RICHMOND
Douglas Wilder has decided he will not seek re-election as Richmond's mayor this year.
Friday's announcement by the 77-year-old Wilder likely brings to a close the political career of the nation's first elected black governor.
The grandson of slaves announced his plans first in a meeting with Richmond city department directors, then in a news release.
Elected mayor in 2004 with about 80 percent of the vote, the Democrat's approval has plunged amid poor relations with City Council and the school board.
Wilder became a historic figure with his election as Virginia's governor in 1989. This year, he has been an early and influential backer of Barack Obama's presidential bid.
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come to norfolk!
talk about a grade A clean up job. This guy deserves a medal. What a loss to Richmond...
Decent man.
Decent man.