Doug Wilder Retiring?

By: code
Published On: 5/16/2008 8:58:05 PM

Doug Wilder announced today that he won't seek a second term as Mayor of Richmond. At 77, that likely signals his retirement. With a major lack of support recently in Richmond, how will he be remembered - embattled mayor or historic governor?

From WTOP: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=1...


RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - L. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first elected black governor, announced Friday that he would not seek re-election as Richmond's mayor, likely bringing his storied political career to a close.

The 77-year-old grandson of slaves announced his plans to retire during a meeting with Richmond city department directors, then issued a news release. He didn't disclose his future plans.

"I've done everything you can do," Wilder said in a brief, televised comment. He declined requests for interviews.


Comments



Historic Governor (Chris Guy - 5/16/2008 11:23:44 PM)
A lot of people don't even think of him as a mayor even now. Some don't even realize he is Mayor of Richmond.


Maybe there's a silver lining here... (The Grey Havens - 5/16/2008 11:59:25 PM)
Looks like Wilder won't be very busy this Fall.  He'll have lots of time on his hands to help deliver Virgina for Obama.


Wilder's senseless fight with Robb (martin lomasney - 5/17/2008 1:34:09 AM)
his narcissistic flirtation with various Republican candidates seeking his endorsement; his affair with Pat Kluge; his gubernatorial record that made no lasting impact on the Commonwealth; his lack of coattails in the General Assembly elections; his lack of party building.

History may judge differently but at this point he appears to be an historic anomaly and footnote, good for my kids to win a bar bet when no one will remember the name of the first black governor in the U.S.