Mr. Bowen won the election by only 8 votes and his prestige was heightened by the fact that he is an ex-pro athlete. Moreover, this election occurred during the pendency of this lawsuit. The court also finds the evidence offered by Dr. Lichtman on socio-economic evidence persuasive. There is a substantial difference between the socio-economic levels of black and white citizens in Chickasaw County. The 1990 census data for Chickasaw County makes clear that blacks substantially trail whites in income, education, and housing.
Blacks also have less access to telephones and vehicles.
This lower socio-economic status translates into lower voter participation and heightens a finding of vote dilution. Having found a violation of Section 2, it is not necessary to reach the constitutional issues. Failure to do so will result in the appointment of a court expert for this purpose or consideration of the plaintiff's proposed plan. Plaintiff is also awarded his reasonable attorney's fees and costs. The parties are also directed to attempt to resolve the attorney's fees question.