Obama on MLK Day

Chicago Sun-Times recorded Sen. Barack Obama's speech at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey.

Daily Southtown (Guy Tridgell):

Obama said money sent to rebuild Iraq should be spent to rebuild Harvey, the one-time murder capital of the south suburbs and a town besieged by accusations of police corruption and political cronyism.

Mayor Eric Kellogg sat in the audience while Obama spoke, keeping a respectful distance. Obama, while not specifically mentioning the mayor, said politicians in office for personal gain are not adhering to King's message.

"There are a lot things Harvey needs," Obama said. "Some folks here in city hall think that maybe the office that they possess is because they are so special, it is supposed to be a place where they can help their family and their friends."