[RobFromGa]

In the latest Rasmussen Reports poll of the competitive U.S. Senate contest in Maryland, Republican Lt. Governor Michael Steele slightly trails each Democratic contender. Congressman Ben Cardin (D) leads Steele 47% to 42%. Former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume (D) leads the Republican 46% to 44% (see crosstabs). This sets the stage for a closely fought general election no matter which Democrat wins the September 12 primary.

This race is listed as Leans Democrat in our Balance of Power summary. That would change to Toss-up if Mfume wins the primary. The state’s Governor’s race is also competitive.

It looks like Steele has a good shot at this race, regardless of who wins the primary. I had heard that if Mfume loses to Cardin, this favors Steele even though this poll shows that Steele fares slightly better against Mfume. Any Marylanders have a feel for this race??

Senate 2006 Midterm ping.

If anyone wants on or off the Senate 2006 ping list, send me Freepmail.

[PGalt]

Interesting. Thanks for the ping. Go Michael Steele!

[Coop]

I'm a NoVa guy following this race. I'd rather see Steele run against Mfume than Cardin.

[uscabjd]

Why would a Cardin win help Steele? Would Blacks leave the dems? Any poll that says this? If Mfume wins, Jews leave the dems, at least for this race.

[ForOurFuture]

Cardin is on the air. No ads from Steele, but surely he'll be up soon. Everything has to break his way. The courts' rejection of early voting helps in the fraud department.