Keith Butler: Could He Be The One?
Written by Mark Harris on May 15th, 2005
Rev. Keith Butler, founder of the major nondenominational church, World of Faith Internation Christian Center Church in Detroit. He won a race for City Council making him the first Republican to win a City Council seat in Detroit for several decades. Butler has entered into the race to run against Debbie Stabenow for US Senate. he had been seen as an also-ran for the most part, but that all changed with the endorsement of the sitting Republican Attorney-General.
Could Keith Butler be the one to break through the barrier and become the first Black Republican Senator since 1979? It is a possibility, if Keith Butler can seriously break off enough votes out of Detroit then Stabenow, already unpopular, would have a tough time winning re-election. In fact, Butler’s most uphill battle may come in just winning the GOP nomination. Either way, Butler’s religious based political activism may set the model for future GOP outreach to the black community. Most evangelical African Americans take political stands much more closely aligned with the Republican Party as opposed to the Democrats, and if the Democrats continue to wander off into militant secularism look for this to be the begining of the shift of atleast some of the black community back to the GOP.
15
PM
Looking back at history, it’s always seemed to me that evangelicals and the black community ought to walk hand in hand. They were, after all, among the strongest advocates for abolition and for civil rights. (To the extent that their passions for the same goal may sometimes overrun the banks of Constitutional checks.)
15
PM
Check this out, Bill Kelly for CRNC Treasurer http://elhsgop.com/
15
PM
butler has a huge chance at a pickup, he is a dynamic speaker and since he can mobilize detroit churches to his cause will mop the floor with stabenaw.
16
AM
You think Ann Arbor, Flint, and Saginaw are going to vote for him? No, they are not. The unions aren’t gonna let this guy win. I am not calling this one yet, but this is not a case of “he is black, Detroit is black, so we win”. If Michigan elects this guy to the Senate then it will mean that they are ready to rejoin the free-thinking peoples of America.
17
AM
If Lt. Gov Steele from Maryland tosses his hat into the ring for US Senate *fingers crossed*, then there could be a possibility of having 2 black conservative Republican Senators. Take that Obama-Osama.
17
AM
I think we have a better shot with Steele. I don’t think the establishment would give butler the financial support he needs to beat an incumbent.
17
AM
who cares about the establishment, he’s already been invited to other states to speak. He will get tons of outside money, plus he is from oakland county which is super rich and will give him tons of money because they hate polititians from the rest of the state.
He doesnt have to win many extra votes, Bush only lost by 1% in MI. Heck his churches alone are like 60,000 people, that alone is almost enough to make the difference.
17
PM
I would have to agree that Steele is a better shot, however I think that Butler gives the GOP and moral conservatives an incredible opportunity. To pick up a US Senate seat in MI would be an incredible feat. To pick up MD, MI and FL is 3 more votes to 60. Maybe then we can really cut spending, get real conservatives on the bench and create a culture of personal responsibility rather than entitlement. MI needs Butler, as does our country.
10
AM
Here’s one more to take a look at. If you want a “real deal” grassroots campaign to follow, then this is the one.
10
AM
http://www.jerryzandstra.com
2
AM
It’s interesting to read everyone’s comments on this topic. Just a note, the website for Keith Butler’s campaign has more information on his views and a video of his announcement, check out http://www.keithabutler.com
6
PM
Butler has a private Jet and travels with body guards? My question is how does a minister of a church afforad a private jet. Something fishy??
10
AM
Thanks for your site!
10
AM
Hi, I really apreciated this website! Thanks
22
AM
nice site, very informative, well designed, easy to use … what can i say ? i love it
24
AM
I’d just like to thank you for taking the time to create this internet website. It has been extremely helpful
26
PM
I don’t think it is healthy to condemn someone for having a jet plane. Still the body guard thing speaks to Keith Butlers image problem. I wish he would have foused on a congressional run. He would have be powerful as a rep. He lacks the international and Macro economic thiniking that someone like Zandstra has. The Senate is for the big boys, not the flashy type. Butler could win 50% at best of the GOP vote but will not generate more than a 35-40% in the general election. I think he i the right man going for the wrong job.