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Atlanta May Elect 1st White Mayor in 36 Years

Frontrunner Mary Norwood vows to fix the city's accounting mess

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 9:43 AM CST
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(Newser) – A simple focus on accounting is poised to radically—read: racially—change the politics of Atlanta . In a majority-black city that hasn’t had a white mayor in 36 years, a Caucasian city councilwoman from a tony neighborhood has a commanding lead in the polls. Mary Norwood has promised to clean up Atlanta ’s notoriously bad books, and that goal appears to cross racial lines. “Citizens are looking at who they believe can lead the city forward,” a state pol tells the Los Angeles Times, “rather than their skin tone.”

Norwood has polled 45% overall in the city, and 34% with black voters. This is particularly surprising since her nearest opponent, who’s polling at 25% overall, has endorsements from Atlanta ’s civil rights establishment and is Mayor Shirley Franklin’s former campaign manager. Franklin hasn’t endorsed anyone, but is explicit in her opposition to Norwood , who she says lacks “vision, integrity, and intelligence.” In a city frustrated by its government, perhaps that non-endorsement is the best endorsement of all.

City of Atlanta mayoral candidate Mary Norwood.
City of Atlanta mayoral candidate Mary Norwood.   (AP Photo)
City of Atlanta mayoral candidates Mary Norwood, second from left, is surrounded by a field of black candidates before a debate.
City of Atlanta mayoral candidates Mary Norwood, second from left, is surrounded by a field of black candidates before a debate.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 19 comments
Shannonals
Nov 5, 2009 2:32 AM CST
Now if only you were less racist jamerican. I find it hilarious you even making a comment anout someone else being racist with all of the offensive postings you have made.
Shannonals
Nov 4, 2009 1:54 AM CST
You need to seek professional help for your racial hang-ups jamerican. You can't seem to make any comments without racial overtones. If your a reflection of conservatives, this country is doomed.
paul123
Nov 3, 2009 9:34 AM CST
why does it make a difference WHO comment first. It says nothing about the passion one has for the topic at hand. It does say that somebody did see it first and decided to respond first.
Politics • US

 
Atlanta • African Americans • Georgia • accounting • mayor • Shirley Franklin • white women • mayoral race • Election 09 • Mary Norwood • election day November 2009

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