Is Newt Right About Black Voters?

In this article the author discusses claims by Newt Gingrich, a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2012 U.S. presidential election, that the Republican Party should focus their attention on gaining the support of African American voters. She comments on the historical alliance between black voters and the Democratic Party and cites evidence from the 2004 election regarding the ability of the Republicans to appeal to black voters.