U, alum runs for Tenn. Congressional seat

Attempting to turn his vision into reality, 25-year-old University graduate Harold Ford Jr. has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives from the ninth district of Tennessee. Ford's father, Rep. Harold Ford Sr., a Democrat, is the current congressional representative for the district. Ford Sr. will not seek reelection in November. "My father built on a tall legacy," the younger Ford said. "I want to make it even taller." The younger Ford graduated from the University with a degree in American History in 1992. Ford said he is running on a traditional Democratic platform with an emphasis on decreasing crime, improving education and stimulating job development and economic growth. Ford, who will graduate from the University of Michigan Law School this May, explained that he has attempted to shape the issues he is addressing around the concerns he hears from his district's voters. The elder Ford said he is extremely impressed with the success of his son's campaign. "As a father I am proud but even more so as a constituent," he added. "He is very issue-oriented and can connect with people.? This is his strength in the campaign and what people are waiting for." The Democratic primary in Memphis will be held in early August. Ford is currently running unchallenged. But his father said Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton is speaking publicly against the young Ford's campaign and encouraging someone to run against him. This criticism, according to Ford Sr., implies that his son is young and therefore inexperienced. He added that despite the controversy Herenton has sparked, his son is ahead in the polls. "It is a legitimate question to raise about age and experience," Ford Jr. said. "However, whether you are 25 or 55, you are a freshman when you go to Congress." Ford emphasized the accomplishments of great young leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr., former President John Kennedy and Vice President Al Gore. "I am sure there were those who told them all that they were too young and inexperienced," Ford said. "Thank God they didn't listen and neither did the people." As an undergraduate at the University, Ford's impact on the institution was well-known. During the 1992 Ivy Day ceremony, Ford received the Spoon Award, which is the highest male senior honor award given for contributions to the University community. In addition, Ford was one of the initial founders of The Vision, the University's monthly African American newspaper. "It was clear that Harold had well-developed leadership qualities when he was an undergraduate here," English Professor Herman Beavers said. "He was good at formulating a vision and making it happen." History Professor Mary Frances Berry voiced a similar opinion. "I think it's a wonderful idea that Harold is running for his father's seat," Berry said. "He was a student of mine, and I always saw wonderful leadership qualities in him." Ford is anticipating a victory in both the primary and in the November general election, especially noting the support he has received from his connections at the University. And Ford still remembers his time in Philadelphia fondly. "I miss Billybob's," Ford said. "There's just nothing like it in Ann Arbor."