Tinker explains her position to these inquisitive men who came to the Juneteenth Freedom Festival for food, fun, and “politics.”

“We really just got started [campaigning],” said Tinker, who ran for the seat in the 2006 Democratic primary and finished second amid a crowded field of contenders. “I ran that year because it’s time for a change, and that’s what I’m running on in this election.”

After losing the contentious 2006 race, political observers predicted Tinker would return for a second go-round for the coveted seat that former Cong. Harold Ford Jr. vacated for a Senate run that year.

This time, Tinker is bringing back the same message of change, a slogan Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has used to catapult himself as the Democratic presidential nominee-in-waiting.

“I do compare myself to Barack,” said Tinker, general counsel for Pinnacle Airlines. “We are saying it’s time for a change. We’re fed up with the same old guard doing the same old political politics.”

Riding the crest of change, Tinker pointed to her support from ministers, public officials and the younger generation who’ve embraced her candidacy.  She said they too are tired of the status quo.

Atty. Nikki Tinker • Age: 37 • Birthplace: Birmingham, Ala. • Occupation: General Counsel and Vice President of Labor Relations, Northwest Airlink/Pinnacle Airlines • Political Experience: Campaign Manager for former Congressman Harold E. Ford Jr.; Interned for Congressman Tom Bevill (D-Ala.); Has worked on numerous political campaigns • Education: University of Alabama School of Law, Juris Doctor. (First African-American President of Student Body); Auburn University, Masters of Science; University of Alabama, Bachelor of Arts • Family: Single   • Quote: “It’s not about politics to me. But I would set a precedent as the first woman (from the 9th District)  ever elected to a federal office from the state of Tennessee.”

“I don’t think going to Washington to cast votes is the complete job (of a congressman),” said Tinker, 37, taking a dig at the incumbent. “It’s 50 percent of it. The other 50 percent is working right here in Memphis.”

If elected, Tinker said she’d focus on constituency service in a non-traditional sense. “I want to take the congressional office out of the Federal Building and into the community,” she offered. “I want to establish a satellite office.”

Tinker said she and her staff would be visible in the community and promised accountability, a promise she first made in 2006. “I’m making it again,” she said. “I want people to know how committed I am to the community.”

Though Tinker didn’t grow up in the 9th district and has never held elected office, she said, “I’ve done more in my adult life in Memphis than some of those who are in office.”

The issues of residency and inexperience surfaced in her first congressional bid.

“The voters didn’t think it was important,” she said. “I had been here less time in 2006 and came in second place. So add two more years. I don’t think it matters to them.”

Education, jobs and economic empowerment, Tinker pointed out, matter most when young people want a chance to be heard and an opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

One Sunday, she said, a young girl stopped her during church services to vent her fear of opportunity and dismal outlook on life.  Tinker said she felt she “knew” the girl and others like her in the district.

At the Tinker for Congress headquarters in Whitehaven, the candidate strategizes with Teshell Jackson, 11,  Liesa Baldwin, 13, and Harrison Williams, Tinker’s 11-year-old campaign manager, while campaign manager Kimberly Jones is busy at work. (Photos by Wiley Henry)

“The little girl said to me, ‘Ms. Tinker, my mother is a prostitute and she’s on drugs. I don’t know who my father is. I live with my grandmother and she’s elderly. But I want to go to college.’”

Taken aback by the girl’s story, Tinker recalled telling her she’ll get to college if she works hard and plays by the rules. “I’m concerned where our children will be 20 years from now,” she said.

Running like a thoroughbred

At Tinker’s campaign headquarters at 4230 Elvis Presley Blvd., an Obama for President sign is mounted to the front door while other Obama paraphernalia are displayed alongside Tinker signs.

Since Obama is defying the skeptics who doubt that an African-American presidential candidate can ascend to the highest office in the United States, Tinker is hoping the wave of enthusiasm that Obama is riding will somehow lift her to victory on Aug. 7.    

“It’s not about politics to me. But I would set a precedent as the first woman (from the 9th District) ever elected to a federal office from the state of Tennessee,” said Tinker. “And I’d be the first Democratic woman, or minority, ever elected from Tennessee, and the youngest African-American in Congress.”

It’s difficult for young girls to get exposed to politics like young African-American boys, said Tinker. But the lone female candidate in the primary contest said she’s going to run her congressional race like a thoroughbred. She said this was her pastor’s advice.

“What that means is, thoroughbreds run with blinders on,” explained Tinker, choosing not to focus on her opponents. “They don’t see the horses in the left lane and the horses in the right lane.  They just run as hard as they can to the finish line.”

What she’s hoping to do is convince voters that she has the “experience” and the wherewithal to represent the 9th district. “I’m trying to create generational wealth … by qualifying people to move into jobs and creating triangular relationships between schools, businesses and family,” Tinker said.

“I’m working hard, and hopefully my children will have it better than me. That should be a mantra of every house in this country particularly in Memphis.”