Bennett's Words Used to Tar Republicans

By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor

(CNSNews.com) - Ever since he became chairman of the Republican National Committee last year, Ken Mehlman has been reaching out to African-Americans and Hispanics, with a series of meetings the RNC calls "conversations with the community."

"We Republicans have a message to all who want expanded opportunity in America: give us a chance, and we'll give you a choice," Mehlman told once such gathering in Miami this summer.

Mehlman has made the point that Republicans are "committed to inclusion," and he has suggested that Democrats take the black vote for granted.

But attempts to change African-Americans' perceptions about the Republican Party have taken a double hit in recent weeks: first, with Hurricane Katrina, which exposed the desperation of poor blacks in New Orleans. Some Democrats were quick to suggest that President Bush's policies are to blame for such pockets of poverty.

And this week, comments made by conservative Republican Bill Bennett are being held up as a reflection of Republicans' alleged racial insensitivity.