The former mayor of Memphis who is running in the Democratic congressional primary believes the contest should be a referendum on race.
Ex-Mayor Willie Herenton says the state's delegation in Washington needs at least one black representative. He accuses his opponent, white two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, of trying to act black.
President Barack Obama has endorsed Cohen. The incumbent has built support in the black community by supporting civil rights legislation and bringing much-needed federal funding to Memphis schools and hospitals.
Four years ago, Cohen became the first white congressman since 1972 to win the heavily Democratic district.
The primary is scheduled for Aug. 5.
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Cohen for Congress: http://www.cohenforcongress.com
Herenton for Congress: http://www.herentonforcongress2010.com
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