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Jacko Proves Stumbling Block for House Dems
Resolution saluting 'global humanitarian' sets off controversy
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Jul 8, 09 12:00 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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The King of Pop is causing a headache for some House Democrats after one lawmaker very publicly called for a resolution honoring Michael Jackson as a “global humanitarian," Politico reports. Sheila Jackson-Lee displayed the resolution at yesterday's memorial; Dems now have to weigh supporting it in light of Jackson’s controversial past, while keeping in mind the implications for race relations.
“There’s no appetite for this,” said one House Democrat. “We have too many other things to deal with.” But given Jackson-Lee's public gesture, and in an effort not to be seen “caving” to Republican Peter King, who called Jackson a “pervert,” Congressional Black Caucus members may feel they must support the measure. That could prompt Nancy Pelosi’s backing—but King says, “The Democrats won’t get the two-thirds they’ll need to pass it.”