Black vote no longer a lock for Democrats

THE WASHINGTON TIMES ^ | March 2, 2006 | Jon Ward

[grundle]

Black voters' loyalty to the Democratic Party is no longer a certainty in Maryland, especially among young independent voters, several black leaders say.

"We might be the last generation of unabashed loyalists to the Democratic Party," state Senate Majority Leader Nathaniel J. McFadden of Baltimore says. "The Democratic Party is no longer a monolith for the African-American community."

Rep. Albert R. Wynn of Prince George's County warns his party's leaders that "black voters can no longer be taken for granted."

Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, a Republican who is the first black to win statewide office in Maryland, has been lampooned as a minstrel on a liberal Web log, and Democratic operatives wrongly acquired his credit report in his run for the U.S. Senate.

The Democrat-controlled House has been lining up behind a bill that would return voting rights to 150,000 felons -- about 60 percent of whom are black -- in time for November's general election.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley has chosen Delegate Anthony G. Brown of Prince George's County as his running mate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Mr. O'Malley's chief opponent -- Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan -- also is considering a black running mate.

Prince George's County, a mostly black jurisdiction with the state's highest concentration of registered Democrats, has become the focus of attention since low voter turnout in 2002 is believed to have contributed to Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s Republican victory in the governor's race.

Former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume has criticized the party for taking black voters for granted, saying "people may find a way to cross over in the fall."

Black political, business and religious leaders say a shift is occurring, especially among young voters who are less concerned with civil rights and more attentive to economic issues.

[jbwbubba]

Yes it is, we hear this every year, but it is actually getting worse. Unless a black Republican is running the dems can count on 90% of the black vote without fail the only question is turnout.

[Red Badger]

...especially among young voters who are less concerned with civil rights and more attentive to economic issues.

Republicans in training............Kweezy, you can't keep 'em locked up on the plantations forevah!.........

[george76]

[Arm_Bears]

IMHO, the MSM feeding-frenzy in the wake of Katrina, with the injection of race at every turn, was designed solely to keep the vote-slaves on the Democratic Plantation.

[preacher]

If the Republicans can get just a few more black percentage points it will end the Democtatic party.

[thebaron512]

They can if they can get effective laws to allow everyone to earn more money without being robbed by our government afterwards. Money Talks and BS walks.

[BIGZ]

Blacks had better wake up to the Political changes taking place in the United States. The Political demographics making the Hispanics the largest minority, (define minority ?)with the ability to take political control in the near future, makes the Blacks claim of being the Minority in doubt. Politically this will certainly change the Governments Largess.

The Blacks who can claim to be as American as I, and who for the most part have fully assimilated into the American culture, must join with the Whites in opposing all who want the Economic opportunity of this Great Nation without assimilation.

[festus]

Ill believe it when I see it.

[Coop]

I just saw via E-mail today that Sen. George Allen and Sen. John Warner will be hosting a fundraiser for Michael Steele in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria VA on 13 Mar. I imagine that will provide a few bucks to the campaign of Maryland's fine candidate for Senate. It's unfortunately outta my price range, but FReepmail me if you'd like details.

As a side note, this may give us a hint as to how worried George Allen is about James Webb's candidacy.

[Albion Wilde]

Thanks for the ping. Steele is strong contender - he needs our support!

[hosepipe]

[ Black political, business and religious leaders say a shift is occurring, especially among young voters who are less concerned with civil rights and more attentive to economic issues. ]

Translation; Instead of don't call me names, instead show me the money.. I gotta get "PAID"... I.E. SOCIALISM coming from a different direction.. Whats changed?.. Nothing.. Voting for RINOs is voting for stealth democrats..

[toddlintown]

Dream on.

[Coop]

Yes, he does need our support. I hope he gets it.

[Coop]

Bump