Well, it is kind of icky if Cardin wins this.

[Ken Burch]

White Democrats in Maryland will have a lot of apologies to make to African American Dems.

I hope the nervous white guys are happy.

Mfume would have been just as good in the fall.

Oh well, vote for Cardin in November, if it still matters...

[Ken Burch]

1. I could understand settling for a Cardin in a conservative state

But this is the state that elects people like Sarbanes and Mikulski to the Senate.

Maryland was ready for an African American Democratic progressive.

[LynneSin]

5. So what is so conservative about Cardin other than his skin color?

NARAL Rating: 100%
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/in-congress/congressional-record-on-choice/state.html?state=MD

2002 IWR Vote (The Iraq Vote): Voted AGAINST it
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2002/roll455.xml

League of Conservation Voters (Environment): 94%
http://www.capwiz.com/lcv/dbq/vote_info/?sort=Last&command=results&last=Cardin

Personally, I would think any state would be honored to have this guy running as their senator, he seems pretty progressive.

Here's my issue, and this is coming from a gal who wouldn't have mind seeing Mfume win that race, Cardin is a perfectly acceptable, progressive candidate. If we start getting negative "Mfume should have won, African-Americans should be upset" is exactly the kind of stuff that will start having African-Americans think that Michael Steele is the better choice simply because Steel is African-American. But trust me, Steele is another sellout of his heritage to suck-up to the good-old Crusty White Boys in the Bush Regime, just like Alan Keyes, JC Watts, Kenneth Black"never do"Well, Condi Rice and Lynn Swann.

The race is overwith and the folks decided and yes, there are questions of how the machines might have affected the outcome in Baltimore and DC area, which to me is what needs to be addressed for this fall election.

I was going to drive up to PA and help out election day in that state, but I'm thinking my services are more needed in Baltimore with the upcoming voter crisis we're about to face this November.

Cardin is the candidate and we all need to get 100% behind him. Cardin will do more for African-Americans & other minorities than Michael Steele ever will!

[bluethruandthru]

11. You're absolutely right!

Both Cardin and Mfume were excellent candidates and I would be proud to support either of them. Watching the news this morning the talking heads were saying what good friends the two are and what a clean, dignified race they ran. They showed clips of both men speaking to supporters and the both had nothing but kind words for one another.

[Ken Burch]

18. I wont post anymore on this one

It was just all the "Vote Cardin, he's safe" arguements.

Alwaya makes me suspicious.

Anyway hope you can elect the guy.

[Mutley]

24. Cardin voted yes on making the Patriot Act permanent.

http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Benjamin_Cardin_Civil_Rights.htm

Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent.
To extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism, and for other purposes, including:

* Assigning three judges to hear individuals' petitions concerning improper requests by the FBI for library circulation records, library patron lists, book sales records, book customer lists, and other records
* Reporting every year the number of library records orders that are granted, modified, or denied
* Allows Internet service providers to disclose their subscribers information and the contents of their communications to a government entity, if they believe there is “immediate danger of death or serious physical injury”
* Requires that any court that allows a “roving wiretap” under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) must describe in great detail the intended target whose identity is not known
* Allows individuals and businesses to seek legal counsel if they have received a National Security Letter from the FBI requiring them to disclose financial information and records

Reference: USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act; Bill HR 3199 ; vote number 2005-627 on Dec 14, 2005

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll627.xml To see the votes.

There are a lot of things I like about Cardin, but this bugs me.

[aintitfunny]

31. Yes, this really bothered me, I did not

like this vote and it pretty much took Cardin out of contention for me in the primary. I think a lot of people felt that way. I received a phone call during the primary asking if I was supporting Cardin. I said no, but if he ended up the candidate I would support him in the GE. The caller asked me why and then seemed quite surprised to discover that Cardin voted in favor of extending the Patriot Act.

I like Cardin, and support his candidacy completely, now that he is the nominee. Some say he did this since it was a safe vote as the bill would pass with or without his vote.

