Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and his “it?s not just about issues” campaign tried to make Ben Cardin and his 20-year record in Congress the real issue in Wednesday?s televised debate.

Cardin can talk about almost any national or international issue with aplomb ? he?s “a very good policy maker,” Steele conceded ? but the aggressive Steele had him stammering on the Purple Line. For Baltimore-area readers, the Purple Line might seem like the connection between Barney and the Cookie Monster. But it?s serious stuff in the Washington ?burbs ? a proposal for a multi-billion dollar Metro line between Bethesda and New Carrolton.