Congressmen Pledge Support for Death Row Inmate

After meeting for nearly two hours with death row inmate Troy Davis on Friday, two Georgia congressmen and the president of the NAACP say they are convinced of his innocence and committed to saving his life. Congressmen John Lewis and Hank Johnson say they plan to pursue other legal means to resolving Davis' case, which is in the U.S. Supreme Court on appeal. NAACP President Ben Jealous says the case is now a national priority for his organization. Davis was convicted in the 1989 killing of Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. His guilt was put in question after several witnesses from his trial changed their testimony. Supporters are calling for a new trial. Lewis says he has considered asking for a presidential pardon for Davis, but has not yet spoken to President Barack Obama about intervening in the case.

(Associated Press)

Rep. Lewis Supports Preserving Building In Memory Of The Civil Rights Movement

Congressman John Lewis, an Atlanta Democrat, wants to save one of the city's symbols of discrimination - the building that housed Lester Maddox's Pickrick restaurant. In July 1964, the future Georgia governor turned away black customers in defiance of the Civil Rights Act that outlawed public segregation. Georgia Tech later bought the property and remodeled it for offices and now wants to demolish the building for green space. Lewis says it needs to be saved because it's one of the few sites left in Atlanta that tells the story of the civil rights movement. Interim President Gary Schuster has offered to place a historical marker at the site since Maddox confronted patrons in the restaurant's parking lot.

(Associated Press)

McCain: Lewis' remarks 'shocking, beyond the pale'

Lewis addressing the audience at a rally held at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville, on September 23, 2008. (file/Dave Bender)

Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s.

Republican candidate John McCain on Saturday called Lewis' remarks "shocking and beyond the pale."

The Obama campaign said the Illinois senator doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is at all comparable to Wallace and his segregationist policies.

In a statement issued Saturday, Lewis said McCain and running mate Sarah Palin were "sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." He noted that Wallace also ran for president.

"George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights," said Lewis, who is black. "Because of this atmosphere of hate, four little girls were killed on Sunday morning when a church was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama."

One of the seminal events of the civil rights movement was the bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church on Sept. 15, 1963. Four black girls died in the blast, which was linked to a Ku Klux Klan group.

Late Saturday, Lewis released another statement saying it was not his "intention or desire" to directly compare McCain or Palin to Wallace.

"My statement was a reminder to all Americans that toxic language can lead to destructive behavior," he said. "I am glad that Sen. McCain has taken some steps to correct divisive speech at his rallies. I believe we need to return to civil discourse in this election about the pressing economic issues that are affecting our nation."

Lewis' comments follow widely reported examples of anger at McCain rallies that has been aimed at Obama, the first black man to be a major party's nominee for president. During some rallies featuring McCain and Palin, supporters have shouted "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar" and even "off with his head."

The outbursts came amid a harshly personal line of attack against Obama by the GOP campaign. McCain and Palin have said Obama failed to tell the truth about his ties to 1960s radical William Ayers, had a radical agenda on abortion, and wasn't really known to voters. Last weekend, Palin signaled the uptick in the criticism when she charged that Obama was "palling around with terrorists," a reference to Ayers, and that he didn't see the U.S. as others did.

McCain drew boos at a town-hall meeting Friday in Minnesota when he defended Obama after a supporter said he feared what would happen if Obama were elected president. He also cut short a woman who said Obama was an Arab, and he called his rival "a decent, family man."

On Saturday, McCain called on Obama to repudiate Lewis' remarks. While dismissing the comparison to Wallace, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said Lewis was on target in other ways.

"John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for president of the United States 'pals around with terrorists,'" Burton said in a statement.

In his remarks, Lewis also said: "As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy. We can do better. The American people deserve better."

McCain rejected any comparison to Wallace.

"I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I've always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events to cheer for the kind of reform that will put America on the right track," McCain said.

In August, while appearing at a forum on faith, McCain was asked to name three "wise people" he would listen to. He cited Lewis as well as Gen. David Petreaus, head of U.S. troops in Iraq, and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, a top adviser to his campaign.

(The Associated Press)

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Lewis Links McCain to Alabama Segregationist

For the past week, rallies for GOP Presidential hopeful John McCain have gotten heated, as a small vocal minority have yelled racial slurs, along with shouting other vulgarities aimed at Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama and other African Americans.

The behavior began in earnest after GOP Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin said Obama has been “palling around with terrorists.” The remark was a reference to Obama’s relationship with former Weatherman, Bill Ayers, now a Chicago school reformer.

Several major news organizations called Palin’s remarks false and misleading.

After several prominent moderate Republicans began criticizing the campaign for encouraging the ugly behavior, McCain began pushing back on some of the comments. Most notably, McCain corrected one woman who called Obama “an Arab.”

Still, the campaign has openly raised questions about Obama’s faith and commitment to America. And some in the GOP crowds have grown increasingly hostile. As GPB’s Melissa Stiers reported earlier this week, a debate in Macon between Congressional candidates also produced some ugly comments between partisans. One woman shouted out “Bomb Obama.”

