Jacko Proves Stumbling Block for House Dems

Resolution saluting 'global humanitarian' sets off controversy
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 8, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
Jacko Proves Stumbling Block for House Dems
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles.    (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, pool)

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.”
(More Michael Jackson stories.)

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