Rev. Williams vows no tricks in 2nd

In light of the rumors being spread that the Rev. Anthony Williams was coerced into the 2nd Congressional district race by incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. to throw off voters, Williams said it is not true.

Williams and another primary candidate, Yvonne Christian Williams, share the same last names.

"This is an old political trick and I want to dispel the rumor and set the record straight," Williams said.

"I got into this race because a coalition of people democratically worked together to find someone who could represent the best interest of the people in the district."

The rumors were believed to be fed by the Shaw brothers (Sen. William Shaw and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Robert Shaw) who have recently been scrutinized for allegedly bringing the other Jesse Jackson into the primary race to throw off potential voters.

The Rev. Williams believe the brothers conjured up the rumors to take the heat off of themselves.

"Apparently it came from the Shaw camp," said Williams.

"I have no personal feelings about the Shaws or the Jacksons. My only concern is to be able to represent the district in the best interest of the people."

But in an interview with the Chicago Defender, Sen. Shaw denies that he or his brother had anything to do with the rumors.

"Certainly, I have not made those allegations," Shaw said.

"I have no agenda other than to get my candidate elected, which is Yvonne Christian Williams."

Citing that the fiasco needs to stop and the campaigning of prevalent issues should take precedence, Williams is ready to make his mark in this race.

"The Jacksons and the Shaws are fighting for control of the southern suburbs. They weren't expecting me to be in this race because they don't think the common voters have common sense.

"I want to talk about the issues: Job creation and economic development, universal healthcare, affordable housing and why there should not be a third airport in Peotone."

Williams alleges that during Jackson's reign as congressman he has done little to assist the people in the district.

"We need to start talking about how we are going to build our communities with public safety, housing, community health," said Williams.

"The only thing Jackson has claimed to do was put clean water in Ford Heights but if you can't afford to buy a pack of kool-aid to put into the clean water, then what are we getting?"

Williams, who is a staunch supporter of Illinois candidate governor Roland Burris, said he is ready to challenge Jackson to a debate.

"Cong. Jackson doesn't want to debate me because he has nothing to debate about," Williams said, citing that he has not had minimal town hall meetings, if any, with the people of the 2nd Congressional District.

"His record speaks for itself."

Cong. Jackson was unable to be reached at Defender press time.

"This race is about making America what it ought to be. This race is bigger than myself and Jesse," he said.

"This race is about the people and I am about the people and representing them in their best interest."

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.