Cox Reacts To Smiley Rant On 'top Tier" Republicans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Laura Grock/Martin Janis & Co.
(312) 943-1106

October 3, 2007

Cox Campaign Issues Statement on Black America

(CHICAGO) - The following is Republican Presidential candidate John Cox's reaction to Tavis Smiley's rant on "Top Tier" Republican presidential candidates that happened over the weekend:

"PBS host Tavis Smiley was all over the airwaves this weekend, ripping the 'top tier' Republican candidates for dodging his 'debate' at Maryland's Morgan State University. I share his outrage in one respect - the media's 'top tier' candidates are afraid to face questions and make their case to a potentially unfriendly audience. I believe, as he does, that these media "favorites" didn't make the time to make their case yet again."

"What is equally or even more unfortunate is that the message did not get through from the six candidates who did show for the event. Maybe that is the media's fault - after all, few in the media agree with conservatives. Maybe it was because the candidates there didn't make a compelling enough case. I wasn't invited and you can bet that if I was, I would have made a good case for blacks to support Republicans."

"I would have made the case because I grew up within a black community and understand the issues important to black Americans. I won't claim identity because that would be ludicrous (recall Bill Clinton saying he was the first black president). However, I grew up on the south side of Chicago, in Barack Obama's old state senate district. My mom was a librarian in all black schools on the south side and I spent a lot of time with her, helping to tutor students in reading. While Barack Obama went to private schools and got scholarships, I went to public schools and I worked my way through a large urban university and law school on my own steam."

"I'm not complaining - only pointing out that education greatly impacts future success. And it is that emphasis that I would have brought to the debate. Black America will never truly achieve equality until they throw off the shackles of a government-provided educational monopoly and demand quality, efficient schools to help them climb the ladder of success."

"I was lucky. Despite the fact I attended those same public schools, I had a strong mother who was a teacher. She instilled in me and my siblings the value of hard work and educational excellence as a key to success. Not all kids are this lucky. Many grow up with single moms - I did as well - but that has become a convenient excuse for many. What is even more important is the emphasis on educational achievement to becoming a success in life."

"Breaking this monopoly - giving all parents the choice of a quality competitive education for their children, making results and achievement the lodestar of our schools - this will break the cycle of poverty and underachievement faster than national health care, government jobs or abortion on demand."

"So here is my message for black America: stop being taken for granted; stop taking handouts and demand a hand up; stop handing power to career politicians who tell you what they think you want to hear and then hand power to the teachers union leaders who finance their campaigns. Only then will you achieve the American Dream - a dream that should be open to all."

If you are interested in interviewing John Cox or having him on as a guest commentator on this issue, please call Laura Grock at (312) 943-1106.

ABOUT JOHN COX

John H. Cox, 52, is the first announced Republican candidate for President in 2008. A self-made millionaire businessman and attorney, Cox made his fortune running successful companies in real estate, law, and venture capital. He helped turn around major potato chip manufacturer, Jays Foods, saving hundreds of jobs and turning millions of dollars in loss into profit. He served on the steering committee for Jack Kemp for President and on the boards of charitable organizations, such as the USO. He is a former president of the Cook County Republican Party in Illinois.

###