Black Caucus says it may let Campfield in as honorary member

Black Caucus says it may let Campfield in as honorary member

October 3, 2005

NASHVILLE (WATE/AP) -- The leader of the Black Legislative Caucus says the group may admit state Rep. Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville), who is white, as an honorary member.

But Campfield says he doesn't want to be an honorary member and reiterated that he believes the group's bylaws are racist.

Campfield asked last month if he could join the caucus. He was denied, and then criticized the group for its policies.

The Black Caucus chairman, Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-Bolivar), now says he would consider letting Campfield in to the caucus as an honorary member, subject to the vote of the full group.

Shaw also thinks it would be appropriate for Campfield to apologize in person to his group.

Rep. Joe Armstrong (D-Knoxville) says Campfield should have been more careful with his words.

"People from all across the county are hearing about a legislator from Knoxville using comparisons of the KKK and a legislative body. That is just impardonable," Armstrong said.

Armstrong has been a member of the Black Caucus for nine terms and says he didn't realize Campfield was interested in joining the committee until it was brought up in the media.

"Public apology is in line," Armstrong said. "If this is what he didn't mean, then he needs to come out and make it clear. Quit beating around the bush."

Campfield has been updating his blog for his supporters and critics to read. 6 News spoke with him on the phone from Nashville.

"I'm not going to drop it and run away, that's not my nature," he said. "But I do hope they will change their bylaws, their discriminatory bylaws. I think that would be a great step."

Campfield says in no way does he support the KKK or have specific familiarity with its bylaws.

He added he was shocked that the Nashville branch of the NAACP was asking for his resignation and he wants to get this resolved as quickly as possible.

"I think we need to tear down that wall and come together and be able to work together towards common goals," Campfield said, "and that to me is what we really need to do."

6 News reporter Danielle Banks and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Portions of this reprot copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.