Black Politicians Are Dropping Like Flies, Is NY Governor David Paterson Next!The titilating text message controversy surrounding the self proclaimed "Hip Hop" Mayor has deadlocked the Motor City and could spill over to presidential politics and the issue of how the Democratic Party handles Michigan delegates still being contested by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
The eight-count criminal indictment against the African-American pol, whose momma Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick currently sits in Congress, was announced by Worthy, Wayne County's top elected prosecutor. Given that the case involves six alleged felonies carrying a prison term of more than 15 years if Kilpatrick is convicted, expect the calls for da mayor to start getting louder and louder.
Once seen as a rising star in his party, the brotha is trying to cling to power, including rallying supporters for a prayer vigil this week. It's time, however, that Kwame see the writing on the wall and step down.
Just like Christine Beatty did last month. Remember:
Dear Mayor Kilpatrick,
I would first like to thank you and the citizens of Detroit for the opportunity to have worked for the city that I love so much over the past six years.
Serving as Chief of Staff for the Kilpatrick administration since 2002 has been an honor and a privilege. I was born and raised in Detroit and my childhood goal was always to serve my city. I came back home after college to do just that. Serving our citizens and helping to transform Detroit into an even greater city is what I've been dedicated to everyday since January 2002.
As Chief of Staff, I managed key city departments in such areas as human services and labor relations as well as administering the day to day operation of the Mayor's office. I've served the administration and Detroit citizens with diligence, strength and perseverance and I hope that my efforts will one day show through above all else.
In spite of this, however, I believe that it is clear I can no longer effectively carry out the duties of Chief of Staff. Therefore, this letter serves as my resignation effective, February 8, 2008 to allow for an orderly transition of my duties with the new chief of staff. I painfully regret the devastation that the recent reports have caused to the citizens of Detroit, to my coworkers, to the Mayor's family and to my family and friends.
Again, I thank you and the citizens of Detroit for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Christine L. Beatty
Some notable times in Beatty's life
• 1988: Graduates from Cass Tech High School with Kwame Kilpatrick. She is voted most-popular student. She later graduates from Howard University and earns a master's degree in social work at Wayne State University.
• 1996: Manages Kilpatrick's successful run for the state House; serves as a top aide in Lansing.
• 2002: Joins the Kilpatrick mayoral cabinet; gains a reputation as being tough and blunt, overseeing several city departments as well as the mayor's office, and negotiating labor contracts. Until the appointment of Deputy Mayor Anthony Adams, Beatty often acted in Kilpatrick's stead when he was out of town.
• 2004: Reportedly demands "Do you know who the (expletive) I am" when stopped by police for speeding in a city car. She calls Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings on her cell phone.
• 2004: Receives a $12,000 grant for a Rosedale Park home loan through a program designed to help low- and moderate-income applicants.
• 2007: Denies under oath that she and Kilpatrick had an affair.
• Thursday: Declines comment after Free Press reveals her text messages showing an intimate relationship with Kilpatrick and discussing the firing of a deputy police chief; the messages contradict their sworn statements.
• Monday: Resigns effective Feb. 8, writing that she can no longer be effective. [Source]
CNN's got additional details.