American Notes: Candidates

Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder went home to Richmond last week to deliver the most surprising speech of his four-month presidential campaign. In his State of the Commonwealth address, he stunned legislators by announcing the end of his quest for the Democratic nomination. Wilder took a page from New York Governor Mario Cuomo's book, saying he had chosen to devote himself to "guiding Virginia through these difficult times . . . as my pledge and responsibilities demand."

As Virginians grew restive at the Governor's absences, WILDER FOR RESIDENT signs began appearing throughout the state. In the end, his presidential bid failed to ignite much interest among voters or contributors. Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton has lined up endorsements from Mississippi Congressman Mike Espy and other black Democrats that should help him dominate Dixie's primaries in March. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin might also pick up black support among civil rights activists who find his liberalism more congenial than Clinton's centrist approach.