Hmmm well I was leaning to declare that I think Arizona will surprise people on election night as well.
Anyway, back to Maryland, I think its not surprising that African Americans are supporting Steele in greater numbers. As a community they have little reason to turnout for what seems to be a middle-class white and uninspiring statewide ticket; Steele at least represents the chance of one of their number entering an overwhelmingly white, middle-class institution. When you get down to this level policies and parties hardly matter; and Steele has distanced himself from Bush and cleverly drawn attention to the fact that Cardin has been in elective office since 1966. This race could be a warning call to the Democratic party not to take black voters for granted, however, the emergence of Barack Obama as a possible hopeful for 2008 and Harold Ford, Jr. should excite the base as well. I do think Steele has a future in Maryland politics though. He will be elected to something, eventually. Although running for Governor would be easier race for him, much like Kean, Jr. in New Jersey.
If Kean keeps going down his current course, he has no place in statewide office in NJ.
