Tennessee: Tinker Challenges
Cohen
By Hastings Wyman
Southern Political Report
(6/13/07) Freshman Congressman Steve Cohen (D) in Tennessee’s
9th District (Memphis) could face a serious primary in 2008. Last
week, Nikki Tinker, the labor lawyer who came in second to Cohen
in the 2006 primary, announced that she will run against Cohen next
year. Tinker is African American, as is 60% of the district, while
Cohen is white and Jewish. Since Tennessee requires only a plurality
for a candidate to win a party primary, Cohen won in a field of
16 with 31%; Tinker had 25%.
Tinker, who was once the campaign manager for former US Rep. Harold
Ford, Jr., ran a well-financed campaign last year, raising nearly
$600,000. She was endorsed by Emily’s List, a fundraising
group for Democratic women, which gave her a major boost. But in
2006, she was running for an open seat. Emily’s List and other
donors may be reluctant to fund Tinker in 2008, when she will be
challenging an incumbent with a voting record likely to be in accord
with the views of the liberal groups and individuals who helped
Tinker last year.
Nevertheless, were she Cohen’s only challenger, or only formidable
challenger, she could be a serious threat to Cohen. Many black leaders
in the district believe it should be represented by an African American,
not by a white lawmaker who agrees with the black agenda. Cohen,
long a proponent of civil rights as a state legislator, has continued
that record in Congress; last month, he introduced a slavery-apology
resolution in the House. Nevertheless, he has faced at least one
barrier due to his race: When he tried to join the Congressional
Black Caucus, there was strong opposition in the caucus, so he withdrew
his application.
Cohen may benefit, however, if -- as happened in 2006 -- a number
of black candidates enter the race, dividing the black majority
again as it was last year. This would allow Cohen to go back in
again with a plurality. In addition to Tinker, several other African
American political figures in the district are reportedly considering
the race. State Rep. G. A. Hardaway (D) has not announced, but is
expected to soon. In addition, some of the candidates who ran and
lost in 2006 may run again. At least three members of the Ford family
may run, including Jake, Harold, Jr.’s brother, who got 22%
as an independent in the General Election last year; Shelby County
Commissioner Joe Ford, Harold, Jr.’s uncle; and Joe Ford,
Jr., Harold, Jr.’s first cousin, are all getting mentioned
as possible candidates. The Ford family initially built on its success
in the funeral home business and now constitutes a prominent political
dynasty in Memphis.
Cohen will also have his incumbency working for him in 2008. A
lawmaker who works hard at constituent service, as well as makes
use of the congressional mailing privileges, has a substantial leg
up on challengers.
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