Democrats Racial Problems in Maryland

Redstate has a great assessment of the Maryland Senate race, including the issue of blacks and the Democratic party. Although Ben Cardin (a white candidate) is leading the Democratic primary, which will take place on Sept. 12, and Kweisi Mfume (a black canddiate) is gaining on the heels of some good press and a spoiler by the free spending Josh Rales is not without possibility.

But the real issue for the Democratic primary, with severe fallout consequences for the party either way, comes in the relationship between the party and black voters:

So if Cardin wins, [presumptive GOP nominee, Lt. Gov. Micheal] Steele will emphasize Simmons' endorsement. He will focus on exploiting the fact that Democrats continue to rely on a supermajority of black voters without considering black politicians vying for higher office. Specifically, many in the black community noticed how top Democrats refrained from endorsing Mfume when he was the only candidate in the race. Those same leaders immediately swarmed to Cardin after his declaration. These actions are not without consequence.

The path seems much more clear for Steele no matter who wins the Democratic primary.

But there is one thing missing from the Redstate analysis. Steele is presenting himself as outside the partisan rancor and this is a good place to be in Maryland. Maryland's politics, long dominated by the Democratic party, are on the verge of a shift to the right. Not a big shift mind you, but enough that Steele can capitalize. Add to the fact that Steele has considerable in-roads among the sizeable black middle class in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, he could be sitting on an upset.