I really respect Lt. Governor, Michael Steele, and hope that he will get the nomination for Republican Senate Candidate for the state of MD. Sadly, Black Republicans are still viewed as anomalies at best, and sell-outs at worst. I really sat up and took notice of this man during the Republican National Convention in 2004 when he said that the Democratic Party had essentially put black America in a box by assuming its vote and by subtly and not so subtly indicating that voting Democrat is the only option for any thoughtful, politically-aware African American (Yes, I use "black" and "African American" interchangably).

In an interview with The Examiner (Baltimore Edition), he stressed his belief "in the power of the individual over government" and went on to say some very judicious, yet unapologetic things about race, about the President, and his own record, and what he wants to achieve. He just always comes across [to me] as being a reasonable, pragmatic person, and I admire him for it.

I also have a tremendous amount of respect for Kweisi Mfume and what he has accomplished in his life and in the city of Baltimore in particular, but I agree with Steele when he says that there is more than one black "voice" for the black community to hearken to. He's diversified the political strata in a Democratic state in a Democratic city. Isn't this the American Dream, at least in part, that you have the unalienable right to choose based on something other than past precedent and the status quo?