Meeks courts gay voters
By Abdon M. Pallasch Political Reporterapallasch@suntimes.com
Mayoral candidate James Meeks tried some outreach to Chicago’s gay community Wednesday, bringing his “50 wards in 50 days” tour to Ann Sather’s restaurant in Lake View.
“I’m reaching out today,” Meeks said outside the restaurant, which is owned by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), the City Council’s first openly gay alderman.
Tunney, who has criticized Meeks’ vote last week against a state bill legalizing civil unions for gays, was not at the restaurant to greet Meeks Wednesday.
Meeks is a state senator and pastor of the Salem Baptist Church.
“I wouldn’t vote for him for dog-catcher,” retired pharmacist Frank Nussbaum said as Meeks walked into the restaurant. “He’s a homophobe. He’s a religious crazy, I think. We don’t need someone like that. He’s got a big nerve coming here.”
Meeks walked around the restaurant shaking hands and getting a friendly reception from the patrons.
“We’ve been reading about him. I don’t know who I’m voting for, but he made a good impression,” Bill Tompsett, 61, said after Meeks left his table.
Finally, Meeks approached Nussbaum.
“Can I ask you why you voted against civil unions?” Nussbaum asked.
“I believe in the sanctity of marriage,” Meeks said. “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.”
“I disagree with you, and I respect you,” Nussbaum said. “Sanctity — that’s a religious term. It has nothing to do with a civil union. You’re in a restaurant owned by a gay man.”
Nussbaum, who said he was “doubly blessed” being both gay and Jewish, asked Meeks what his relationship was with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Meeks said Farrakhan had no role in his campaign.
Nussbaum shook Meeks’ hand again, and as he left the table, Nussbaum said to his partner, “He seemed nice.”
At one point Nussbaum told Meeks, “I could be convinced to vote for you, but I doubt it.”
University of Chicago student Alexandra Lee, 18, said Meeks made a favorable impression on her and she would consider voting for him.
Tunney arrived at the restaurant about 20 minutes after Meeks left, explaining he had a City Council meeting, then an emergency meeting with the Fire Department at a school in his ward that delayed him.
“I don’t mind his outreach,” Tunney said of Meeks. “[Mayoral candidate] Gery Chico has been here. It’s important to me to make sure my doors are open to everyone here.”
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