Dead Man Running — Barry C. Davis

In the novel “Dead Man Running,” Congressman Ben Wiley, is your typical urban politician �" corrupt, over sexed, on the take �" truly a man of his people. In the midst of his campaign for re-election, Wiley dies under unfortunate circumstances. Wiley's top lieutenants, Elias Turnbull and Chi Bright, stumble upon the perfect solution �" continue with the campaign, with a zombie as the candidate. This is a Democrat running for office in Harlem, who cares if he speaks gibberish and has the unfortunate habit of eating people? He should win anyway, right? Wiley does win and his rudimentary mix of nursery rhymes and sexual innuendo electrifies the political insiders, including the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Soon Wiley is elevated to a cabinet position, HUD Secretary. Unknown to the president, Wiley has now been transformed to a more sentient and capable zombie, one who has developed visions of grandeur. He would like to rule the world, with zombies in command and humans mere food stock. Wiley amasses power as a Tea Party style budget hawk. While literally cutting heads in government he both transforms the federal government and adds more converts to his undead legion. He pushes aside Biden and suddenly he is running for Vice President, one election and one heartbeat away from the ultimate power. Elias, shocked to action by the loss of life, works with the resistance to stop the coming end of humanity. Will he be able to stop Wiley or will the human race succumb to the dreams of a dead madman? “Dead Man Running” is a novel of humor and horror with well hidden commentary on race and politics in 2012 America.