Will it be Kweisi Mfume against Lt. Gov. Michael Steele for the U.S. Senate in Maryland in 2006? If so, we might elect the first black GOP Senator since the 1970s.
If the Democrats in MD are stupid enough to nominate Kweisi Mfume-and I don't think that they are, by any means-then I don't see how any Republican-unless Alan Keyes decides to abandon his newfound home in Illinois for a return engagemen-could possibly lose that (hypothetical) race.
Steele may prefer to wait it out to succeed Ehrlich as Governor in 2010 (and Ehrlich would also have to find a top-notch running mate, perhaps trying to lure disgruntled Black PG Democrat Wayne Curry to switch is one possibility). I'd be surprised if the MD 'Rats would even nominate Mfume for the Senate (and, of course, the biggest rumblings from Black Dems in MD is the party's refusal to advance them to the highest positions despite representing a huge % of the state party). Mfume vs. Steele would be a very interesting contest, regardless. But is it an absolute certainty that Sarbanes will retire ? I thought he wouldn't leave the Senate except in a bodybag.