Story From Associated Press MCJ Online Edition Date 05-05-04

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson came to Philadelphia yesterday to address the National Conference of Black Mayors; one day after U.S. Sen. John Kerry spoke to the group.

Jackson offered some advice for the presumptive Democratic nominee for president-think about picking an African American for vice president.

Jackson rattled off the names of African Americans who have risen through the political ranks with Republican support-Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.

"Fight for a place on the ticket," Jackson told about a thousand people at the group's convention. "Even if we lose, it's the right fight to fight. Don't let our children think it ain't possible, you know?"

Asked later whom he had in mind, Jackson said, "There are a number of people qualified. They must be part of the search. We have congressional political leaders. We have military leaders."

Jackson said it would be inappropriate to suggest specific names in public.

Asked if he wanted the job, he added, "I have never been asked and I have never pursued it."

Jackson's son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., this week also expressed concerns about what he saw as a lack of diversity in Kerry's campaign.

The Kerry camp responded by saying it has a diverse campaign that is still growing.

Jackson started his day in Philadelphia by getting a haircut at the Wooded Barber Shop, in Wynnefield, where he met with local organizers for the May 9 Million Moms March in Washing-ton, D.C. The group opposes gun violence.

Jackson is urging the Congress to renew the federal 10-year ban on assault weapons, due to expire in September.

"These assault weapons have no socially useful value. You don't hunt rabbit or deer with them. You only kill people," Jackson told admirers at the barbershop.

"Given the number of people killed in the streets of Philadelphia alone, it should arouse people to come to Washington on May 9th in big numbers to say no to these weapons."

President Bush has said he would sign legislation extending the ban if it is passed by Congress. That disappoints many in the politically powerful National Rifle Association, which is backing him for re-election.

Jackson questioned the Bush administration for waging a "war of choice" in Iraq against terrorism if it does not fight to extend the assault weapons ban at home. He suggested that homeland security efforts after 9/11 have focused on possible terrorist attacks - with one serious gap.

"We're prepared for them to strike by air," Jackson said. "But if we let AK-47s and Uzis back on the streets, what is to stop them from buying a hundred semi-automatic weapons and going outside 10 major league ballparks on Sunday morning and just start shooting? There is no defense against that."

(Story from Associated Press)

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