Fundamentalist Christians, many organized around the Bellevue Baptist Church of Dr. Adrian Rogers. Also affecting the dynamics are The Commercial Appeal , the morning newspaper that's been ideologically erratic over the years, and a cluster of liberal white Democrats. The machinations and maneuvering as these groups line up for power and try to build majority coalitions can be incredible. Anti-Ford blacks and Republicans can coalesce or Shelby County whites and organized labor can join forces. For statewide candidates, dealing with this situation can be a nightmare.
Coalitions build and break overnight for the most unlikely reasons.
A personal affront, an unfulfilled promise, a strategic maneuver to position for a future situation or a stab in the back to avenge an old grudge can all turn public issues on their ear. Willie Herenton broke the color barrier to become the first black mayor of Memphis in 1991. A solid member of the Anti-Ford camp, he has done a lot to close the racial gap. In 1999, Herenton turned back a challenge from the brother of former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr. Harold's victory was all the more dramatic because when the votes were first tallied, it seemed that he'd lost by a handful of votes.