A group of African American clergy calling themselves the ‘New Wine Ministers’ endorsed Karl Dean to be Nashville’s next mayor (today/yesterday) but not without some dissent.
The group sent questionnaires about African American issues to both Dean and Bob Clement. New Wine founder Victor Singletary says both made commitments to provide more city contracts for minority-owned businesses and ensure equality in schools. But Singletary says Dean understands the issues.
“You analyze the Clement responses and it reads as though a stump speech has been cut and pasted, and there are no firm commitments.”
The New Wine Ministers had said (today’s/yesterday’s) event would be a discussion of each candidate’s position on the issues. Pastor John Vine came to the 15th Avenue Baptist Church wearing a Clement sticker on his shirt, expecting a debate. He was surprised by the endorsement.
“We come here with an open mind realizing they’re up there speaking for the black community. They’re not speaking for the black community and they’re certainly not speaking for me as a pastor.”
New Wine leaders admit some of their members were already listed as Dean supporters. Both candidates have been battling for African American voters who were solidly behind Howard Gentry in the general election.
Early voting is going on now. Election Day is September 11th.
It’s the first day that all early voting sites are open. Clement cast his vote at the Bordeaux Library and said it was symbolic. He says people from all parts of town should participate in the run-off.
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