Senate hopefuls reflect on fight at City Hall
Lambert, McEachin decry battle between Wilder and council
Melissa Williams at the Richmond Free Press (not online) had a different emphasis:
McEachin Reminds Lambert of Allen
Both articles addressed the discussion Lambert's support of George Allen. From Schapiro:
The battle between Lambert and McEachin has focused largely on Lambert's endorsement of Republican George Allen for a second term in the U.S. Senate in return for Allen's pledge to steer $500 million in federal aid to historically black colleges and universities.Schapiro continued with:
Williams did include those quotes and included more detail. She also pointed out that questions on Lambert's endorsement of Allen were "held at bay" during the debate by the moderator, Melvin D. Law, former president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the group sponsoring the debate.Lambert again defended the Allen endorsement, saying it was necessary to work with Republicans in Washington to win new funding for black schools.
Asked whether his first obligation is to his constituents or political party, Lambert replied, "That's a very easy one -- the needs of my constituents. That's why I'm in trouble now; because I looked after the needs of my constituents."
McEachin, defeated for attorney general in 2001, said, "Your constituents come first, last and always. I don't see how endorsing George Allen helps anyone's constituency."
McEachin went on to suggest that Allen's record as a state legislator, congressman, governor and senator is widely viewed as hostile to blacks, in the 9th Senatorial District and beyond, because it includes support of Confederate heritage and opposition to a holiday for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Williams noted that on most issues the candidates agreed. But she revealed more about the substance of the discussion on the quid pro quo by including this exchange:
Another question asked the candidates to opine about a Republican legislator who gives money to HBCUs, but votes against affirmative action.Best response quoted IMO. The final question that Williams takes up in her article had the candidates explaining why they are Democrats. Delegate McEachin mentioned several well known programs implemented by Democrats, saying"Financial support for black colleges is always good," said Sen. Lambert. "You cannot operate an educational institution without funds. They do not get the same things that the other state schools get. Money plays a very important role in keeping all of our institutions open."
Delegate McEachin's response: "At this point in our history, any United States senator ought to be supporting our black colleges and universities. We should not be doling out special favors for them to do that."
"The Democratic Party most closely captures that we are called to be in community."Lambert in turn emphasized bipartisanship.
"I always respected many Democrats and approve of a lot of things that the Democratic Party has done. But I think we should be able to work on a bipartisan level."I don't believe I've ever heard that phraseology used in reference to one's own group. Imagine saying something like that about your softball team. I can't imagine ever saying something like "I always respected many Southside (or whatever) players."