Congressional opponent 'insulted' by Jackson's possible mayoral run

Congressional opponent 'insulted' by Jackson's possible mayoral r
September 24, 2006
By Rick Ducat The Star
Even as he asks 2nd District voters to re-elect him to Congress in November, Jesse Jackson Jr. is seriously considering a run for mayor of Chicago the next spring.

The Democrat's two congressional opponents think this is a raw deal for constituents.

The Rev. Anthony Williams said Jackson's recent announcement was merely a political stunt to keep his name in headlines.

"I'm insulted, and every citizen should be insulted," he said.

Williams is running as a Libertarian on the November ballot. He twice has been defeated by Jackson in past Democratic primaries, garnering less than six percent of the vote each time.

Republican challenger Robert Belin said announcing a possible mayoral run was "not a very intelligent decision" on Jackson's part.

"I think he needs to win his Congressional seat first, then go out and do what he wants to do," he said.

Belin, a first-time candidate, said Jackson's mayoral aspirations could cause frustrated constituents to defect to the Republicans.

"If anything, I think that helps me," he said. "A lot of people aren't happy with the antics of Congressman Jackson."

Jackson told The Star on Thursday he has not yet made any decision about whether he will pursue a mayoral campaign.

But Jackson said he is listening to people who have expressed "the need for change in leadership" in Chicago.

"There's another election season in the city after November, and I will give it some consideration, but I am focused on my election to Congress," he said.

Jackson added that he has "never taken his constituents for granted."

As of Thursday, Jackson said he has about $2.8 million in commitments for a potential mayoral campaign.

He said he also has formed an exploratory committee to determine whether a mayoral campaign would be viable.

Committee members include Chicago aldermen Howard Brookins Jr., Leslie Hairston and Ed Smith, State Representatives Will Davis (D-30) and David Miller (D-29) and representatives from the Indian Committee in the 50th ward and the Chicago Theological Society.

"It's a broad cross section of the city of Chicago," he said.

Jackson enjoys immense popularity in the 2nd District, capturing more than 80 percent of the vote during the 2004 general election.

However, Jackson's opponents hold a dim view of his congressional track record.

Both Williams and Belin said Jackson has made few significant contributions to the community during his 11 years on Capitol Hill.

Belin charged Jackson has initiated only three pieces of legislation on his own during his tenure, and that all others have been with other representatives.

"He takes credit for just about everything ... but then when there's problems, he blames everybody but himself," Belin said.

Jackson spokesman Rick Bryant countered that Jackson has introduced dozens of pieces of legislation, including eight constitutional amendments, African free trade bills and a bill that created a national study for health disparities between whites and minorities.

According to the U. S. House of Representatives Web site, Jackson introduced 11 pieces of legislation with no cosponsors during the 106th Congress in 1999-2000 alone.

Williams, who is black, said Jackson and his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, have been "a cancer to the black community for 37 years."

He said Jackson Jr. is a "tyrant" who neglects the "bread-and-butter" needs of constituents in favor of "pie-in-the-sky" issues.

Williams also expressed frustration that Jackson has never met him for a debate, including one scheduled Sept. 14 in Dolton.

"What's wrong with debate?" he said. "It's healthy for democracy."

A press release from Jackson's office said the debate was scheduled for a day when Jackson was in Washington, and it would have been impossible for him to attend.

In spite of his poor performance in past elections, Williams said, he hopes voters will "see this man (Jackson) for what he is."

"This race is going to be a lot closer than people think," Williams said.

Although critical of Jackson's performance as a Congressman, Belin acknowledges he is a formidable political opponent.

Belin said he knows the odds are against him in the largely Democratic 2nd District, but remains optimistic.

"There are many people who are looking for a change," he said. "It'd be the grace of God if I won, but the opportunity is still there."

Rick Ducat may be reached at rducat@starnewspapers.com or (708) 802-8847. 1Z1F1-24