Rep. Cynthia McKinney's Letter To DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe Re: Mark Green and Racism

The fallout from the New York City Mayoral election continues where the Black electorate is concerned. Members of the city's Black Democratic establishment have been absolutely livid over how the Democratic Party's nominee for Mayor, Mark Green, handled Rev. Al Sharpton and Fernando Ferrer (who lost to Mr. Green in a run-off) in his quest to appeal to the city's White, Jewish and moderate voters. Now the issue is receiving attention from Black Democratic leaders with national standing. Yesterday we recived the following letter from Rep. Cynthia McKinney, written to the chair of the Democratic Party regarding a controversial aspect of the mayoral campaign race:


December 4, 2001

Mr. Terry McAuliffe, Chairman
Democratic National Committee
430 South Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Dear Chairman McAuliffe:

It has recently come to my attention that the campaign of former New York mayoral candidate, Mark Green, was responsible for the distribution of a denigrating and controversial flyer intended to galvanize white voters against Green’s primary opposition, Fernando Ferrer.

As reported by the New York Daily News on November 30, 2001 the flyer in question depicted a New York Post cartoon of Mr. Ferrer "kissing the behind of an obese Rev. Sharpton." The flyers were distributed in predominately Jewish and Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn where dislike for Reverend Sharpton is reportedly high. Shortly after, anonymous phone calls were made to voters, which stated that Ferrer would "hand the keys to City Hall to Sharpton," should he be elected.

Let me be perfectly clear when I say, I am thoroughly appalled that the shameless use of a technique as divisive as race baiting would be used as a method of getting out the vote in 2001. Further, I am troubled that to date, no action has been taken to address this incident with the exception of a statement you made to "look into all allegations," and to "eject anyone found responsible for the flyers from the Democratic Party."

Mr. Chairman, it is my sincere hope that both you and the Democratic Party will act swiftly to appropriately address this issue. As a man of your word, I expect that you will stand firm to your statement and "eject" those individuals found responsible for this affront from the Party immediately.

Recently, you made the following statement: " Now is the time to look forward toward the future of New York City. In so many ways New York City has inspired not only our nation, but also our entire world. I call on all Democrats to show true leadership and move forward in that spirit." Your words could not be more timely. In the spirit of democracy, reconciliation, and equality, let us move forward leaving those individuals who perpetrate and tolerate ethnic, racial, and all forms of divisiveness, behind. Let it be known that the Democratic Party, its leadership, and its members will not tolerate such a blatant act of racism, not now or ever.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. As always, I look forward to your reply.

With warm regards, I remain

Sincerely,


Cynthia McKinney
Member of Congress

Thursday, December 6, 2001