LA demos turn down William Jefferson and pick some one new. Yeah

[thepurpose]

In an extraordinary vote against an incumbent congressman, Louisiana Democratic Party leaders on Saturday endorsed state Rep. Karen Carter, D-New Orleans, for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by William Jefferson, whose campaign is reeling as a result of a federal bribery investigation.

Meeting at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, the state Central Committee of the party voted 69-53 for Carter after hearing appeals from Carter and Jefferson. They were the only two nominated for the endorsement.

"When the arrogance of power diminishes the rights of people, it’s time for a change," Carter said in her speech.

Party leaders said they couldn’t recall ever endorsing a Democrat other than the incumbent in a major race. Jefferson left the meeting before voting results were announced.

In a bid for a ninth term in the 2nd District, Jefferson has stressed a record of advocacy for the region and has said voters shouldn’t be swayed by allegations that he solicited and accepted bribes to help promote a cable television and Internet business in Ghana and Nigeria. He has maintained his innocence and hasn’t been indicted.

http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tpupdates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tpupdates/archives/2006_10_14.html#194979

But the federal probe already has cost Jefferson his seat on an influential House committee, fueling speculation that he is vulnerable in the Nov. 7 election. The race has drawn 13 candidates.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin recently backed Jefferson for re-election, saying he was returning a favor to one of the few local elected officials who stood by Nagin when he was in a tough re-election campaign of his own last spring. Noting that Jefferson hasn’t been charged with a crime, Nagin said he has no qualms about being closely associated with the congressman.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

1. while i'm glad Nagin won, many analysts call his endorsement a...