Race, Religion, and Economic Change in the Republican South

"Portrays the fascinating, stubborn interplay among race, religion, economics, and Republican leadership in the new order of Southern politics."—Congressman Glen Browder, Eminent Scholar in American Democracy, Jacksonville State University (Alabama) "Provides a striking example of a problem inherent to democracies: the most dramatic political successes—like the rise of the Republican Party in the South—often create situations in which effective governance becomes more difficult."—Stephen Baker, Jacksonville University (Florida) Once known as a Democratic stronghold, the "Solid South" is now politically dominated by the Republican Party. With frank and provocative analysis, Matthew Corrigan explores how the interaction of race relations, economic isolation, and religion creates a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the majority party in the American South. Corrigan uses an intensive case study of Jacksonville, Florida, to examine the attitudes of Southern voters more broadly. As an urban Southern city that now votes solidly Republican, it reflects the political changes that have taken place across the region. Drawing on research that includes over 2,000 surveys and interviews, Corrigan considers whether or not Republicans, who now hold a majority of federal offices in the South, can provide a political system to address the region's problems. Scholars, pundits, and members of the general public from both political parties will find this book accessible and timely.