ATLANTA -- A memo circulating on the Internet and amongst voters in Atlanta is drawing a dividing line in the race for Atlanta’s next mayor.

The letter, asking voters to support Lisa Borders because she is “the best black candidate in the race,” warns that “for the first time in 25 years, African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off.”

It also states “time is of the essence … in order to defeat a Norwood mayoral candidacy.” Mary Norwood, a white candidate, is said to be the front-runner. “We have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election,” the letter stated.

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READ: Entire Memo Here

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State Sen. Kasim Reed, who is also running for mayor, quickly called for a response from Borders. “Not only do I find these comments racially charged and vitriolic, I completely repudiate them because they are fundamentally wrong and do not belong in today’s society. I call on Ms. Borders to do the right thing and denounce such divisive, racist language immediately,” Reed said.

“My run for mayor is not about race. It is not about rhetoric. It is about results,” said mayoral candidate Lisa Borders.

Should race be an issue in the upcoming election? Leave your comment below.