Embattled Sen. Trotter Among 2nd Dist. Hopefuls Asking For Democratic Nod Saturday
CHICAGO (CBS) -- All eyes will be on the Democratic Party on Saturday.
That's when committeemen will decide which of several candidates to support in the 2nd Congressional District to replace Jesse Jackson Jr.
State Sen. Donne Trotter of Chicago was among the favorites, insiders say, but CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker takes a look how his recent troubles will impact the endorsement process.
Trotter admits the timing is not good for his political aspirations. For one thing, a controversial comment he made at a recent event was caught on tape, CBS 2 reported earlier this week. That comes on the heels of his being arrested for trying to get a gun past airport security.
"I can see this being misused or misinterpreted by those who want it to have a negative impact," Trotter says.
In his controversial remarks last month, Trotter used a derogatory term to describe some of his white legislative colleagues.
"I always tell people I know a cr—– when I see one, and there's a lot of cr—–s in Springfield, a lot of them," he says on a video recording of the event.
Trotter says he doesn't consider the term to be derogatory, but defines it as someone who oppresses another.
And yet one political insider says the veteran lawmaker still could pull off a party endorsement this weekend.
"I think he has a slight edge when it comes to being slated," says David Johnson, the former mayor of Harvey.
Johnson says Trotter will win the committee's support because of his longtime service to the district. However, Johnson is not convinced Trotter will win the Democratic Primary when voters cast their ballots in the spring.
Johnson says the derogatory words could come back to haunt Trotter.
"In the Democratic primary, there could be a number of Republicans who crossover in such a way as to vote against Trotter," he says.
Whoever wins the primary usually wins the election, he adds.
Saturday's vote by the Democratic committeemen, to be held in South Holland, is something candidates seek because it means the party leaders will throw their assigned workers behind them.
