Mfume: U.S. Senate race depends on black turnout

Annapolis (Map, News) - Democrats believe that Maryland’s U.S. Senate race will be close and depend heavily on strong turnout by black voters. That’s no surprise to Kweisi Mfume, who lost by 2 percent — 19,000 votes — to Rep. Ben Cardin, the Democratic nominee.

“It was clear to me early on that this was going to be a very close general election,” former congressman Mfume told The Examiner Tuesday. “Both candidates will tell you it’s going to be a very close race,” and black turnout “is THE question.”

The same is true in the race for governor, Mfume said, and “in these two races, it really does come down to who can turn out their base.”

Cardin is working hard to shore up his support among black voters. He appeared at a rally for minority business owners along with members of the congressional black caucus, including Rep. James Clyburn, S.C., chair of the Democratic caucus and highest ranking black House representative on Tuesday.

The rally for the Democratic ticket also included D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is scheduled to make a second appearance on Cardin’s behalf this Friday.

The seat now held by Sen. Paul Sarbanes was once considered safe for Democrats, but on Friday, the respected Cook Political Report changed the rating of the race to a toss-up. Two polls released this week have Cardin ahead of Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele by 9 percent and 7 percent (Zogby Interactive and Rasmussen Reports).

On Monday, Steele was also endorsed by a number of prominent Democrats from Prince George’s County, including former County Executive Wayne Curry and five members of the County Council.

“I think it will have an impact,” Mfume said, especially coming this late in the campaign, which “gives it a greater sense of intensity.”

Mfume noted that turnout in Baltimore City for the primary was only about 26 percent in the primary, “a significant drop-off” from the 52 percent four years ago.

Mfume said he has not done any campaigning, and is considering “a lot of opportunities that have presented themselves” that are related to the media, politics, academia and business.

When asked if he would run for mayor, Mfume was noncommittal.

“I have not made any political plans,” he said. “[But] this is my town. I care about it. I love it.”

llazarick@baltimoreexaminer.com