Though the Machine has long had a reputation of using intimidation as a political maneuver, Thomas, who served as the University's first and only black SGA president from 1976-77, said he does not have any recollection of harassment during his campaign. The only questionable activity occurred after he won the presidency.
"After the election a cross was burned," he said. "That's the only thing I can recall."
I apologize if this is a repeat:
http://www.cw.ua.edu/vnews/display.v.../422bf884c3105