Free Republic

A New York state lawmaker who sought to replace a retiring member of Congress refused to concede defeat Thursday following Tuesday’s Democratic primary, claiming the election was plagued by “intentional black voter suppression.” State Assemblyman Michael Blake, an African-American candidate, finished in second place in the 15th Congressional District contest’s in-person ballot count, the New York Daily News reported. The top finisher was New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres, who is also African-American.

When Michael Blake was writing his novel "Dances With Wolves," he was living in Los Angeles on friends' couches or, sometimes, in his car. He did occasional odd jobs and finally, with $1,000 borrowed from a pal, headed for Bisbee, Ariz., where he washed dishes in a Chinese restaurant for $3.35 an hour.