Is Nye losing African American voters?

WAVY TV

Andy Fox

Updated: Oct 20, 2010 6:41 AM

African Americans have been a bedrock of the Democratic base since the days of President Franklin Roosevelt in the 30s and 40s. But, is incumbent Glenn Nye losing support from that key group? It's a tight race in the Second Congressional District among Nye, Republican Scott Rigell, and Independent Kenny Golden.

ODU Political Scientist Jessie Richman said Nye can't win without his base, but he also can't win without Independents and Republicans. Richman said there in lies the political divide for Nye.

"Glenn has, as far as the community is concerned, made a number of mistakes," said Georgia Allen, President of the Virginia Beach NAACP. "We find his lack of supporting President Obama extremely, extremely troubling," Allen said.

Allen said Nye is running away from the coattails of President Barack Obama which he rode to victory in 2008.

Nye voted against the President on health care. "It's either, pay me now or pay me later. Do you want people to have quality health care or do you want people running to the emergency room, and you pay for their health care anyway," said Allen.

Nye responded, "I made a tough decision to oppose health care, and I know I've had to do a lot of explaining on how I came to that decision."

Nye has been successful in getting endorsements from groups that usually lean Republican. The NRA supports Nye and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports Nye. The Democratic leaning AFL-CIO labor organization does not endorse Nye because he only supports labor issues 67 percent of the time.

Has Nye alienated his Democratic base essential to winning in order to be seen as an Independent? Nye said, "I think I have done significant outreach in all parts of the community, including the African American community. I've talked about a wide range of issues including the Youth Promise Act with Congressman Bobby Scott. I've supported small businesses, including minority-owned businesses."

Allen doesn't see it that way, and it should give pause to Nye politically. "Right now, based on what I'm hearing from my people over and over again: One, he can not put signs in their yards. Two, he has not supported the President...it is very troubling," said Allen.

What is clear according to Allen is that Nye has two weeks to mend some fences. Nye responded to that, "My message has been consistent since 2008. I'm an independent person who is going to look at issues not through the Democratic lens, but whether the idea makes sense or not, even if I lose votes."

Here's the trickle down for the NAACP and Glenn Nye. It would appear African Americans are working hard to get elected Virginia Beach City Council candidates Tanya Bullock and Andrew Jackson. Glenn Nye apparently can not expect the same type of enthusiasm for his campaign.

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