Seeking big election turnout from black voters, Obama rallies support from black lawmakers

Obama rallies black support at lawmakers’ dinner

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama wants black voters to turn out in force this fall, even though there are nagging doubts about his commitment and two prominent black lawmakers are facing ethics trials.

The president is making a short trip from the White House to Washington’s convention center for a speech Saturday night to the Congressional Black Caucus.

The group has supported Obama’s stimulus plan, health care legislation and other agenda items. But caucus members want more help for struggling black families.

Two of the best-known members of the caucus — Democratic Reps. Charles Rangel of New York and Maxine Waters of California — face trial on ethics charges. The trials probably won’t begin until after the November election.