Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 6, 1990 TAG: 9007060087
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The shadow senators will be unpaid lobbyists for D.C. statehood, with no official duties.
Jackson, a two-time contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, said on Fox Television's Morning News that holding the post would allow him to help "expand democracy" in Washington, D.C.
"That's what statehood is all about," Jackson said. "More people live here than five states, we pay more taxes than 10 states, we pay more taxes per capita than 49 states, and yet no vote on Capitol Hill. It's taxation without representation. It's not fair. We deserve statehood."
City voters approved the shadow plan in a 1980 referendum. The city's only representative in Congress is a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.
Jackson said private money would have to be raised for a staff and a voter registration campaign if he wins.
Election to the post would have no bearing on whether he decides to run for president in 1992, he said.
"The two are not connected whatsoever," he said.
Before attending a luncheon at Howard University, Jackson told reporters that statehood would improve the lives of city residents.
"The premise is statehood means less taxes and better hope," he said.
Jackson's political plans have been the subject of speculation since he moved to the nation's capital last year.
In February, he announced he would not run for mayor, but he refused to rule out some other political race.
In recent months, Jackson has said gaining statehood for the district is his primary objective.
Other candidates for the shadow posts include James Foreman, a former civil-rights activist; and Harry Thomas Jr., the son of City Councilman Harry Thomas.
by CNB