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For other persons named Danny Davis, please see Daniel Davis (disambiguation).

Danny Davis

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 7th district
Incumbent
Assumed office 
January 3, 1997
Preceded by Cardiss Collins
Born September 6, 1941 (1941-09-06) (age 68)
Parkdale, Arkansas
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Vera Davis
Residence Chicago, Illinois
Alma mater Arkansas AM&N College, Chicago State University, Union Institute & University
Profession educator, nonprofit program coordinator
Religion Baptist

Daniel K. (Danny) Davis (born September 6, 1941) has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997 representing Illinois's 7th congressional district (map). He considered retiring from Congress and running for President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, but has since changed his mind and is now running for reelection.[1]

Contents

Early life

Davis was born in Parkdale, Arkansas, and educated at Arkansas AM&N College (B.A. 1961), Chicago State University (M.S. 1968) and the Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio (Ph.D. 1977). Davis worked as a government clerk, a high school teacher, executive director of the Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission, director of training at the Martin L. King Neighborhood Health Center, and executive director of the Westside Health Center before entering politics.

Career

Chicago City Council

Davis was a member of the Chicago City Council from 1979 to 1990, where he represented Chicago's 29th Ward. He challenged Congresswoman Cardiss Collins in Democratic primaries in 1984 and 1986, but lost both races. Davis was then elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, serving from 1990 to 1996 before entering the House. [2] Davis had also waged an unsuccessful campaign against Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in the 1991 Democratic mayoral primary.

He is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus,[3] Progressive Caucus, and Democratic Socialists of America.[4][5]

1996 Congressional election

On December 6, 1995, Davis announced his candidacy for the 7th Congressional District, adding his name to the already announced Democratic candidates including Alderman Percy Z. Giles, Bobbie L. Steele, Ed Smith, and Dorothy Tillman.[6] Five other Democratic candidates entered the race later: S. Mendenhall, Joan Sullivan, G. Winbush, Anthony Travis, and Joan Powell making it the largest field of candidates for U.S. Congress in Illinois for 1996.[7] Davis resided a block outside the 7th Congressional District, but he was familiar in the district, [8] and actual residency was not required[9]

Position on issues

Davis ran on the progressive Democratic platform popular in the district. He is pro-choice and supports gay rights, the ERA, single-payer health care, and some federal support for child nutrition and care.[8]

Operation Silver Shovel

In early January 1996, the FBI revealed its Operation Silver Shovel, which included an investigation into Alderman Percy Z. Giles.[10] What Operation Silver Shovel may have done to undermine Giles's chances for election are unclear as he was already lagging with a mere 3% among likely Democratic primary voters in a mid-December poll compared to Davis’ 33%, Smith’s 8%, Tillman’s 7%, and Steele’s 6%.[11] However, up until Operation Silver Shovel Giles did have Mayor Richard M. Daley's support and that of other well-known area figures—some of whom continued their support during the controversy.[12]

Gator Bradley endorsement

On March 10, 1995, during a radio debate hosted by WMAQ-AM, Tillman and Smith called for Davis to reject the endorsement of former alderman candidate Wallace "Gator" Bradley,[13] spokesman for convicted Gangster Disciples leader Larry Hoover.[12] "Why do you keep badgering me with this question? You got a problem with something? You're not going to catch me going around saying I hate Gator Bradley….I'm not in the business of disavowing individuals. The good Lord said he hated sin, but not sinners. I'm not hating Gator Bradley. I disagree with those who commit crime and those who'd use drugs, but you won't catch me going around saying that I hate Gator Bradley." [12] Davis never rejected Bradley’s endorsement during the campaign and after winning the primary claimed that Bradley’s endorsement played no role in the outcome, though Bradley asserted the contrary.[14]

Ebony Magazine remarks

During the campaign, Tillman highlighted comments Davis made in an August 1970 issue of Ebony: “(T)he white female often gives the black man certain kinds of recognition that the black woman oftentimes does not give him."[15] The Davis campaign countered that Davis was speaking as a psychologist in his role as a training director at a health center.[15]

Allied groups

Although Davis was fully promoted as a Democratic candidate, he also ran as a New Party candidate.[16][17][18] Supporting this was New Party’s celebration of him as the “first New Party member elected to the U.S. Congress.”[19] Although the State of Illinois did not permit fusion voting, New Party advocated fusion voting as a means to promote their party and party agenda and to particularly project New Party ideology into the mainstream Democratic Party.[20] Candidates were referred to as “N[ew]P[arty] Democrats”[20] and were required to sign a contract mandating a “visible and active relationship” with New Party.[21] During this timeframe, New Party was experiencing substantial growth[22] and included in its ranks a young Barack Obama.[16][17][21][23]

