March 10, 2005
WE SHALL OVERCOME:
GOP Forms Panel to Draw More Blacks Into Tent: Republicans to name a committee of African American leaders and activists to develop a strategy. An official calls it a 'serious priority.' (Peter Wallsten, March 10, 2005, LA Times)
Looking to further expand their party's political advantage, Republican officials will announce today a committee of African American leaders and experts on minority voting to develop a strategy to attract more blacks to the GOP.Posted by Orrin Judd at March 10, 2005 7:29 AMThe group includes well-known black conservatives, such as former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Okla.), and activists drawn to the party in recent years by the Bush administration's outreach to African American ministers and business people.
"This is a very serious priority for this party today," said Kenneth Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee.
In recent days, Mehlman attended a series of town hall meetings in black communities and appeared on a television show hosted by black commentator Tavis Smiley.
"Is this going to be a long and sustained effort? Absolutely," Mehlman said.
This is what will make the difference in '08. The increase in the Bush share of the black vote from 8% in '00 to 11% '04 is a near 40% jump. If they can increase it by 40% in '08 they would get 15% of the black vote and that could mark the end of the democrats as they currently exist.
Posted by: Pat H at March 10, 2005 11:17 AM