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Is Ed Towns about to face his Waterloo?
Everyone knows that I worked on the re-election campaign of congressman Ed Towns last year; and most of you on the blogging scene also know that I have had a long friendship with him, which has helped shield him from some of my wicked political slap downs. Although I have taken one or two parting shots at him whenever I felt he wasn’t on the right side of an issue or political race (Ken Evans v. Diane Gordon or Inez Barron /for examples), I have been pretty easy on Ed, when compared to say Charles “Chucky B” Barron, Al Vann-winkle or Darlene Mealy-mouse. In some Brooklyn political circles, I have taken big flack for not going after Ed much harder: and probably rightly so. But there are things I do know that are about to show. I suspect that Ed won’t be around in this seat too much longer. For years now there have been forces wanting to replace him. The forces are gaining momentum folks. Last year -while I was on the campaign trail- I realized something which I brought to his attention: a significant number of his constituents think that he should ride off into the sunset (retire). Ed assured me that he is considering retirement (to some extent), and that one day he will retire and go play some golf (which he enjoys), and do other fun things. He is a family man, so he may devote more time to his relatives and good friends; or he may go into the ministry full time: after all, he is an ordained minister who loves to give sermons from pulpits, on various Sundays of any year. Look; let’s be straight here, Ed Towns was re-elected in 2006 because his opponents (Charles Barron and Roger Green) were both tainted. Then last year he was re-elected again because his opponent (Kevin Powell) was tainted even more than Barron and Green put together. In other words, Ed won because of his opponents; not because of some sterling congressional record. I have told him for years now that his public relations people haven’t done him justice; but he never listened. And that’s why he is in big trouble as congressmen go. Word on the street is that Hakeem Jeffries is about to drop an unexpected challenge on Ed. It could come as early as next year or as late as 2012. If this happens then Ed is going to need all the help he can get folks. Stay tuned-in: always. Towns is toast. Jeffries may be that candidate. During the past 2 elections, at least 1/3 of the vote went to candidates who were less than serious. In 2008, Powell, who has never held elected office, got one third of the vote, after running a haphazard campaign. In 2006, Towns, then a 26-year veteran, retained his seat with 19,468 votes, 47% of the total. Barron received 15,345; Green, 6,237. Barron was hard pressed to demonstrate cross cultural support when he announced he was running for Borough President of ethnicly diverse Brooklyn. Has Barron made up his mind what seat he is running for? As for the tarnished Green, his political career was over then. Jeffries should step forward. And Towns should bow out gracefully, if only he knew how. What are the chances this district vanishes in redistricting? I realize that the state legislature will be reluctant to eliminate an African-American majority district, but Brooklyn's African-American population has been in decline compared to other groups in the city for some time. Each redistricting, more and more non African-American neighborhoods have to be put into the various versions of the 10th and 11th districts. Los Angeles returns three African-American Congresspeople despite the fact that it would be difficult to draw even one African-American majority district, but the three districts contain large numbers of Latino voters who don't vote because they are not US citizens. To pull the same trick in Brooklyn would mean breaking up the 12th District, which the state legislature is probably also loathe to do. Ed Towns is the Chair of the powerful oversight committee and he will do the dirty work for Obama in exposing the Insurance industry . Watch how much money he is raising and don't be surprised if Obama walks with him before a Primary. Jeffries will not give up his seat for a possibility. while edolphus towns is eminently beatable - much of the brownstone portion of the district (bed stuy, fort greene, clinton hill, brooklyn heights) strongly disapprove of the marlboro man, Hakeem will wait his turn. Look at his political club, his closest allies etc. - they are longtime Towns people. Wouldnt he have to forfeit his seat in the Assembly to run against Towns, a 27 yr incumbent? And dont forget, much of Jeffries district (prospect heights and crown heights) is part of Yvette Clarke's territoy - thus his name i.d. in towns' district is relatively low.
Towns is a useless do-nothing, but Jeffries is hardly any better, with his terrible policies like support for Atlantic Yards and opposition to bridge tolls and congestion pricing.
Rock, As you may recall, I had taken issue with you some time back (prior to the 2008 Towns primary race) because you hadn't disclosed your relationships with Towns when you had commented on his then challenger. You later posted that you were, in fact, working for Towns. It was a friendly and cordial commentary (at least on my end, and then on your end once you realized I wasn't attacking you personally or part of your haters but just a civilian interested in reading political stuff). For a variety of reasons (nothing personal to you), I haven't read your postings in a while and I thought of you when I read this post on Politico (www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0709/Trippis_mea_culpa.html?showall), which essentially states the same points in a clearer and more direct way that I was trying to make. I've not read all your posts since our discussions, but I note that you've disclosed fully in this post and just wanted to pass along my appreciation for your having done so. Best of luck in your race (I'm outside your district). Excellent information - thank you. Most people don't know how important things that you highlighted are. Thanks for helping spread the good word! <a href="http://www.quality-locksmith.com/locksmith-west-palm.htm">West Palm Locksmith</a> Regards, Affordable Locksmith Watch how much money he is raising. Its like he is not giving up his seat. Its like who have the money can only give a better life and also participate in the politics and other stuff. Regards Post new comment |
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I think you have more of a chance against Eugene than anyone does at uprooting the incumbent chairman. Towns will be fine.
Also, it might make more sense to wait to run against Towns until after redistricting and various other deals can be struck.