It is not surprising that Michael Steele, a black Republican running against a white Democrat, should pick up some important endorsements from black community leaders. Nor is it particularly surprising that some of those spokesmen should express discontent with the State's Democratic leadership. That can easily be understood within the paradigm of identity politics. But, this is interesting! The Washington Times reports that Bob Ehrlich, white Republican candidate for reelection as Governor, yesterday received the endorsement of half a dozen prominent Black ministers -- men of stature and "clout" in Baltimore's black community. [here]
In recent elections Republicans have begun to make inroads into Maryland's black community. In part this has been due to sheer incompetence and arrogance on the part of Democratic Party leaders who have taken the black vote for granted. But President Bush's outreach to the black community, especially his endorsement of faith-based initiatives, has also had a big impact. Gov. Ehrlich has similarly appealed to black leaders, especially on the subjects of crime and poverty, and the effort seems to be paying off. Will it be enough? Wait and see, but it is no small accomplishment that in a State in which Democrats hold a two to one registration edge, Republican candidates for Governor and Senator are running even with the Democrats.
Bush, Ehrlich, and Steele are pointing the way toward a better America, and a double Republican victory in Maryland next week will be a significant step toward achieving it.
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