Jury’s verdict toughens road for Jones’ congressional run
- 4/21/10
- Categorized in: DeKalb News
The full effects of a recent racial discrimination verdict against former DeKalb County CEO and fourth district congressional candidate Vernon Jones probably will not be clear until after the election.
But, as a Democratic candidate with a checkered political past in a majority Democratic district, Jones, at best, is a long shot.
Now, after a jury found him guilty of racial discrimination, he’s a really, really long shot, election observers said.
“I think his chances were pretty minimal to begin with, and I think the chances are even less with that,” said Alan Abramowitz, a political science professor at Emory University. “If someone is going to knock off (Rep.) Hank Johnson… I don’t see Vernon doing it.”
Jones announced his candidacy for the House seat on Jan. 15, claiming a focus on getting county residents employed while expressing a strong distaste for last year’s Wall Street bailouts. He also sought to convince local media he was committed to repairing relationships with residents, politicians and reporters he notoriously bristled as CEO.
He announced he planned to oust Johnson, a Black incumbent elected in 2006, after winning meager support against Jim Martin in his 2008 bid for the Senate. Jones lost in a primary run-off, taking only two-thirds of DeKalb County’s Black vote, showing he had lost the support of many Black voters.
Earlier this month, a federal jury wrapped up six years of litigation, finding that the county, Jones and two other former employees intentionally discriminated against two former White Parks and Recreation Department managers based on their race. The jury awarded $185,000 in damages.
Jones hailed the verdict as proof of his success because the awarded damages were so small, but the county reportedly spent millions of taxpayers’ money in legal fees defending the suit.
“Once again, I have been tried by fire, and I have prevailed,” Jones told reporters after the trial. “It lets me know God is still in control.”
But the fourth congressional district has a history of electing controversial members, said Randy Lewis, a public relations executive who helps run Georgia Political & Policy Digest. Johnson ousted former Rep. Cynthia McKinney, who once claimed former President George W. Bush knew beforehand about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“The district just has an appalling history of congressional representation,” Lewis said. “I can’t think of a single thing with that district that doesn’t make me want to just
mr cribbs – What is it that you are really trying to say/hide behind an article such as this?
Readers (what do you really think this article says about mr cribbs)? (PLEASE READ BETWEEN THE LINES). What is he (trying) to say about Dekalb County Voters/4th District Voters??? It's an an insult!
mr cribbs – Forget it (4th District Voters) are not going for this type of crap/article. Bottom line… its Bad Work and We (4th District Voters) are not going for it. Simple as that! No way!!!! Please also make note that we know Vernon Jones in the 4th District – he has the reputation of governing Dekalb County very well. Vernon Jones is well known in the 4th District for getting the job done. Vernon Jones focus is on creating more jobs – (he’ll get the the job done).
Vernon Jones is the Better Man for the 4th District! Vote Vernon Jones for Congress!
Fact: verdict- was allowing employees to work in hostile environment not discrimination. 2nd lie: That Mr. Jones is loosing Black support because he rcvd 2/3 of the votes in the run-off. Fact: you do not have to be a math major such as myself to know that 2/3 of the black vote is more than one half of the black votes, so how does that justify loosing the black votes. 3rd lie: That Mr. Jones has a minimal chance or a really, really long shot @ winning. Fact: That is what you reporters would like to see thats why you report non-factual stories, to get people to look pass the accomplishments and focus on the lies that you report. In conclusion I am glad that you or the political observers will not decide this race, but the voters of the same district that you all reports that is controversial...is it because the majority of the people in that district is black?
Thanks for wasting all those tax dollars vernon and I am glad to see you are happy about it.
he can do it, yes he can,
He will campaign in the rain and sun,
until election day when he's finally won.
He will work for all
and the 4th District will stand tall
A beacon of prosperity and success
that will rise far above all the rest.
We will be a sign of hope for a weary nation
that is looking for its train to arrive at the station.
Just elect Vernon and you will see
good things in store for you and me