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Lifestyles

Thursday, August 27, 2009 3:42 PM

Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald

Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., fields questions from reporters Thursday afternoon regarding her recent comments about the GOP needing a "great white hope" to stop President Obama's policy agenda before a speaking stop at the Franklin County Office Annex, 1428 S. Main St., Ottawa. Jenkins said she was unaware of the statement's connotations and meant only that the GOP needed "a bright light."

Rep. Jenkins clarifies "great white hope" remark

By The Herald Staff and the Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins said today she didn’t realize there were negative connotations to a recent comment she made about Republicans seeking a “great white hope.”

Jenkins was in Ottawa for a town hall meeting on health care and other issues when she responded to questions about the comment she made during a forum Aug. 19.

Jenkins said she was talking about the future of leadership in the Republican party and she was referring to “some bright lights and some hope” within the party.

‘‘Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope,’’ Jenkins said last week. ‘‘I suggest to any of you who are concerned about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican minds in Washington.’’

The phrase ‘‘great white hope’’ often is associated with pre-civil rights-era racism and is widely believed to have entered usage in the U.S. when boxer Jack Johnson, who was black, captured the heavyweight title in the early 20th century. Many whites reacted to Johnson’s achievement by trying to find white fighters — or a ‘‘great white hope’’ — who could beat him. The boxer’s story inspired a play, then a movie, with that title, both starring James Earl Jones.

Jenkins said she was not aware of the history of the quote.

She discussed the issue before the forum began at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Franklin Office County Annex. It was not brought up by Jenkins or anyone who asked questions during the public part of the forum.

See a recap of the forum online Friday afternoon at www.ottawaherald.com , and an extended version of the story in The Ottawa Herald’s Weekender edition available early Saturday.

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Rep. Jenkins clarifies "great white hope" remark

By The Herald Staff and the Associated Press

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.