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Rep. John Lewis

Changing Population Presents Challenge For Rep. Lewis

ATLANTA—The once-overwhelmingly black congressional district that legendary Congressman John Lewis has ruled since 1986 continues to change.
    For example Lewis’ 5th District which was 59 percent African American in 2001 dropped to 53 percent black in 2002. Then, in 2005 the district was redrawn (yet again) to incorporate more of Buckhead, up to I-285, to also include a larger section of west DeKalb.
Since both of the new areas have large white populations, white voters cast 51 percent of the vote that gave Lewis his 10th term in Congress. Still, Lewis rules over a district that is a mixture of the state’s richest and poorest residents.
    This is a fact that has not been overlooked by his two opponents who accuse him of being out of touch. Whether it was congressional candidate ‘Able’ Mable Thomas, a 50-year-old state representative, who said it was time for Lewis to leave Congress or opponent Markel Hutchins whose message was remarkably similar, Lewis said nonsense. He’s not a plaque on the wall.
   “I’ve been there,” said the 22-year veteran Congressman at his campaign kickoff this past April, while speaking of his opponents to 200 supporters at his campaign headquarters in downtown Atlanta.

   “I know my way around there, and, I am not bragging, but when John Lewis gets up to speak on the House floor, they listen.
   “I plan to campaign all over the district,” Lewis said

Posted May 28, 2008

    
   “No one is going to outwork me,” Lewis said. “No one is going to out camping me. People talk about change. I am change. I will continue to represent all of the people of this district and fight for their concerns and fight for their needs.”
    Lewis, 68, is considered a civil rights icon. “I want to win, and I want to win big. Hillary Clinton said that when she grew up she wanted to be just like John Lewis,” he said.
   “Barack Obama said he has three heroes, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis.
Lewis pointed to issues that concern him such as comprehensive healthcare for all Americans, protecting the environment, and ending the war.
   “Transportation, foreclosure of their homes, people are very concerned about if they are going to be able to hold on to their homes,” he added. “We need a regional transportation system.”
    Then, Lewis extended an invitation to the National Mall, “where I stood with Dr. King and others” 40-plus years ago.”
    From there you can see where the next president will be sworn in. “So come see me in January 2009, which will be a great day. Send me back to Washington.
   “Send me back, and I will continue to fight for all of the people of this district! It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian American or Native American. We’re one family; we’re one people; we’re one house.”

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