[Mutley]

32. Sure, his vote would not have made the difference

and apparently it did not make a difference in this primary election, either. In fact, I'm not sure many people were even aware he voted yes to make the Patriot Act permanent.

I will support Cardin in the GE as well. I just think he should be watched closely.

[Captain Hilts]

13. Tough talk for a guy from Alaska. nt

[mcg]

43. Ehrlich and Agnew, both republicans, got elected Gov of MD,

so it is possible for republicans to get elected state-wide races in MD. There's a lot at stake here.

Who do you think Mfume will vote for in Nov?

[sbj405]

2. icky?

I'm a white Democrat and I don't think I have any apologies to make. Sorry, I refuse to vote for someone based on the color of their skin (that goes both ways).

"if it still matters" - only if you care about the Democratic Party. Apathy will put Michael Steele in the Senate.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Ken, I share you concern, but have a different conclusion

Both Cardin and Mfume (for whom I voted) have pretty much the same views and positions. The early polls out now show Cardin as being stronger against Steele than Mfume. I'd guess that's the effect of the more conservative Dems and independents in the rural parts of the state feeling better about Cardin. So in that respect we 'seem' better off with Cardin.

I'm of a mind, however, that it was TIME for a black man to run for major office on our side. I'm also of a mind that Mfume would have been the better Senator .... more passion, more connection to the electorate.

As for voting in the fall .... It **will** matter.

[Captain Hilts]

4. It's not about race.

Why are all whites who voted for Cardin being labeled as conservatives?

Not fair.

Hell, I voted for Doug Wilder. And Ike Leggett.

But not Mfume. It's not about race.

[LynneSin]

6. Exactly, but Michael Steele wants to make it about race

Because if we question that this primary election is about race, it might erode votes over to his side. But it doesn't take alot of brain cells to know that Michael-Steele is an African-American in skin color only. The guy has bought into the Neo-Conservative movement that has been repressing african-americans & other minorities under the Bush regime. Steele is a sell-out to his heritage and Cardin would do more for African-Americans than Steele ever would

[Captain Hilts]

8. 2nd most poorly-run senate campaign this side of Harris...

I can't believe ANYONE would vote for Steele.

And I am truly surprised that Mfume didn't poll a whole lot better against him in head-to-head surveys. That REALLY surprised me and is what made me vote for Cardin. Who looks like Wallace Shawn from "Princess Bride."

[aintitfunny]

14. You are exactly right, Michael Steele and the

"icky" MD Republicans will make it about race. We must make the race about Bush, Iraq, Stem Cells, Poverty and Health Care. We must make the race about Steele, no matter what he says will be a rubber stamp for Bush that says YES.

All Maryland Democrats, the National Democratic Party and rational people everywhere must drive this home.

I hope Mfume puts some of his passion back into getting Cardin elected. I believe he will.

[LynneSin]

15. Another poster in this thread mentioned that Mfume and Cardin...

..are actually good friends. So I'm hoping that Mfume can get out there and stir up the pot and get folks behind Cardin.

I'd love to see Mfume in congress somewhere. The guy has done some great stuff with the NAACP (a hell of alot more than Michael Steele) and his support could make the difference between Cardin or another "YES" man rubberstamping the Bush agenda.

[aintitfunny]

16. It was one of the most cordial, collegial races I have ever

seen run. Pretty much across the board, but particularly between Cardin and Mfume.

Mfume has been in Congress already, and I don't see him running again. I don't know what he is going to do, but I hope he stays involved, particularly in defeating Michael Steele. I do believe his active support of Cardin will be a factor.

[Olney Blue]

40. I don't think we have seen the last of Mfume. He is still young!

I hope he stays active and engaged in Maryland politics. For example, I voted for Ike Leggett because he attended all the local Democratic events around
here, and I just loved his brilliance and sincerity.

I voted for Ben Cardin because he generally votes my priorities and is known as a skilled legislative workhorse. But it was a very tough decision because I admired Mfume too. We are very lucky in Maryland to have an embarassment of riches like this!

