The New Majority: houston's minority news reader

Tj Baker Holm says she will replace Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee as District 18 Rep: Is this Republican a crazy nut? Or is she crazy like a fox?

It's July 2007, so it's probably a good ideal for Tj Baker Holm to kick off her political campaign, as the Republican tries to unseat Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for the 18th U.S. Congressional seat in November, 2008. Ms. Baker Holm is an educator and single mother. She knows her battle will be an uphill one, but recent loses by old guard Democratic state office holders has the former opera singer hopeful.

By Paul Fitzgerald Bennett.

Bennett: You are an African American Republican running for elected office in a majority Democratic district against a popular Democratic Congresswoman. Are you crazy?
Baker Holm: I am a Republican with a Democratic heart. I'm not anti-Bush or Reagan. I have a little bit of Kennedy and Clinton in me. I'm in the middle. I don't vote a straight Republican ticket. I vote on issues.

Bennett: If you are a Republican with a Democratic heart, why should Democrats in the 18th vote for you? They already have a Democrat and one would assume Jackson-Lee's heart is also Democratic. Baker Holm: District 18 has been rezoned since last year. It's no longer that stereotypical poor, Black Democratic area. District 18 is now a conservative Democrat area/Republican. Because of being re-zoned we need a new leader because Sheila is more or less a straight Democrat.

Bennett: But why are you that leader? Why are you qualified to be a U.S. Congresswoman?

Baker Holm: The main requirement of a congressperson is to be 25 years of age. I'll be 40 later on this year. And to also be a U.S. citizen. It's not even required that you have a high school diploma. I will be a leader like Martin Luther King or Farrakhan. That's what we need.

Bennett: Like Farrakhan? You may make some of your conservative Republican constituents mad. Baker Holm: The point is to be heard. We need someone who doesn't just talk the talk but someone who can walk the walk.

Bennett: Talk about some of the political differences between you and Jackson-Lee.

Baker Holm: The big brother of District 18 is Craig Washington.

Bennett: He's someone Jackson-Lee beat.

Baker Holm: But did she beat him because she was the right candidate or did she beat him because she supported NASA. By the way - that money came out of District 18. Look, I support space technology, but take the money from somewhere else! And at the last minute she got money from Ken Lay and thereby votes were purchased and she's been bullying every since. I met with a lot of Black leaders in District 18 that will say their dislikes behind close doors. But they are scared to say it out in the public. It's funny how these men are scared of one woman. Let's just tell the truth and shame the devil. That is a negative power - for someone who has never birth a bill from start to finish. My opponent has done good things. I give her credit of being visible and speaking out. However, when I walk back on my block in District 18, I have not yet seen a major change! I mean come on. Even her Sign is bent. If she really was driving through District 18 - especially on Shepherd Drive - where one of her signs is bent - then she would know about her sign. And if the constituents of District 18 really adore her they would have told her, but they have not. That's why, I am running. I bet you I won't have a bent sign. Bennett: So you really think you can win on the Republican ticket?

Baker Holm: Yes. Because, I asked Craig Washington who is one of my mentors this question: should I run as a Democrat or as a Republican? And he told me 'it doesn't matter what train you ride in on, as long as you get there. Because you are from District 18, your heart and mind will help you to be an effective leader.'' Bennett: You are a single mother. You are a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and Texas Southern University. Talk about your personal background and how it has made you who you are?

Baker Holm: I understand about food stamps. I understand about waiting at Ben Taub Hospital; being sick and still not getting taken care of. I understand about needing neighborhood childcare and being on a waiting list for a year. I understand about being rejected for a home loan. I understand how hard it is to start up your own business and how to keep it going. I understand how many people in District 18 are affected by these issues. Because these are the same things which once affected me and in some cases still do.

Bennett: What's your platform? Baker Holm: We're concentrating our attention on health care for the elderly & better prescription plans, Social Security Veteran Issues Housing/Community, Development School Choice, (Today's) Affirmative Action, and independent wealth/supporting small business.

Bennett: District 18 is 44 percent African American…but the other 56 percent of the persons are non-Black. How will you serve them? Baker Holm: That's where the Republican part comes in at: the part that is not tied in to just Black causes and Black issues. I'm tied in to the sort of issues which affect all Americans.

Bennett: Who are some people that you admire?

Baker Holm: I was on the TSU Debate team. And everyone knows that Dr. Freeman has influenced so many people. Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland were on the TSU Debate team also. When I told him I was running for congress, he said "Well now that will be three. Am I good! Or am I good!" I asked Doc, "Should I be and sound like Barbara Jordan?" He said "You should sound like yourself! Be original!" And that's what I intend to be. Not only will I be an original, but I will also be a doer. For example I am overseeing a voter's registration movement. The tentative date is in October of this year. There will be politicians, pastors; the powers that be will also be there speaking to hopefully a crowd of 300 or more. This will not highlight any political parties or any religious groups. Because we're going to be having, Democrats, Republicans, Muslims, Catholics, Baptist and so forth all speaking on one accord. And that one accord is Black men need to vote. Once again, District 18 is 44% African Americans. Only 3% of Black men are voting. If the Black men in District 18 understand their votes are valued, it will change things in this upcoming election. Two things will happen. The incumbents will be removed and District 18 will start getting the respect like it's supposed to receive. You see how Representative Borris Miles, couldn't get no money for District 18 to help fight HIV. There's just no respect. I will bring respect to District 18. As Dr. Michael P. Williams - Pastor of Joy Tabernacle Church, said at an earlier fund-raising event: "Strange things have happen in these recent elections. Can't hardly say, who will win anymore."

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