- Fast Facts:
- -Willie Herenton Exclusive Interview With News Channel 3 LIve At 9
- -Former Mayor Talks About Upcoming Congressional Race
- -Herenton Says Indictment Attempts Were Politically Motivated
Herenton said, "I wanted to reserve my kickoff to celebrate African American history and remind Tennessee, Memphians and Shelby Countians, that we are of this great American democracy, and respect and inclusion and diversity in our government should be respected by all honoralble citizens. So, I want to kick off this campaign in celebration of African American history."
During the live televised interview, Herenton unveiled a picture of the current Tennessee Congressional delegation, which he says does not correctly reflect the citizens of Tennessee and the people of Memphis.
"This is the 11 member Tennessee Delegation. If you look at this picture and you are African American you sense the lack of representation."
Herenton served as Memphis mayor for almost 18 years. He claims he's uniquely qualified to serve the people of the 9th Congressional District.
"My qualifications, without race as a factor, without the lack of representation for a significant segment of this population, I'm better qualified."
He also says he running for office because many members of Congress are not in touch with mainstream America.
"One of our big problems is many of our Congressional leaders lack common sense. They are detached from the realities of urban America."
Herenton, a former Golden Gloves boxer, also came out swinging against incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen.
"The incumbent has done a poor job bringing resources to our community that impact the human condition of a city like Memphis."
He says Congressman Cohen has not worked hard enough to find federal dollars to save the financially strapped Regional Medical Center at Memphis, until now.
"We are struggling with The Med. This Congressman, oh, he's working to try to save The Med today because he's about to lose this Congressional election."
He also talked facing a possible grand jury indictment last year. Herenton said the investigation against him was politically motivated.
"We didn't violate any laws. It was personal on the part on some people in the business community. The whole attempt was to discredit the legacy and also prevent me from being a viable candidate for the United States Congress. We've not violated any laws."
Herenton says he believes many investigators unfairly target minorities, especially when he says there are other things that should be looked into.
"The six million dollars that's missing that's involved in Beale Street, where is the FBI, where is the U.S. Attorney's Office? Why do we treat whites one way, black people another in our justice system? It's wrong."
But Herenton says his campaign will be open to all when he officially launches his campaign this weekend.
"Black, white, old, young, children, Jew, Gentile, Buddha. Everybody is invited. Come and see the next congressman."
Late today Representative Steve Cohen called after hearing about Herenton's comments on News Channel 3 Live At 9.
Congressman Cohen said, "I gave birth to The MED and I have been a great parent. What the former mayor said is historically inaccurate. It's hard to fathom what he said."