Now Atlanta Democratic Congressman and long time civil rights activist John Lewis is calling on the McCain campaign to tone down their rhetoric. In a statement, Lewis warned, “As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy.”

Lewis also linked the McCain tactics to the late Alabama Governor George Wallace, a prominent segregationist and one time Presidential candidate.

“George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights.”

The statement throws Lewis in the middle of what is becoming an increasingly ugly, and in some instances racially tinged campaign.

McCain responded personally, issuing a statement that reads “I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I’ve always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events to cheer for the kind of reform that will put America on the right track.”

McCain also called on Senator Obama to “immediately and personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments that are so clearly designed to shut down debate 24 days before the election. Our country must return to the important debate about the path forward for America.”

Earlier this week, the McCain campaign also responded publicly to similar criticisms by attacking Obama.

Obama’s campaign responded by saying the Senator doesn’t believe McCain and Wallace are comparable, but added “Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for President of the United States ‘pals around with terrorists.’ "

McCain and Lewis have worked together on major legislation in the past, and McCain has called the Georgia Congressman one of the “wisest men” he knows.

Most of the actions appear to be coming from a minority of supporters. However, reports from the rallies suggest the anger has gotten more intense. Privately, McCain is blaming the ugly turn on Palin, according to a Times Online report.

The rage is concerning for many non-partisan observers. Former Presidential adviser, Harvard educator and CNN contributor David Gergen said last night, “There is free-floating anger that could lead to some violence. I really worry, when you get that kind of rhetoric that you’re getting now, I think it’s imperative that you calm people down.”

Two GA congressmen change vote on bailout

Two of Georgia’s house members changed their vote today in support of the 700 billion dollar bailout package. Georgia’s seven Republicans in the U.S. House knows as the G7 held the line. They voted no on the bailout. That vote is in contrast to Georgia’s Republican Senators. Both of them supported the package.

Representative Lynn Westmoreland issued a statement saying he voted no on Monday because the package was the wrong approach to the financial crisis. Today he says he voted no because it was the same package with "sweeteners added to attract votes."

Democrat David Scott was one who changed his mind, saying enough provisions were added to prevent more foreclosures.

And Representative John Lewis told his colleagues "the fear that is gripping Wall Street has the power to shut down Main street." He said "the people are afraid."

Lewis urges N. Ga. Democrats to vote

Lewis making a strong point to the audience in his address at a rally held at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville, on September 23, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Democrats called on north Georgians to get out the presidential vote, at an afternoon rally held in Gainesville's Georgia Mountains Center.

Taking the stage, Fifth District Congressman John Lewis exhorted nearly 300 of the party faithful:

“As Democrats in this part of the State of Georgia, with other Democrats all across this state, we must get out and vote like we never, ever voted before – and elect Democrats. We can do it!”

Lewis, U.S. Senate candidate Jim Martin, and several local Congressional candidates also addressed the crowd.

Martin said one of the rally's aims was to get the new candidates out in front of the public, and build a voter base in the region:

"Stand up for the people -- this is what this rally's has been about: Democrats from this part of the state and other people come to hear what Democratic candidates have to offer."

Abbot Hayes, an organizer at the event, says he had expected a turnout of about 1,000 people, although far fewer filled the floor seats when the event commenced after two p.m.

Sign on the stage. (Dave Bender)

All of the party officials say that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama can still win Georgia, despite recently moving numerous party activists to other hotly-contested states.

Georgia Republicans held a similar rally last weekend.

Click here for more GPB News elections coverage.

John Lewis on Obama's, Georgia's hopes

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made history on this day in 1963 delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of Lincoln Memorial at the March on Washington. Tonight, another African-American will make history. Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Georgia Congressman John Lewis will also speak tonight. As a young civil rights leader, Lewis was one of 10 people who also spoke alongside Dr. King on this day 45 years ago. He is the only one of those men alive today. Lewis says it doesn’t bother him that Barack Obama is not a child of the movement he helped foster. In fact, he says, Obama is free of the battle scars left on he and those of his generation.

"He never saw the signs that said 'White Men,' 'Colored Men,' 'White Women,' 'Colored Women,' " Lewis adds. "He never tasted the fruits of segregation and racial discrimination, so he is a different human being. He should be free to liberate the rest of America, and maybe take a message to the rest of the world."

Still, Lewis says he would like to hear from Obama that this is not the end — or even a new beginning — but a continuation of a long struggle. Lewis says that all over his home state of Georgia, young people feel something is happening.

"And you hear people saying, 'I was not there with you to march across the bridge at Selma. I was not at the March on Washington. But I am in this struggle to make Barack Obama president."

Tonight Lewis will pay tribute to Dr. King.

(NPR)

Rep. Lewis still on terror watch list

Rep. John Lewis of Atlanta says a name mix up on a terrorist watch list is still wreaking havoc on his air travel some five years after the problem first popped up. The 11-term Democrat says he's still subjected to repeated airport searches and required to provide multiple forms of identification. The problems persist even though he has tried for years to clarify that he's not on the no-fly list. If it's still happening to a congressman, he wrote, average Americans must be suffering even more.

