U. S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, who fought against metastatic racism for six decades, today lost his biggest battle — pancreatic cancer.
[You can read more on Hastings’ passing HERE may require subscription]
His departure from politics will change South Florida politics for many years. His replacement will immediately be a major Broward leader, the most politically powerful and visible figure in the booming black community.
Who will it be?
No doubt whoever fills Hastings’ seat will be the same dependable liberal vote. Hastings represented the heavily black Broward and Palm Beach Congressional District 20. A tribute to gerrymandering, it winds from the small communities around Lake Okeechobee through Palm Beach and Broward’s inner cities.
An African American originally from Central Florida, Hastings in recent years built an alliance with the Caribbean-American community growing in his district.
Yet it will take potential successors years to build the gravitas, the spell-binding speaking style, and rapier wit of Hastings.
Among the names being mentioned to replace Hastings are Dale Holness, Barbara Shariff, Perry Thurston Jr. and Chris Smith. Shariff launched a campaign for Congress months ago.
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