont and keep Hillary Clinton in New York and tell Wayne Dowdy to do whatever it is he used to do and let's put the party in the hands of people who actually have some idea of what they'd do if they won. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-05-19T01:40:37-06:00

ID

79874

Comment

I saw Espy's commercial wherein he states Bennie used to care but doesn't anymore. Don't we all know that's a lie. I also note his comments that Bennie is mean to some black and white people. Sounds to me that he's treating everybody the same. Had he treated blacks better and whites worse you would be calling him racist. Sounds like Benny told Uncle Mike, daddy, Chuck and some others who thought they deserved some special privileges where they could go at some point or another.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-19T08:31:34-06:00

ID

79877

Comment

The Clarion-Ledgers runs a little interview today with Chuck Espy. Better late than never, I suppose. You think they have that slogan hanging on their newsroom wall?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-20T10:17:37-06:00

ID

79878

Comment

BTW, don't y'all love how the Ledge summons people to their offices to talk to their editorial board? Is this reporter on their editorial board? Why aren't they out there talking to people on their own turf? This is reporting at its worst. I just heard that they even e-mail the Sunday interview questions to people. E-mail interviews? Not allowed at the JFP. I don't really know what the world is coming to when journalists are too lazy to leave their own building, or worse, to even pick up the telephone. Amazing.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-20T10:20:52-06:00

ID

79879

Comment

it looks like the argument dejour is that we better keep thompson because the Democrats are poised to take back the House. Hurrah!If the house changes hands that means thompson has given up the opprtunity to chair the agriculture committee,which has far more relevance to development within the district(farm price supprts,food stamps,catfish markets,rural housing,rural economic development,school lunches) than the Homeland Security Committee could ever have. thompsons statement today in thhe ledger that in heading homeland security he will deliver funds to local governments in our state to protect them from terrorism is laughable-- and cheapens the tragedy of 9 11 by channeling monies away from the protection of strategic targets to sheriffs offices and police departments in the delta.thompson walked away from the ag committee and chuck runs to it.if the house changes hands then chuck espy will also be in the majority party.granted, mississippi being a small state does benefit from the influence of seniority.but in the final analysis it doesnt matter how long one has served but how well one has served.what makes one think thompson will do any better with any more seniority after 13 years of questionable results?The Delta is disintegrating. nearly every county in the district,including hinds, is losing population. if it hadnt been for the boost in the mid 90s from the casino industry the downslide would have been more precipitous.chuck espy working with thad cochran,who now chairs appropriations in the senate,and working hand in hand with the mississippi delegation is more potent than thompson chairing homeland security and working alone.chuck will grow in the leadership in the congress in a short time(chip pickering didnt seem to have too hard a time establishing himself quickly after being elected at age 33) and the district will benefit from his passion ,energy and dynamism dynamism,qulaities i find woefully lacking in thompson. vote for chuck

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-20T12:47:15-06:00

ID

79880

Comment

it looks like the argument dejour is that we better keep thompson because the Democrats are poised to take back the House. Hurrah!If the house changes hands that means thompson has given up the opprtunity to chair the agriculture committee,which has far more relevance to development within the district(farm price supprts,food stamps,catfish markets,rural housing,rural economic development,school lunches) than the Homeland Security Committee could ever have. thompsons statement today in thhe ledger that in heading homeland security he will deliver funds to local governments in our state to protect them from terrorism is laughable-- and cheapens the tragedy of 9 11 by channeling monies away from the protection of strategic targets to sheriffs offices and police departments in the delta.thompson walked away from the ag committee and chuck runs to it.if the house changes hands then chuck espy will also be in the majority party.granted, mississippi being a small state does benefit from the influence of seniority.but in the final analysis it doesnt matter how long one has served but how well one has served.what makes one think thompson will do any better with any more seniority after 13 years of questionable results?The Delta is disintegrating. nearly every county in the district,including hinds, is losing population. if it hadnt been for the boost in the mid 90s from the casino industry the downslide would have been more precipitous.chuck espy working with thad cochran,who now chairs appropriations in the senate,and working hand in hand with the mississippi delegation is more potent than thompson chairing homeland security and working alone.chuck will grow in the leadership in the congress in a short time(chip pickering didnt seem to have too hard a time establishing himself quickly after being elected at age 33) and the district will benefit from his passion ,energy and dynamism dynamism,qulaities i find woefully lacking in thompson. vote for chuck