[aintitfunny]

7. As a staunch Mfume support I feel I must

defend Cardin - you can call him a lot of things, but conservative is not one of them. More moderate than Mfume, certainly, but conservative he is not. I am sure that Mfume would agree with me.

While waiting to hear the final tally, I am saddened by what appears to be Mfume's loss, though I am not surprised. He did not have the financial backing; the aggressive advertising that Cardin could afford, turned the tide. You combine this with the liberals, who might have preferred Mfume being convinced by the party establishment and the Maryland Republicans that Mfume was more vulnerable against Steele in the General Election, and the final result is what we got Cardin is now our candidate.

For what it is worth, I think it was a mistake. That being said, however, I do like Cardin, and will have no problem voting for him and working for him. Mfume, however, has my respect and admiration, he is powerful. I had no doubt of his ability to not just win against Steele, but to win handily. Cardin has the lead today, but 2 months is an eternity in a campaign and so much can change. I hope it does not. If Steele continues to trip over his own tongue, then we might get lucky. Maryland Democrats will be portrayed as the party that can't seem to back an African American on a statewide ticket. This has been a concern of mine for sometime.

Mfume lost due to money. He lost because Cardin had the support of the Democratic Establishment. He lost because many democrats were afraid to back away from the money and the establishment support and embrace the power and the passion that is so lacking in our party today.

We cannot lose the Senate seat. I am sure Mfume will wholeheartedly support Ben Cardin, I shall as well.

[Captain Hilts]

9. Hey buddy, thanks for this. Why do you think Steele polled...

so well against Mfume in head-to-head surveys? I'm stumped.

Is it because he's been out of the electoral game for a while? How long has it been since he was in Congress?

[aintitfunny]

10. The Zogby poll, which appeared to be recent

showed Mfume polling very well against Steele. Other polls showed him ahead, neck and neck or at least with the MOE. Some polls are pure propaganda, and even some of those from so called reputable polling companies, are weighted toward the conservative. So I think some of that was happening.

He had been out of the electorate, but not out of the public eye. The lack of money did not enable him to reach the broader Maryland audience who did not know him, or only heard the negative without having the opportunity to know the man.

Considering the David/Goliath proportions of fund raising he was up against, look at his remarkable impact. He achieved a more than respectable 2nd place in a huge field of candidates. He did this by sheer will and foot leather. He reached out one person at a time and made an impact. If he had been the nominee he would have had the power and the finances of the Democratic party behind him in full force and what he could have done with that would have been amazing.

[Orangepeel]

26. because he's named Kweisi Mfume

that's part of it, at least. Some people thought he was Nation of Islam.

[kwassa]

12. Don't forget, Isaiah Leggett will be Country Executive in Montgomery

and he is certainly African-American. PGs will be black, too. These are top posts in Maryland politics.

Our problem is that we have too many good candidates. Too bad we can't spread them out to other states that have none.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

17. Mfume hasn't retired...

Another race, another position await him at some point in the near future...I'm certain of it. He has the experience, the compassion, and the intelligence to hold an important office with integrity. He is valuable to every cause that Democrats hold dear. His life is an inspiration to all who've known hard times, and what it means to turn your life around for the betterment of society.

Please don't write him off so quickly simply because he did not win this election. I'm pretty sure he hasn't! :hi:

[Ken Burch]

19. I wasn't writing off Mfume.

nt.

[Orangepeel]

27. Mayor of Baltimore, maybe?

important, fairly high profile (it was for O'Malley at any rate) and he'd do a good job.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

28. He'd be fantastic,

especially since it's his hometown! He served on their city council in the 1980s.

[nickshepDEM]

29. Ive heard rumors that Mayor of Baltimore is a definite possibility.

He would be the front runner. I know of only one person who could defeat him and that is Elijah Cummings.

[aintitfunny]

30. That is what the Baltimore Sun is hinting at today

He would walk away with it if did run..

