From the Democratic Caucus meeting at City Hall: Bob Henderson, D-14, brought up that Democrats are walking into a corner by delaying the discussion of next year’s caucus leadership. Though they’ve heard names circulated around City Hall, the Democrats have never had a group conversation about their 2009 leadership.
Silence…don’t be shy council Dems.
Tina Ward-Pugh, D-9, said she opposed the caucus endorsing a candidate for president and will abstain if there’s an endorsement today.
“I will be supporitng the Democrat, whoever that peson is,” Ward-Pugh said. “There’s no need to worry about that but I just don’t like the process.”
Councilwoman Judy Green, D-1, said she is interested in caucus chair. Councilman Dan Johnson, D-21, said he would remain quiet but wanted some dry powder interest on caucus chair. Mariann Butler, D-15, showed interest in vice-chair.
Why are Democrats being shy about the discussion on council president?
When the council is sworn in Jan. 5, 2009, Council President Jim King, D-10, said he wanted Judge King, his daughter, to swear him in. Awwwwwww!
Back to President vote. Councilman Tandy raised his hand. “I formally announce my interest today,” he said.
King spoke up saying he was encouraged by colleagues to run again; however, over the last several weeks the members have said it should rotate and King says he won’t be treated differently unless he gets the caucus endorsement.
“I believe as long as I’m a member of the caucus I should respect the caucus’s decision,” King said. “Just because I can’t get the caucus vote doesn’t meant I should stop anyone else from getting it. I have no interest in dividing our caucus. It’s incumbent upon me to step aside. I will not be a candidate for caucus endorsement today. I do not take it personal or as a referendum on my performance. As Arnold said, I’ll be back.”
The Democrats kissed the ring, saying King stepping aside was not about his performance. George Unseld, D-6, said today is the day to decide mentioning that a lot can change in a month before the next caucus meeting.