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-05-20T12:47:18-06:00

ID

79881

Comment

chimneyville:*****the district will benefit from his passion, energy and dynasism....**** You insist on touting Espy's "qualities" and Bennie's abandonment of the Ag committee as the quid pro quo for Espy's election. I repeat again, WHAT HAS ESPY DONE in the more that six years he has been in the state house of representatives? Why is it he does not have one single endorsement from his peers in the legislature; particularily the Black Caucus? If he can't get anything done here or command the respect of his peers for his "passion, energy and dynaism", how can we expect anything different in Congress.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-22T16:45:55-06:00

ID

79882

Comment

I learned from one of Benny's commercial that millions were brought in to help the catfish industry, law enforcement, healthcare and private businesses. In fact, one gentlemen said no one has done more to help the catfish industry than Benny. Clearly this included uncle Mike Espy, too. So, I guess Chuck and his supporters are lying when they say Benny hasn't done anything for Mississippi. As it pertains to all the fuss about the agriculture committee, why didn't another congressman from Mississippi get on the committee when Benny lef if it's so important to Mississippi? Better yet, why wern't they already on it? It appears clearly to me that all Chuck can claim is that he wants the job his uncle once poorly performed, and that he would be liked better by the republicans, racists, and dumb and ignorant people of all races. In my view, this is the only thing he's correct about.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-25T09:50:25-06:00

ID

79883

Comment

****I learned from one of Benny's commercial that millions were brought in to help the catfish industry, law enforcement, healthcare and private businesses.*****Ray Carter Mr. Carter I would like to address the beginning of that sentence you learned for Bennie's commercial. Surely since you have been engaged in this feedback process you are an informed and engaged voter, being such then you know as I do that you should never believe everything you hear. As an volunteer for Project Vote Smart (a non-partisian voter education/infomation clearinghouse) I can tell you that political advertising like all advertising is based on spin. It should be used as the springboard to inquiry not the holy grail of political infomation. I am a Chuck Espy supporter but I didn't base that choice on his commercial or website I talked to him read his website and Bennie's site looked at both of their records. Then made my choice. Furthermore, I am neither dumb or ignorant and it is helpful to be able to talk to both sides of a debate. What is ignorant is only seeing your position (I am the biggest dem. there is but I can quietly debate a republican) to the point of your passion seeming like anger (Bennie) and your message going unheard. Lastly, I don't remember Chuck ever refering to being liked or wanting to be liked by racists, unless you are infering all republicans are racists, no Mississippi racist would want to endorse a black business owner from a historical black family who is unashamed to frame the 2nd district's problems within the context of race.

Author

multiculturegirl

Date

2006-05-25T21:46:09-06:00

ID

79884

Comment

Thanks for the lesson, multiculturegirl. I have known Bennie for 30 years or so, and this is the reason I'm a big fan of him. I said what I said to evoke other responses, and because I know there is much truth to it. I have no problem with being told I have erred to some degree. I'm sure I have. In all honesty, I know you know there is no comparison between Bennie and Chuck. Chuck is simply a wannabe. Perhaps Chuck will luck out or inveigle himself into winning. Yet I simply hate to see a good and valuable man lose an election due to lies and deception about his record and person. Bennie isn't perfect just as you and I aren't. Some of us know Chuck's family legacy brings nothing to the table. Where is the proof that Bennie's commercials are incorrect, false, or embellishing? Much love multiculturegirl, and I hope to hear from you again soon.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-26T08:47:01-06:00

ID

79885

Comment

I didn't say they were wrong I said that the statement made it sound as if that is your basis for voting for him I believe that is flawed. I do not take anyones commericals as simple fact since truth under different lenses has different meaning. Example- I recently moved from Indiana where during the 2004 govenors race Mitch Daniels ran an ad proclaiming his work in opening a charter school in Indianapolis for inner city kids. Now seeing the commercial you would think he was really involved in the conception, planning, and opening of said school, however he really just made a donation and then shot a commercial. My point; truth with a specific spotlight gives a different perception and perception is reality. That is my point and why my post was really in regards to cautioning against simply believing an ad on face value. I have not lived here for 30 years but I do have many friends in the delta and their views about Bennie's impact is different than yours. I am glad for the disscussion though. Peace and blessings

Author

multiculturegirl

Date

2006-05-26T09:53:42-06:00

ID

79886

Comment

Yes I know people will have different views of any candidate, incumbent, or person, including Benny, regardless of what they do or don't do . I make an effort to always look for and find the truth. I can win or lose with the truth and be satisfied. I enjoyed talking with you. The rod of correction is a good thing. We have to grow up to realize it though. When someone can really show me that Benny "doesn't care", is in it for only himself, hasn't done anything, is making many bad decisions, and so forth, then, I will be open to considering options. If you can't show me this then you're lying and signifyin'.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-26T10:16:48-06:00