Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Heads to Runoff Election

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, right, gathers with Cindy Sheehan Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at her campaign headquarters in DeKalb, Ga.

AP: McKinney heads to runoff in Georgia

Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney couldn’t avoid a runoff in her first election following a scuffle with a Capitol Hill police officer, and now faces a second contest against her main challenger, Hank Johnson.

McKinney, the state’s first black woman elected to Congress, is seeking her seventh term after a scuffle in March with an officer who stopped her when he didn’t recognize her as she entered a House office building. A federal grand jury in Washington declined to indict the congresswoman, but she had to apologize on the floor of the House.

Johnson, a former county commissioner, has roots in McKinney’s core constituency. With 95 percent of precincts reporting, 1,540 votes separated the two. They face an Aug. 8 runoff, and the winner will face Republican nominee Catherine Davis in the heavily Democratic district.

“The battle’s engaged and I intend to win,” said McKinney early Wednesday.

But, McKinney would not have faced a serious challenge in a runoff election if she had not scuffled with that Capitol policeman. Looks like McKinney will have to show up for debates with Johnson (which she declined to do before the primary election) and face the media and voters.

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, right, speaks to supporters Tuesday July 18, 2006, in DeKalb, Ga.

However, don’t look for any explanations of her behavior or any serious discussion of the issues.McKinney slow played the election and may do the same in the runoff.

AJC: McKinney headed for runoff with Johnson

U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney is headed to a runoff against a relatively unknown challenger in a Democratic primary she was expected to win with ease.

The controversial 4th District incumbent, accused of striking a Capitol Hill police officer last March, narrowly led former DeKalb County Commissioner Hank Johnson.

Alpharetta businessman John F. Coyne III came in a distant third but with enough votes to play the spoiler in his first election, keeping McKinney from topping 50 percent of the vote.

Few political analysts expected McKinney to have much trouble in her re-election bid even though her longheld status as a political lightning rod reached new heights over her very public confrontation with the Capitol guard.

Using a strategy that has been effective before, McKinney ran a low-key campaign — even refusing to appear at major debates against her challengers. She concentrated on her base in south DeKalb, meeting with constituents in the area.

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, center, dances with supporters Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at her campaign headquarters in DeKalb Ga.

Stay tuned this race may prove to be interesting albeit colorful……….

She was joined at her campaign gathering Tuesday by Cindy Sheehan and Lithonia resident Patricia Roberts, two mothers whose sons were killed in Iraq and who have criticized the war.

Johnson said Tuesday he was prepared for a runoff against McKinney.

“We trained for 15 rounds, and this is round 12,” he told cheering supporters. “We’re not ceding any location.”

The Moonbats will ALL be out……in Georgia…….

And Allah is correct: Isn’t Cindy Sheehan supposed to be FASTING?

Captain Ed predicts McKinney is a LOSER in three weeks.  But, Ed, we already knew she was!
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Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Edges Ahead in Georgia Democrat Primary With 59% Reporting- Update – McKinney to Face Run-Off Election

Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Trails in Georgia Democrat Primary in Early Returns

Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: NO SHOW at Debates

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