Kweisi Mfume Resigning as Head of NAACP

[Tab]

Baltimore (AP) - The president of the NAACP is stepping down as head of the nation's oldest and largest civil rights group, according to newspaper reports. Kweisi Mfume, who has been president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People since 1996, planned to make the announcement Tuesday, The (Baltimore) Sun, citing an anonymous source, reported in Tuesday editions.
...
Wickham, who has covered the NAACP for nearly 30 years, quoted Mfume in his column as saying: "I came to the organization at a time when it was in crisis, and I'm confident that I'm leaving an organization now that is strong and stable."
...
Last month, the NCAAP announced that the Internal Revenue Service was reviewing the organization's federal tax-exempt status. NAACP chairman Julian Bond said the investigation stems from a July speech he gave that was critical of President Bush. Tax-exempt organizations are required to remain nonpartisan.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1104/191054.html

[Freddie Stubbs]

1. There is speculation that he may run for the US Senate

Political allies said Mfume is eyeing a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Paul S. Sarbanes, whose current term ends in 2006. Sarbanes is 71 and has not said publicly what his intentions are.

more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.naacp30nov30,1,1328063.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

[genieroze]

2. Tax-exempt organizations are required to remain nonpartisan.

Tell that to Fartwell and his ilk

[Tab]

3. And that is true

EXCEPT that there was no problem with church's and orgs promoting Bush and/or advocating AGAINST Kerry (the "abortion" supporting "gay marriage" supporting candidate).

I think all non-profits ought to be non-partisan. But if you're going to prosecute for violating, don't be cherry-picking the orgs.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. He used to be a congressman, but instead of Senate, I'd like

to see him get the DNC cahimanship .... or at least be considered for it. He's a very serious guy, an excellent organizer, well educated (Yale Law?), well spoken, charismatic, and understands the political processes.

As for Sarbanes' senate seat ....... I still hope Paul runs again.

[Voltaire99]

8. Great idea. (n/t)

[fryguy]

5. CNN link

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/11/30/naacp.resignation.ap/index.html

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Here's a link to the loacl CBS affiliate with more on this

http://www.wjz.com/

Julian Bond says there's no subtext to Mfume's resigning and that the IRS crap is because he (Bond) said some partisan things in a speech

Mfume is not ill

Mfume is considering a Senate run if Sarbanes steps down in '06

More .....

[grasswire]

7. head of DNC??

in a HEARTBEAT! That would be so awesome. I hope it comes to be.

[Stinky The Clown]

9. An update/clarification from the local CBS affiliate ......

He said he is considering a run for senate - Paul Sarbanes' seat - in '06, but only if Sarbanes chooses not to run. I'm glad to hear that. I didn't *think* he would run *against* Sarbanes and am glad to see it confirmed.