Davis also received the endorsement of the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America (CDSA)[24] of which he is a member[25][26] and had a relationship pre-dating his congressional run.[27] ACORN, AFL-CIO, Sierra Club, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters are included in other groups also endorsing Davis in his bid.[28]

Election results

In the March 19 Democratic primaries, Davis received more votes than the two closest candidates — Tillman and Smith — combined.[7] The first five announced candidates all received more than double the five late-entering candidates with none of the latter receiving more than 2,700 votes.[7] In the November 5 general election, Davis won with over 82 percent of the votes cast over Republican Randy Borow and third-party candidates Chauncey L. Stroud (Independent), Toietta Dixon (Libertarian), and Charles A. Winter (Natural Law).[29]

Recent events

Davis was one of 31 U.S. Representatives who voted against counting the electoral votes from Ohio in the 2004 presidential election.[30]

Davis expressed interest in being President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate, and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was expected to appoint Obama's successor in late 2008 before his own major scandal erupted, stated that Davis would "make a great senator."[31] In a December 31, 2008 article published on the website of The New York Times, Davis said that he turned down an offer from representatives of Blagojevich to appoint him to the Senate.[32] Instead, Blagojevich appointed Roland W. Burris.[33]

In early July 2009, Davis gave a number of interviews in which he announced he was retiring from the House of Representatives and running run for Cook County Board President. Davis has since changed his mind and is now running for reelection.[1]

Controversies

Affiliation with Rev. Sun Myung Moon

In 2004, Davis was met with national controversy when he crowned the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in a religious ceremony at the Dirksen Senate Office Building honoring the controversial spiritual leader.[34][35] Moon declared himself the Messiah at the crowning ceremony, in which Davis appeared on the invitation as a sponsoring co-chair.[35] Davis wore white gloves and carried the crown on a pillow to crown Moon and his wife "the King and Queen of Peace."[36] Davis told Christian Challenge that Moon declaring himself the Messiah "was similar to a baseball team owner telling team members that 'we are the greatest team on earth'" prior to a baseball game. Davis said the peace awards were to "recognize people for promoting peace. Of course the highest recognition goes to the highest promoter and the highest promoter is Reverend Moon, so they come up with something higher than the certificates and plaques that other folks get."[35] Salon later said that Davis was the only member of Congress in attendance who took pride in the ceremony. They also reported that Davis has accepted money from fundraisers organized by Moon.[3] In 2003, Davis gave a speech on the House floor and praised Moon, along with Congressman Curt Weldon. Davis said, "Many of my colleagues will join me and the gentleman from Pennsylvania Mr. Weldon, co-chair, in giving tribute to some of the outstanding Americans from our districts. We are grateful to the founders of Ambassadors for Peace, the Reverend and Mrs. Sun Myung [Moon], for promoting the vision of world peace, and we commend them for their work."[3]

Trip paid for by Tamil Tigers

As the 15th most prolific traveler in Congress, he stirred up controversy by accepting a trip to Sri Lanka in 2005 on behalf of the Tamil minority there, paid for by the Tamil Tigers, a group that the U.S. government has designated as a terrorist organization for its use of suicide bombers and child soldiers. Davis said that he was unaware that the Tigers were the source of the trip's funding.[37]

Accusation of racial profiling

On November 19, 2007, Davis was pulled over near 15th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago by two white police officers. Davis was issued a $75 ticket for driving to the left side of the center yellow line. Davis, however, has claimed that he did not do anything wrong and that he was a target of racial profiling, saying, "My only offense is driving while black." He vowed to challenge the ticket.[38]

Community involvement

Davis is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.[39] Davis is notable for his friendship with the National Federation of the Blind. He has spoken at their conventions in 2004 and 2005.[citation needed]

