Virginia’s Only Black Governor Chastises Harris’ Church Ad

Despite being 90, former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder remains as feisty as ever.

Three decades ago, Wilder became the first African American to be elected governor of Virginia. Although a Democrat, he isn't afraid to challenge other members of his party when he thinks they're wrong.

Now, he's sharing his displeasure with Vice President Harris' campaign ad for Terry McAuliffe, which will air on Sunday in hundreds of African American churches.

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The Washington Examiner's Katherine Doyle explains:

The ad, which ethics and legal experts say is a clear violation of IRS rules, is set to continue playing right up until the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election, as the Democratic Party pulls out all the stops to ensure black turnout. But a thumbs-down from the 90-year-old Wilder, a Democrat and highly respected voice in Virginia politics for decades, is significant.

“Well, it's very good for her to do that, causing these churches to lose their tax-exempt status,” he quipped, referring to the Johnson Amendment, a rule that prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations, such as charities and churches, from engaging in any political campaign activity. “If this is legal, then it's surprising to me.”

SEE ALSO: McAuliffe Campaign Caught Rewriting History

Wilder understands what's at stake in the race between McAuliffe, who served as governor from 2014 to 2018, and Republican challenger Glenn Youngkin. Calling in Harris, the first vice president of color, to gin up black support shows Democrats know the race is deadlocked.

“In Virginia, the Democratic candidate has to have a strong turnout of black Americans. And if [McAuliffe] doesn't get that, you're going to see some problems,” said Wilder, who spoke from his home in Richmond.

Wilder then openly questioned if Democrats had done enough for the black community to warrant their support.

So, what do you think? Will the IRS punish churches for disseminating a message in favor of one political candidate? Tell us in the comments below and while you're at it, share this post on your preferred social media!