Lewis calls for Olympics boycott

A Georgia Congressman says he will boycott part of the Beijing Olympics. U.S Representative John Lewis tells the Atlanta Journal Constitution the U.S. should not attend the opening ceremonies. Thousands of protestors have disrupted the world tour of the Olympic Torch in Paris, London and San Francisco. They accuse China of human rights abuses and of oppressing the country, culture and religion of Tibet.

Barrow throws support to Obama

Another Georgia Democrat has thrown his support behind presidential candidate Barack Obama. Representative John Barrow of Savannah is the third state Democrat this month to do so. Barrow says Obama has shown he can work with people of both parties, and he's the best choice for bringing the nation together.

Barrow narrowly won re-election last year and has been a key target for Republicans since winning his seat in 2004. He also has a Democratic superdelegate vote.

Barrow's announcement comes just after that of Representative John Lewis, who confirmed this week his switch of support from Hillary Clinton to Obama.

Lewis confirms switch to Obama

Saying "something is happening in America", and that "people are pressing for a new day in American politics", state Representative John Lewis confirmed Wednesday he is switching his support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Lewis says he will cast his superdelegate vote for Obama at the party's convention in Denver this summer.

Lewis says this was a difficult decision. "I have a deep and abiding love for both Senator Clinton and President Clinton. Senator Clinton is a brilliant and capable candidate...(but)the people of my district have spoken...I should represent their wishes at the convention".

Lewis' 5th Congressional District constituents supported Obama nearly 3-to-1 in Georgia's presidential primary. His endorsement is coveted given his standing as one of the last major civil rights leaders of the 1960's.

Reports: Lewis to back Obama

Civil rights leader and Georgia Congressman John Lewis has dropped his support for Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid in favor of Barack Obama. Lewis' constituents supported Obama roughly 3-to-1 in Georgia's February 5th primary. He is also a superdelegate who gets a vote at this summer's national convention in Denver.

John Lewis challenger steps forward

Georgia congressman John Lewis has a challenger for Georgia's 5th Congressional district. The Reverend Markel Hutchins of Atlanta is a 30-year-old minister. He is known for representing the family of Kathryn Johnston -- the elderly woman killed in November 2006 by Atlanta police during a botched drug raid.

Superdelegate Lewis denies NY Times report

A report in Friday's New York Times -- also carried in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- said U.S. Representative John Lewis (D) is shifting his support for a Democratic presidential nominee from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.

Lewis' press secretary Brenda Jones denies the change in allegiance, calling the report "not accurate."

Lewis is one of Georgia's 13 superdelegates, or leading party members, who can cast a vote for any candidate at the party's nominating convention. In recent weeks, Democratic presidential candidates have lobbied hard for superdelegates' support from across the U.S.

Rep. John Lewis may switch support to Obama

Congressman John Lewis.

Congressman John Lewis (D), who is known as one of New York Senator Hillary Clinton’s strongest black supporters, suggested Thursday that he may support Illinois Senator Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer instead, according to a report appearing in the New York Times.

“Something is happening in America and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap," Lewis was reported as saying.

Lewis, who represents Atlanta's fifth district, is a veteran of the civil rights movement.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the presidential race.

Bush honors GA Congressman

Today President George Bush honored Georgia Congressman John Lewis and others today at an event marking African-American history month at the White House. Lewis was a leader of the civil rights movement who organized freedom rides, sit-ins and voter registration drives.

Obama camp asks state attorney general for investigation

The campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama wants Georgia's attorney general to look into anonymous "robocalls" made to Atlanta-area residents that take aim at Congressman John Lewis.

The automatically-made phone calls urge listeners to call Lewis, and tell him to support a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The Atlanta-congressman is supporting an Obama rival, Hillary Clinton, in the presidential race.

Lewis says he doesn't believe the Obama campaign is behind the calls, and implied a motive might be to divide the black vote.

King Day events and ceremonies across Georgia

Georgians are remembering the legacy of Martin Luther King-Jr. on this national holiday. Events across the state have been held throughout the weekend, and many are scheduled for today as well.

U.S. Representative John Lewis spoke at King events at Augusta State University on Saturday. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke at services at Ebenezer Baptist Church Sunday. Republican candidate Mike Huckabee is among several politicians and dignitaries attending services today in Atlanta.

Former president Bill Clinton is also in Atlanta this morning for King ceremonies. Following those events, he will travel to Macon for an afternoon campaign rally in support of his wife's presidential candidacy.

Lewis supporting Clinton for prez

One of the nation’s most powerful black politicians has thrown his weight behind Democratic Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for president.

Longtime Georgia (D) Congressman John Lewis issued a statement Friday describing the former first lady as:

"The person best prepared to lead the country."

Lewis was elected to Congress in 1986. The son of sharecroppers, Lewis rose to fame in the 60s as one of the so-called "Freedom Riders" promoting civil rights in the South.

His endorsement of Clinton comes a blow to the campaign of Illinois senator Barack Obama, who had counted on the support of black leaders in his race for the White House.

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