Former Governor Doug Wilder, now Richmond Mayor to Endorse Jim Webb for Senate

Post Press Conference Update: I did not take too many notes, and I am sure others will do a better job on a recap later today. But, here is my input:

AWESOME Press Conference. Wilder is VERY enthused about Jim Webb and what he can do for Virginians and Americans across the board. Many questions were asked, and this did not seem like a run of the mill endorsement at all. Wilder still respects George Allen and remains his friend, but emphasized that he could not endorse someone who supports this war and does not support growth around the state and country for those who need it most. He stressed that the current administration works to help 1% of Americans, and he knows Jim Webb will work for ALL Virginians and Americans once he is Senator. He thinks Jim Webb will win. He called George Allen this morning to tell him about his plan to endorse Jim Webb. He brought up the fact that even John Warner has apprehensions about our progress in Iraq, and that that in itself is very telling. While he appreciates George Allen's latest new stance on Iraq, he does not feel it is strong enough to help us move forward in getting us out of the mess "those in power NOW" (which, obviously includes George Allen) have gotten us into re: Iraq. He also said that America is ready for a change, and so is he. He does not want to see absolute power for the next 2 years, and he proudly endorses Jim Webb, will campaign with him and for him, and he will cut a commercial if asked and if time permits.

This is a great endorsement for Jim Webb, NOT George Allen, for Senate. Mayor Doug Wilder of Richmond, VA, is the first (and, to date, the only) African American to have been elected governor of a U.S. state, serving as Governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1994. From Wikipedia, a little bit on Doug Wilder:

Wilder was born in Richmond, Virginia. The grandson of slaves, he was named after poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and abolitionist, speaker and author Frederick Douglass. He attended racially segregated George Mason Elementary School and Armstrong High School, going on to Virginia Union University, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1951. Wilder then served in the Korean conflict, earning a Bronze Star. After his service, he attended Howard University School of Law under the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1959 and co-founding the law firm Wilder, Gregory, and Associates.

Wilder began his career in public office after winning a 1969 special election to the Senate of Virginia, becoming the first African American state Senator from Virginia since Reconstruction. In 1985, still holding office in the state Senate, he was narrowly elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on a Democratic ticket under then-Attorney General Gerald Baliles. Upon his election, Wilder became the first African American elected to statewide executive office in the South in the twentieth century.

Ascending from the office of Lieutenant Governor, Wilder was elected to succeed Baliles on November 8, 1989, defeating Republican Marshall Coleman by a spread of less than half a percent. The closeness of the margin prompted a recount, which certified Wilder's victory, and he was sworn in on January 13, 1990. In recognition of his landmark achievement, the NAACP awarded Wilder the Spingarn Medal for 1990.

George Allen and his supporters can cry sour grapes and "Who cares?!?" all they want...but the truth is, they would have loved for Wilder to endorse George Allen. Why? Wilder is an independent and frequently sits out of endorsements altogether or waits until the day before the election, which provides minimal impact. This is sure to be followed tomorrow with a huge spread and probable endorsement by The Richmond Free Press, Virginia's leading African American newspaper. Additionally, Jim Webb, NOT George Allen, is scheduled to be making the rounds here in Richmond over the weekend. At this point, it's GOTV efforts and the final push of candidate recognition that will win this race for either Jim Webb or George Allen. It's a statistical dead heat, but I have a good feeling.

Oh, George Allen, woe is you. Jim Webb has had a HUGE week so far, and it's only Wednesday. Two weeks out, pholks, and things are looking good. :)

Pic courtesy of Perseverando