Accusations Continue to Fly In Racially Charged Contest

African Americans, who make up about 20 percent of Virginia's electorate, are a reliable Democratic voting bloc. But Webb has struggled to gain the support of key black leaders because of his stance on affirmative action.

Webb once called affirmative action "state-sponsored racism," but he has since clarified his position. He now says he supports affirmative action programs for blacks but not for other ethnic minorities whose ancestors did not endure slavery.

In making their endorsement, members of the black caucus cited Webb's opposition to the war in Iraq and his economic policies. They also cited Allen's opposition while governor to the creation of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

"George Allen has a history of insensitivity to the African American community and a voting record to match," said Del. Dwight Clinton Jones (D-Richmond), chairman of the caucus.

Dick Wadhams, Allen's campaign manager, dismissed the endorsement. "What a shock. The black caucus, which is all Democrats, endorsed James Webb," Wadhams said.

Wadhams noted that one prominent member of the black caucus, Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert III (D-Richmond), is supporting Allen. Lambert endorsed Allen last month, citing his support for historically black colleges and universities.

Wadhams also noted Allen has secured tens of millions of dollars for programs and services in predominantly African American communities.

Former governor L. Douglas Wilder, who is mayor of Richmond, said Allen "has put himself in a tough spot."

"This campaign is Allen versus Allen," said Wilder, the state's only black governor. "The problem this raises for the senator is when you are put in a posture of denial, it does create questions."

Wilder says he hasn't decided whether to endorse a candidate, but he hopes the debate shifts to "real issues" soon."

"If you take the N-word and macaca, where do you go from here?" Wilder asked. "The voting public is left in a quandary."