Am intrigued by the prospect of Tameika Isaac Devine running for mayor:
… and I find myself wondering, what would be the effect?
We were already looking at probably the most closely contested race since Mayor Bob beat Patton Adams two decades ago, with Steve Benjamin bringing a gun to what is usually a knife fight (or maybe a slap fight, at most).
Several times in the story, Ms. Devine suggests that she still likes her ally Mayor Bob. Which causes me to wonder whether a Devine candidacy might actually have the effect of helping Coble, as it would split the anti-incumbent vote — as well as the presumed “black” vote. And could that even be the strategic intent.
There are other considerations as well. Tameika origninally won citywide office at the head of a coalition of unusual suspects, such as Rusty DePass and other conservative business types. So what dynamics would her candidacy introduce?
Whatever happens, Columbia voters are going to have some interesting choices for once. Who knows? Maybe even some of them will turn out for a change.
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Brad, when is Bolton going to take Benjamin to task for his “business experience” in the pay day loan field?
I find his citation of this experience a complete contradiction to public service. Given the racial inequities, I think the issue is even worse. I wonder how much his former associates will contribute to his campaign.
I don’t think Warren’s really turned his attention yet to the mayoral race. When he does, I’m sure that will be a significant consideration…
It’s time for Mayor Bob to go. The city seems to be floundering with the streetscaping projects delayed, the accounting snafu and the general indifference to very important project like RR relocation the Mayor comes across as a man who simply just wants the job for the perks, not to serve his community. A young, fresh face like Tameika might be just what the doctor ordered.
In another local news item, has anyone claim the quarter billion dollar lottery ticket yet? The longer this drags on the more newsworthy it becomes. What is that person waiting on?
Come on Brad, it’s pretty obvious that this is a strategic move to diffuse Benjamin’s campaign. As for her splitting the anti-incumbent vote, how so? She is the epitome of incumbent. Folks need to remember her 1st act as a City Council person was the Dreher High School real estate coup. She made out like a bandit. Guess it was her reward from the good ole boys that backed her upset of Frannie Heizer. A fresh face she is not.
“Presumed” black vote.
Just correcting your quotation placement Brad.
No, I meant it that way. It IS presumed, but there is no clearly defined “black” vote that would automatically go to candidates of African heritage as opposed to Bob. He does well in black precincts, and as I said, Tameika does well among some conservative whites — or she has in the past, anyway. I placed the quote marks where I did to make that point. Sorry if I wasn’t clear.
… and Steve has some white and conservative support as well. Note that I already wrote about how my friend Jack Van Loan, a McCain stalwart, is backing him…
Benjamin may as well get all the conservative white vote given his apparent belief that taking advantage of low socio-economic people is simply “business” – e.g. Advance America charging 391% APR.
Libb, can you share some details on what this lady did. I read something else about a zoning inssue on the north side.
Tameika becomes Ralph Nader or Ross Perot. I think she does throw the election to Bob then. She dilutes the change/black/anybody-but-Bob-and/or-Kirkman vote.Bob is strong in most of the neighborhoods, but so is Tameika. Many are tired of Bob’s “yes” to everything, but not always following through.
‘twould be a pity to lose her on council.She couldn’t run for the at large seat and mayor both.
Kirkman is, of course, also rumored to be in, which really makes it interesting.
and don’t forget Joe Azar, who really thinks he has a chance!
The Dreher High School real estate deal involved houses along the street on the north side of campus.They had to be rezoned from Residential to allow the expansion of the campus. Her law partner maybe bought some of them, I believe, and maybe handled the closings. I don’t believe Tameika personally benefited from them. City Council handles zoning appeals and appoints the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Steve Benjamin lost any credibility when he hired onto the board of payday loan sharks Advance America.
Now he has hired Obama’s former coordinator of voter fraud in 2008 as his campaign advisor.
No one with any sense or integrity can support Steve Benjamin anymore, or believe anything he says.