In the United States the idea that an Anglo candidate could represent a heavily Hispanic or black district has became impossible. Even the Supreme Court and Department of Justice said so. That led to even more gerrymandering of district based on race.
Many black organizations fueled this racial divide, by conducting campaigns on racial themes.
But what happens when your district changes color and not party?
This is happening in large parts of LA. Many previously “black” districts are becoming more Latino than black.
The special election in the 37th Congressional District is such an election. Black Congressional leaders are trying to make sure a black person retains the seat over other possible Hispanic leaders. See article here.
It is kind of silly to be beholden by race. Does anyone one doubt the Democrat that wins this race will be anti-war, anti-gun, pro-big government and pro-abortion?
The shortsighted idea that only a person of a certain color can represent a district based on color is no longer bearing fruit for black officials. Ask the local officials in Lynwood or Compton that were beating by Latino challengers.
If you live by race then you politically die by these racial appeals. Can’t we all just get along?
April 30th, 2007 at 12:00 am
A good point Mike, especially for a conservative. Of course the other side to this is that without a certain number of seats guaranteed to specific minorities, their voices won’t be heard in Sacramento or Washington at all. As an example, if we had a nonpartisan reapportionment commission and nesting in State Senate Districts, we could possibly wind up with no African Americans in the California State Senate after the next reapportionment and I think most people would agree that they have some unique issues to their community that deserve to be part of the discussion that goes on up there.