We hate to burst the bubble of those who are hoping Senator James Meeks will put together a third party bid for governor, but folks, he's not running.
First, he's got a beard. Ask Steve Rauschenberger about running for statewide office with a beard.
Second, he's up for re-election as state senator. That means he would have to risk his secure political position for an extreme remote possibility. That ain't going to happen.
Third, he's a dangerous bedfellow for conservative "values" voters. He voted in support of embryonic experimentation and argues that frozen embryos should be used for research, suggesting from his religious perspective that God allowed their conception and they should be used for good purposes. An interesting feel-good response that ignores the basic dilemma -- either those embryos are human, or they're not. If he says they're not, then he is not the hero desperate prolifers are seeking in this election.
Fourth, he's already been tapped as the successor to Jesse Jackson to head Rainbow PUSH. If you think Jesse Jackson is tough on companies who haven't hired enough minorities, Meeks will use his experience and influence to kick it up a notch. We haven't seen political pressure in the corporate world yet.
Jackson has an undue amount of influence on Meeks. He and his organization are why Meeks was elected to office in a suburban district that is home to blue collar Catholic Reagan Democrats. If he loses the Senate seat, Meeks will be out of elected office for at least four years, and is likely not to have the stars align well enough for him ever to get back into a state elected office.
Meeks is meeting with pro-family activists and courting their support. He is suggesting if white evangelicals don't support him that they are racists.
Let's get this straight. Meeks isn't running for governor. He is no panacea for traditional family values voters. We have to face reality and deal with the hard choices, folks.
Stay focused. Blessed are the meek, but the good senator will not inherit the governor's mansion. . ..
Link: cbs2chicago.com - Meeks Calls For Hiring More State Employees.
