Longtime member of Ga. Legislature dies

ATLANTA - Billy McKinney, a longtime member of the Georgia Legislature and father of former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, has died at the age of 83.

McKinney died Thursday, his wife, Leola, confirmed.

McKinney, who was one of Atlanta's first black police officers, served in the legislature for 30 years and was one of its earliest black members.

McKinney lost his legislative seat in 2002, the same year his daughter lost her congressional seat to Denise Majette.

Billy McKinney, known for making controversial remarks, said Jews were responsible for her tough primary battle that year. Majette had received substantial contributions from Jewish groups.

Cynthia McKinney regained her congressional seat two years later and served one more term.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/7/230793