South of the James

By Toni-Michelle C. Travis, PhD

Our newest contributor - political scientist Toni-Michelle Travis - explores a few key issues that African-American voters should keep in mind for both Tuesday’s election and beyond. Travis is both Associate Professor of Government & Politics, as well as, the Director of the Department of African-American Studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. A recognized authority on Virginia politics, the politics of race & gender, and urban studies, Dr. Travis will offer occasional commentary and analysis, adding her unique voice to South Of The James.

The African American vote – nearly 20% of Virginia’s electorate – should not be ignored, nor taken for granted in Virginia elections. Beyond Tuesday, both parties need to pay serious attention to the African American vote because it plays an integral role in the urban and metropolitan voting bloc.

Historically, as blacks became active participants in Virginia politics they voted for the Democratic Party. What else could they do in a one-party state? Harry Byrd and his machine controlled the vote from Winchester to Southside. But, outside forces began to undermine this undemocratic electoral system. By happenstance and not design, the machine began to erode as Virginia became more urban. Urbanization created areas where blacks became concentrated, Richmond and Tidewater, in particular. This was in addition to the subsequent suburbanization of northern Virginia, which had a relatively affluent population of African Americans and other people of color. Simultaneously, as the demographics were changing, so was the political map that reflected the emergence of a viable Republican party. Over time, there a real choice for voters developed.

Today, the question remains, “What do the Republicans and/or Democrats offer African-American Virginians?”

My answer is mostly a lot of talk and very little in tangible benefits. Republicans stress their record of being tough on crime in a state which has the death penalty, along with a growing prison industry. Emphasis is given to family and moralistic values. Democrats profess to be pro-education and keen on addressing the transportation woes of northern Virginia.

These positions, however, leave a number of questions unanswered, such as:

For over twenty years Virginia has been led by dynamic governors who have often had to struggle with unanticipated economic shortfalls. Governor Douglas Wilder and, most recently, Governor Mark Warner had to make budget adjustments to maintain a balanced budge. But, glib election slogans cannot replace tangible benefits which are meaningful for African Americans. It might sound great to say “No New Taxes” or “No More Car Tax,” but in reality, government runs on tax revenue. If there is a cut in incoming revenue, because one tax no longer exists, it will be made up by another tax (or debt) somewhere else – taxes are not going to go away. It is a question of the priorities in terms of where the Democratic or Republican parties will spend the Commonwealth’s money.

Regardless of party affiliation, these issues must be raised with any and all candidates who seek our votes. Once our ballots are cast on Tuesday, all we can do is hope that the candidate who best represents our interests wins. As the African American electorate becomes increasingly crucial to statewide candidate victories, black voters should ask, “What will my vote get me or my family beyond a feeling that this candidate sounds like an upstanding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia?”