The entire front page of this week's Shreveport Sun newspaper features a picture of Shreveport Mayor Perkins and 15 African American ministers with the headline "Shreveport Pastors Endorse Shreveport Mayor Perkins."
The ministers are Shreveport councilman James Green, Bruce Carroll, Dennis Everett, Theron Jackson, Roy King, Alford Ladell, Joseph Lindsey, Jeffery Marshall, Melvin Porter, Alejandro Smith, Billy Target, OD Walker, Reginald Reid, McLennan Winbush, and Joe Gant.
Presumably the churches of these ministers have been recognized as tax-exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
One of the primary limitations of these organizations is non-involvement in political activities. Thus the endorsements may result in a revocation of this tax-exempt statues.
Reportedly the IRS has notified of these printed endorsements in The Sun.
In past campaigns many African American ministers received "love offerings" as a result of political endorsements from the pulpit. Since many of these churches are virtual kingdoms of the ministers, this tactic is often difficult to unravel.
There is a very good likelihood that the endorsements will not result in a Perkins' victory.
Thus these "men of God" may not only be dealing with the IRS but also a mayor with a memory that will not only adverse affect them personally but their congregations as well.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.