'Racist' Label by Ehrlich Riles Democrats

In Defense of Steele? Or Just saying stuff and thinking you can get away with it because a Black man is standing next to you?

High-ranking Maryland Democrats yesterday denounced Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s remarks this week that the Democratic Party is "racist" in the way it appeals to black voters. Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) characterized the remarks as "probably one of the most divisive statements that a chief executive of this state has ever made." "To stereotype everyone who is a registered Democrat as a member of a racist political philosophy is an insult and should be an embarrassment to Republicans," Busch said. Isiah Leggett, chairman of the Maryland Democratic Party, said Ehrlich's remarks are "tantamount to race-baiting." "Personally, I found it very offensive," Leggett said. "This is really over the top. They're basically saying African Americans are just too dumb to think." Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-Md.) characterized Ehrlich's statement as "absurd and an odd reach for the governor." "The facts speak for themselves," Wynn said. "The Republican Party has resisted civil rights laws and affirmative action. The Democratic Party has been very hospitable to African Americans." Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D) of Baltimore, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said he was "confused" that Ehrlich would deliver such a statement at a time when Steele was about to step into the national spotlight. "I don't know what good the statement does except to divide," Cummings said. [more