32 Black Republicans Run for Congress: Can They Win?
ESSENCE.com: What do you think is behind the boom of Black Republicans running for Congress?
ANGELA MCGLOWAN: There has been this myth that there are not many Black Republicans out there. Well, there are. Compared to Democrats maybe it’s not a lot, but people think there’s just one or two. And this is an election year like no other. I have not ever recalled such a bad economic time, and you have a lot of people who are fed up with politics as usual. In the past, we had common folk — accountants, even an exterminator — run for office, and I think that’s what you’re seeing now. I also think Barack Obama being elected President has paved the way for more Black people to say, “Hey, we can do it!” It takes hope to be able to run, and even though he may have given hope to people on the right side of the aisle, we’re all Black people in this. Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, the first Black President has made a difference in our lives.
ESSENCE.com: What about the election of Michael Steele as the Republican National Committee Chairman? Do you think that’s played a role in inspiring more Black Republicans to run for office?
MCGLOWAN: Can’t answer that. Sorry.
ESSENCE.com: Okay… do you not want to speak about Michael Steele?
MCGLOWAN: I think that it is a great feat for Michael to be RNC Chair. But we have to judge by the content of one’s character and qualifications; not just because he’s a Black man. I know I’m contradicting myself here. Basically, I think it’s great that he won that, and I’m not going to comment on him further. I think the President, as the leader of the free world, is more inspirational if you put it in perspective. The President of the United States. RNC Chair. There you go.
Essence
5/18/10
