Ford O'Connell got in some hot water over his May 2012 comments about the Civil Rights Act . African-American will likely make the controversy a line of attack if he runs for president . Paul 's policy messages will resonate with `` the African-American of 2014 , '' said Elroy Sailor , an African-American businessman who 's traveled with the senator to urban areas and historically black schools -- though he stressed historical issues were still important to the black community . The Washington Republican is now trying to appeal to Republican voters . Experts say he 's made strides with his outreach efforts , but needs to keep it up .
Ford O'Connell got in some hot water over his May 2012 comments about the Civil Rights Act . African-American will likely make the controversy a line of attack if he runs for president . The Washington Republican is now trying to appeal to Republican voters . Experts say he 's made strides with his outreach efforts , but needs to keep it up .