Maryland Politics -- Democrats are Dividing

The release of confidential internal polling on the black response to Michael Steele's candidacy has precipitated something of a crisis within Democrat ranks. The poll made obvious that a significant segment of the black population [especially young urban blacks] were in play and might vote Republican. The poll recommended, and the Democratic leadership acted on the recommendation, that they "knock down" Steele early. The result was a series of dirty tricks, some illegal, and defamatory claims aimed at discrediting Steele. Now some prominent black Democrats are beginning to speak out against such practices.

The Washington Times reports:

Democratic plans to "discredit" Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele's reputation among black voters in his run for the U.S. Senate are "destructive" and won't work, a key Maryland Democrat said yesterday.
"[Democrats] ought to be promoting what they're going to do that's positive, instead of trying to knock Steele down," said Wayne K. Curry, former Prince George's County executive.
Mr. Curry said Mr. Steele's candidacy presents an "enormously historic" opportunity for blacks that "may ultimately break this sort of vice grip by Democrats who feel entitled to black votes regardless of how they treat black voters."

Read it here.

The article goes on to note that there are rumors about that Mr. Curry may switch parties and campaign for Lt. Gov. on the Ehrlich ticket. If so, that would pose even more problems for the already embattled Democrat establishment. They deserve it. Maryland Dems have for far too long taken the black vote for granted.