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African American
Related: About this forumBlack Virginia voters feel betrayed, left in no-win scenario
Source: Associated Press
Black Virginia voters feel betrayed, left in no-win scenario
By ERRIN HAINES WHACK
February 9, 2019
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Eva Siakams choice to campaign for Ralph Northam in 2017 was a simple one: He was a Democrat and endorsed by Barack Obama, Americas first black president.
But sitting in a stylists chair at Supreme Hair Styling Boutique in Richmond on Friday, she shook her head in disgust when asked about revelations that Northam wore blackface 35 years ago.
I really believed in him, said Siakam, a 28-year-old student. To find out that he dressed up in blackface is disappointing. Hes shown his disdain for black people.
Black voters who factored prominently in the 2017 election that helped Northam become Virginia governor are feeling betrayed over the scandals that have engulfed the state over the past week, leaving them with a less-than-ideal set of choices at the top of the Democratic Party: a governor and attorney general who wore blackface and a lieutenant governor who stands accused by two women of sexual assault. The next person in line for governor is a conservative Republican.
Many are struggling to come to grips with a list of nagging questions: Do they forgive the Democrats, keep Republicans out of power and demand the governor get serious about racism? Should Northam step down and hand the office to African-American Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who faces sexual assault allegations? Or should all three of them walk away and let principle prevail, even if the other party takes charge?
-snip-
By ERRIN HAINES WHACK
February 9, 2019
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Eva Siakams choice to campaign for Ralph Northam in 2017 was a simple one: He was a Democrat and endorsed by Barack Obama, Americas first black president.
But sitting in a stylists chair at Supreme Hair Styling Boutique in Richmond on Friday, she shook her head in disgust when asked about revelations that Northam wore blackface 35 years ago.
I really believed in him, said Siakam, a 28-year-old student. To find out that he dressed up in blackface is disappointing. Hes shown his disdain for black people.
Black voters who factored prominently in the 2017 election that helped Northam become Virginia governor are feeling betrayed over the scandals that have engulfed the state over the past week, leaving them with a less-than-ideal set of choices at the top of the Democratic Party: a governor and attorney general who wore blackface and a lieutenant governor who stands accused by two women of sexual assault. The next person in line for governor is a conservative Republican.
Many are struggling to come to grips with a list of nagging questions: Do they forgive the Democrats, keep Republicans out of power and demand the governor get serious about racism? Should Northam step down and hand the office to African-American Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who faces sexual assault allegations? Or should all three of them walk away and let principle prevail, even if the other party takes charge?
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/a713d815a01549ae9854b885b0b16780
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Black Virginia voters feel betrayed, left in no-win scenario (Original Post)
Eugene
Feb 2019
OP
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)1. It seems to me...
And this is only me.
I think Northam should stay in office. (And, I was all for him to resign originally).
Hell be wanting reelection soon. In my mind, the only way he could earn it, would be to work his ass off for his African American constituents. By doing so, he improves the lives of all Virginians. Republicans remain outside the statehouse.
Win/win/win
Just my opinion
rogue emissary
(3,218 posts)2. Virginia is a one term and done state.
So there's no reelection for Northam.