Racism as a Factor in the 1989 Gubernatorial Election of Doug Wilder

An examination of the election of Doug Wilder, first black candidate to win highest office in Virginia. Despite a sizeable lead in the polls, his razor-thin victory over his Republican opponent was unusually poor, close enough to merit a recount. This monograph demonstrates that the underlying cause of this shortfall was racism. In addition, the book concludes by articulating some of the lessons that this election provides for black candidates who run in white majority constituencies.