Committee assignments

Party leadership and Caucus membership

  • Chair of the Congressional Postal Caucus
  • Regional Whip

References

  1. ^ a b "Congressman Davis drops run for Cook County president". Chicago Sun Times. http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/11/congressman-davis-drops-run-for-cook-county-president.html. 
  2. ^ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress-Danny K. Davis
  3. ^ a b c John Gorenfeld (2004-06-21). "Hail to the Moon king". Salon. http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2004/06/21/moon/index.html?pn=2. Retrieved 2007-06-20. 
  4. ^ Roman, B.:Recommendations for November, New Ground 60, Sept-Oct 1998. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  5. ^ Llewellyn, F.: DSAPAC Swings into Action, Democratic Left, 34(1):3 Summer 2006. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  6. ^ Fornek, S: “Davis Opens House Campaign With a Shot at Giles”, Chicago Sun-Times, December 7, 1995. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  7. ^ a b c “U.S. CONGRESS PRIMARIES”, Chicago Tribune, March 21, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2 from Newsbank
  8. ^ a b Ritter, J.: “7th District Contest Drawing a Crowd”, Chicago Sun-Times, January 22, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2 from Newsbank
  9. ^ Heard, J.: “Davis Looks Like Collins’ Likely Successor In U.S. House”, Chicago Tribune, October 4, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2 from Newsbank
  10. ^ Oclander, J. and Spielman, F: “Mole Gave Alderman Cash - Politician Suspected of Receiving $20,000”, Chicago Sun-Times, January 9, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  11. ^ Neal, S.: “Davis' Poll Gives him Lead in 7th Dist.”, Chicago Sun-Times, January 15, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  12. ^ a b c Neal, S.: “Silver Shovel Digs Into House Race”, Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  13. ^ “Wallace "Gator" Bradley”, Chicago Sun-Times, December 29, 1995. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  14. ^ “Corrections and clarifications”, Chicago Tribune, March 22, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-1 from Newsbank
  15. ^ a b Bey, L.: “Rivals Revive Davis ' 1970 Comments on Black Women”, Chicago Sun-Times, March 14, 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2 from Newsbank
  16. ^ a b March Update, New Party (website), Retrieved 2008-11-2
  17. ^ a b October Update, New Party, Retrieved 2008-11-2
  18. ^ The New Party of Illinois: Contacts and Links, New Party, Retrieved 2008-11-2
  19. ^ Member Profiles, New Party (website), Retrieved 2008-11-2
  20. ^ a b Supreme Court Decides Fusion Case, New Party (website), Retrieved 2008-11-2
  21. ^ a b Bentley, B.: Chicago New Party Update, New Ground 42, Sept-Oct 1995. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  22. ^ New Party Profile: Members, Chapter, National, New Party (website), Retrieved 2008-11-2
  23. ^ Cullen, J.: The next campaign(editorial) Progressive Populist, 2(11) November 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  24. ^ Chicago DSA endorsements in the March 19th primary election, New Ground 45, Mar-Apr 1996. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  25. ^ Send a student to Minnesota, Democratic Left, 30(2):5 Fall 2002. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  26. ^ Roman, B.: Cornel West at Preston Bradley Hall, New Ground 75, Mar-Apr 2001. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  27. ^ Roman, R.: Chicago DSA Endorses Danny Davis for Mayor, New Ground , 40:6 Winter 1990-1991. Retrieved 2008-11-2 only article header available
  28. ^ Davis for Congress (political ad), South Street Journal, 3(8):9. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  29. ^ Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election, Clerk of the House of Representatives, p. 21. Retrieved 2008-11-2
  30. ^ Final Vote Results for Roll Call 7 Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, January 6, 2005
  31. ^ Klaus Marre, Blagojevich’s slip fuels Davis speculation The Hill, November 29, 2008
  32. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/us/01illinois.html?_r=1&hp
  33. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/us/31illinois.html?ref=us
  34. ^ Lawmakers attend Moon ‘coronation’ in Dirksen, James Kirchick, The Hill, June 22, 2004
  35. ^ a b c Ron Gunzburger (2004-06-18). "SPINNING MOON". Politics1 blog. http://www.politics1.com/blog-0604a.htm#crown2. Retrieved 2007-06-20. 
  36. ^ Bill Alexander (2004-06-25). "The Money-Mooners Meet on Capitol Hill". BET.com. http://www.rickross.com/reference/unif/unif231.html. Retrieved 2007-06-20. 
  37. ^ Davis Claims He Was Unaware Terrorists Paid For Trip NBC5 News, August 25, 2006
  38. ^ Congressman alleges racial profiling Chicago Tribune, November 22, 2007
  39. ^ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (2006-11-06). "U.S. Senate approves resolution". Press release. http://www.alphaphialpha.net/PressNewsDetails.php?newsID=25&newsCat=Press+Release. Retrieved 2008-12-31. "Alpha Phi Alpha is an exceptional organization that deserves to be recognized and honored for all of its many great achievements. The fraternity has helped shape more than 175,000 young men into extraordinary leaders who contribute positively to their communities and the world." 

External links

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United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Cardiss Collins		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 7th congressional district
1997–Present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
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