MD: Steele Likely to Form Exploratory Committee

[Sam Spade]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/26/AR2005052601648.html

MD:  Steele Likely to Form Exploratory Committee

By Matthew Mosk and John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, May 27, 2005; Page B05

Maryland Republican Party Chairman John Kane said last night that he expects Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R) will soon announce the launch of a committee to explore a 2006 U.S. Senate bid.

"I think that's what he will do," Kane said in an interview, adding, "He represents the best hope of the Republican Party to win that seat."
   
Asked later if he had formed a committee, Steele said: "You can quote me: 'I have not formed anything. I have not made any decision.' "

An exploratory committee would mark the first formal step in a bid to replace the retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D).

Steele -- who, if elected, would be Maryland's first black senator -- has said he is giving the Senate contest serious consideration. Running for the seat would require Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) to get a new running mate for a reelection bid next year.

Kane said he expects Steele to set up an exploratory committee that includes Republicans and Democrats to assess whether he should move forward with a bid.

"He will analyze this, answer the question, 'Does he want to do this?' " Kane said. "It's his call, but I'm very excited about the prospect of his campaign."

Other Republicans who worked on the Ehrlich-Steele campaign in 2002 said yesterday that they believe a Steele announcement on an exploratory committee is imminent.

The Senate race has attracted two Democrats, Kweisi Mfume, a former U.S. representative and a former NAACP leader, and Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin. Both are from Baltimore. A third Democrat, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County, is exploring a bid.

[Beet]

Van Hollen!

[Moooooo]

Van Hollen!

I like Chris, but Im really hoping he drops out of the primary.  If its a 3 way race between Mfume, Van Hollen, and Cardin... Mfume is gonna' come out on top, and we'll have much tougher general election.  Possibly a loss.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

I doubt Van Hollen will step in since he doesn't have a chance against Cardin.

If Van Hollen stays out Cardin will win the primary and will win the general easily, even against Steele. No blacks are not going to flock to Steele in droves like Republicans seem to think.

If Van Hollen doesn't, Mfume could win, and then while Steele obviously has a better chance, it's worth pointing out in the only matchup poll so far, it was Mfume 45, Steele 43. Steele is obviously not an amazing candidate if he can lose to Mfume in any poll, no matter how close it is.

[AuH2O]

Polls schmolls... Steele would SMOKE Mfume, especially after the latter's latest scandal issues.

But, I agree, Mfume won't get the nomination unless something bizarre happens, possibly even beyond Van Hollen entering.

Against Cardin, Steele is not DOA, but he's a serious underdog. MD is 5th or 6th on the GOP's pickup radar, behind FL, ND, NE, NJ, probably WA.

[Moooooo]

Against Cardin, Steele is not DOA, but he's a serious underdog.

I agree.  Steele's resume next to Cardin's is enough to make anyone laugh, and shake their head.

[Moooooo]

Polls schmolls... Steele would SMOKE Mfume, especially after the latter's latest scandal issues.

Define "SMOKE".  Because no Democrat will receive less than 45% in Maryland.  If you can name the last time a Democrat received less than 45% of the vote statewide... Id be very suprised.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

Polls schmolls... Steele would SMOKE Mfume, especially after the latter's latest scandal issues.

Define "SMOKE".  Because no Democrat will receive less than 45% in Maryland.  If you can name the last time a Democrat received less than 45% of the vote statewide... Id be very suprised.

Well, the Democrat running against Charles Matthias in 1980 (Edward Conroy) got only 33% of the vote.  But even Mondale in 1984 got 47%.

[Moooooo]

Well, the Democrat running against Charles Matthias in 1980 (Edward Conroy) got only 33% of the vote.  But even Mondale in 1984 got 47%.

From what I understand Matthias was an extremley popular Senator.  This old guy across the street from me (a DIEHARD Democrat and retired Steele Worker) has told me numerous positive stories about Matthias.  He even said his local union hall backed Matthias every single year he was up for re-election.  Anyway, you proved my point.  1980 was the last time a Democrat received less than 45% of the vote, and that was against a strong pro-labor Republican.