Mayor Herenton Congress Run Likely

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - After weeks of playing cat and mouse with reporters, Memphis Mayor, Willie Herenton, was ready to return to center-stage. To at least talk about possibly assuming a lead role in a yet unscripted project with a working title of "Mr. Herenton Goes to Washington."

In a downtown interview Herenton admitted, "While there's still a lot that remains to be done being Mayor, I could get a great deal of energy and enthusiasm by probably doing something different."

At an age when most men ponder the "golden years" of retirement that lie ahead, it only took a plane trip to the nation's capitol three weeks ago, to convince the 69-year old Herenton that new horizons didn't have to be viewed from a front porch swing. Herenton says, while attending a national meeting of urban mayors and school superintendents in D.C., he sensed what could be a "second calling" based on his experience.

A confident Herenton asserts, "What I can bring to bear is a connection between urban policies and urban realities."

But, while we're on the subject of realities, what about the small fact Herenton still has years left as Mayor on his record fifth term? Herenton believes he might be able to actually do more for Memphis if every day he worked his executive management style a couple of hundred miles FROM the Bluff City.

Herenton espouses, "At this point in my life and all the experiences that I've had, what can I do to help elevate Memphis more. That's what it's all about."

However, the Mayor was also clear on what a possible challenge to unseat 9th District Congressman, Steve Cohen, next year wouldn't be about...as in this isn't an exercise in wielding power or ego-boosting for him.

Herenton says to skeptics, "If I wanted to be a power guy or leave a legacy, like Boss Crump, I'd stay right here in Memphis. Being a Mayor of an urban city has much more political clout than going to Washington. So, when people describe me as power hungry they don't know me. Mine is all about service."

But, for a guy who once gave a self-description of being "six foot six, tall, dark and handsome", Herenton admits keeping that Dorian Grey facade might be aided by a new tonic - not Geritol, but enthusiasm.

Herenton concludes, "I feel great and I think the energy level...the passion. Enthusiasm to make sense out of a lot of things that are taking place in Washington kind of excites me. You know everybody needs to be rejuvenated."