What are the most important political issues for 2012?
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Targeted Jobs Programs - Melanie Campbell, president, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation says, "The African-American unemployment rate continues to slump at a dismal 15.5 percent, while the national employment rate has been falling as of late. If we’re carrying the brunt of the burden, why aren’t there solutions that focus on our plight directly? Full implementation of President Obama’s Jobs Bill would at least be a good start."\r(Photo: REUTERS/Joe Skipper)
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A Halt to Rising Foreclosures - Melanie Campbell says, "Studies show that African-Americans have suffered disproportionately from foreclosures due to racially discriminatory lending practices. It’s time we slow this downward slide.” \r(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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A Real Look at Poverty in America - Nadia Garnett, political consultant, Share Strength, said, “If you don't have a place to sleep or eat, then you aren't thinking about education or what type of job you have, you're just trying to eat."\r(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Photo By Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Increased Voter Participation - Mikael Moore, Chief of Staff, Rep. Maxine Watters (D-Calif.) said, "In 2008, African-Americans were 13 percent of the electorate, accounted for millions of new voters and propelled then-Sen. Obama to the presidency. Decreased participation could not only jeopardize the re-election of the president, but potentially diminish black political influence for the coming decades.”\rPhoto: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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More Education Options for Parents - \rCharles Chamberlayne, conservative policy analyst, says, "It’s imperative that African-American parents have the right to send their kids to schools with a track record for success. For far too long, their choices have been insufficient. It should be a priority that legislation be enacted that allows parents to send their kids to public charter, parochial and other private schools."\r(Photo: REUTERS/Adam Hunger)
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A Congress That Works Together To Solve Problems - Melanie Campbell says, "Gridlock is the new black in Washington, and some of the potential problems plaguing our community are hanging in the balance. Politics has taken precedent over people and that’s got to change."\r(Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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