"I knew that there were several, among African-American leaders, who had been put out by me because of my failure or reluctance to endorse Sen. Kerry"

This quote by Rodney Alexander suggests that he had actually failed to endorse Senator John Kerry during his 2004 presidential campaign, and that this choice had actually triggered some African-American leaders to be displeased with him. This could be analyzed as Alexander not wanting to be viewed as a political pawn, or as him not wishing to be seen as supporting a candidate he did not think in. It could likewise be interpreted as Alexander not wanting to be seen as taking sides in a political battle, or as him not wanting to be viewed as supporting a prospect who did not have the very best interests of African-Americans in mind. Whatever the factor, it is clear that Alexander's choice not to back Senator Kerry had effects, and that it triggered some African-American leaders to be displeased with him.