Meeks: "for the white conservative voter, I'm their guy"

[undercoverduer]

Need you know more about Rev., Senator Meek's and his threatened run for Governor this says it all:

-snip-
From then on, he says, he would launch a statewide campaign with a "moral center" theme.

"You'll have Judy Baar Topinka, who believes in abortion and gay rights . . . and Rod Blagojevich, who believes in abortion and gay rights," says Meeks, who opposes both. "Theologically, politically, for the white conservative voter, I'm their guy. I have their philosophy."

Meeks, who grew up in Englewood and was president of the Harper High School class of 1974, says his understanding of Illinois politics has changed enormously -- "it's night and day" -- since he defeated Democrat William Shaw in 2002 in the state's 15th senatorial district.
-snip-

I ask if he's really prepared for the possibility of being a spoiler in the November election, drawing enough votes away from Gov. Blagojevich to propel Judy Baar Topinka to victory.

"If the Democratic Party chooses to ignore its base," he says, "that's not me."
-snip-

http://www.suntimes.com/output/pickett/cst-nws-lunch261.html

Please Rev./Senator Meeks tell me how being anti-choice and anti-gay rights is in the interest of the Democratic base?

[dogman]

1. Will he capture the Keyes coalition?

It would be better to see the extremists form their own Party.

[Radical Activist]

2. This sounds like

what Glenn Poshard was unfairly and inaccurately portrayed as. Chicago folks should think twice before they dismiss the statewide appeal of someone who is economically liberal and socially conservative. That describes a lot of white union, and low income workers in downstate.

[kevsand]

3. He can have all the conservative voters he wants.

They will mostly come from the Republican ranks. I really don't see him making many inroads among southern Illinois dems, even the conservative ones. They're often more concerned about fourth amendment rights than abortion or gays, and there is still unfortunately the whole race thing.

On the other hand, if he starts to make inroads among African-Americans in our urban areas, that could be a problem.

[DanCa]

4. I see Meeks drawing away votes from Topinka

Social conservatives wouldn't vote for Blago anyway. This may be the death knell for the republican party in Il. I like a third party consevative momement, it can only help the Greens and Dems.

[mopinko]

5. inroads among African-Americans in our urban areas,

i see this as a distinct possibility. stroger's victory shows just how united that vote is.
since i don't ever seem to be cynical enough to keep up, i have to wonder who is behind this guy.