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/elections/bal-te.md.mfume14sep14,0,6941285.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[bertha katzenengel]

20. Um. I'm a white Democrat in Maryland. I voted for Mfume.

:shrug:

[Ken Burch]

21. OK. I didn't mean you.

Thanks for doing so.

[bertha katzenengel]

22. I'm the exception that proves the rule, eh?

Do you think I'm the only person of my "race" who voted for Kweisi Mfume?

You're lost if you think so. I'm not the only person who didn't want just another longtime DC politician to join the Senate.

I didn't vote for Mfume because he's African American. I didn't NOT vote for Cardin because he's white.

Why is it about race, Ken?

[Ken Burch]

25. I meant thanks to all the white Dems who DID vote for Mfume.

not just you. Should have clarified. Sorry. I wasn't attacking you ever, honestly.

And it's not just about race. It's about aggressive tactics by the party leadership in a given state, it's about assumptions of who is and isn't electable. It's about many things.

I probably shouldn't have started this thread. I just found disturbing echoes of other primary races of this year. Maybe they weren't actually in this race, I don't know.

In any case, bertha, you and I aren't enemies.

[Captain Hilts]

33. I'm a white Democrat and I voted for Leggett and Cardin. nt

[AnnieBW]

34. I Look At It This Way

I'm white, but I have no problem voting for a minority candidate. I voted for Stu Simms, Rushern Baker, etc. For me, it wasn't about race at all. I remembered that Mfume had some scandal associated with him when he was the head of the NAACP. That doesn't bother me, except that it was a potential weakness that Steele and his Rovian minions would exploit. Cardin didn't go there because he was a gentleman, and he's friends with Mfume. Steele, OTOH, would come out swinging with it. We need to keep this Senate seat. Yes, I went for the safe choice, but not "safe" in the fact that it was the white guy. "Safe" in that he didn't have any exploitable weaknesses.

I really hope that Mfume continues to run for office. He's got a great story, and can do a lot for people.

[Captain Hilts]

35. Leggett wants smart growth, though his stand on the Purple Line

confuses me.

That's why I voted for him.

[mcg]

42. I think he is for the Purple Line.

My understanding is that he was only initially opposed to the way it was being planned/proposed.

His campaign said he is for it.

[Captain Hilts]

44. The Purple Line people say he's not., that he's hedged. nt

[rogue emissary]

36. If Mfume has such a potential weakness, how can he run for any office?

[AnnieBW]

37. Perceptions Change

Perceptions change, depending on where you are and who you're running against. Like I said, Cardin didn't go negative on Mfume because they're friends. Even if the NAACP charges are true - and I have no doubt that they're B.S. - Steele and his folks will play that up so it'll make Mfume look guilty as heck.

[rogue emissary]

38. Every Republican will go negative against Mfume.

It appears Mfume was beaten by just the whisper of a scandal. that's the reason I don't understand why anyone that couldn't vote for him because of the so called scandal for Senate. Can turn around and suggest they'd vote for him for another office. As if he could win another office with this scandal floating around him.

[Frances]

39. I grew up in Alabama

and believe me where you run makes all the difference in the world. Mfume would have a good chance in Baltimore but not a good chance in the whole state.

[DaveinMD]

23. Mfume

didn't run a good campaign, so he lost. He didn't even make an effort to raise money. He had hardly any organization outside of Baltimore and didn't start organizing until much later because he kept changing his mind about who would run his campaign. Don't make this into a race thing when it wasn't. The better campaign was victorious.

[mcg]

41. I didn't vote for Cardin because he's white or Leggett because he's black

I voted for Cardin because he was endorsed by environmental groups and because polls showed Cardin doing better against the republican. We need to get control of Congress.

I voted for Leggett because he was endorsed by environmental groups.

I will vote for both in November because it does matter, it matters a lot.
We are faced with environmental catastrophe, we still have some time left to avert it. We had better act.

No apology is needed.