In an unexpected final debate, the three candidates in Maryland?s U.S. Senate race showed surprising agreement on the issues raised by a group of black pastors focused on economic empowerment, even as they sought to draw sharp contrast in their views.
Democrat Ben Cardin, Republican Michael Steele and Green-Libertarian-Populist Kevin Zeese all criticized the No Child Left Behind law and its impact, favored greater U.S. and international efforts to end the genocide in Darfur, supported granting the right to vote to ex-felons, and backed raising the minimum wage.
But the setting itself ? a hastily arranged meeting of the Collective Banking Group held at a predominantly AfricanAmerican church in predominantly black Prince George?s County ? emphasized the importance of the black vote in Tuesday?s balloting, especially for Democrats.
“This is going to be a very, very close race,” said Pastor Jonathan Weaver, president of the church-based coalition aimed at wealth creation in the black community. The church leaders in the group represent congregations numbering more than 150,000 people, he said. But this election “is not going to be about race, it?s going to be about issues.”
A new WUSA poll finds Cardin and Steele dead even at 47 percent.
Steele gave some of his fullest answers on his approach to Supreme Court nominees. As a senator, he said he would look at “judicial temperament” and “judges who are prepared to sit on the bench,” but he would “not go into this job with a litmus test.” Steele is opposed to abortion. Senators need to look at how “they?re going to protect your rights and interests,” he said.
Cardin said he would want Supreme Court nominees to focus on individual rights, particularly women?s rights, and balancing powers against encroachment by the executive branch. Zeese said he wants justices who will challenge corporate control of government.
Part of the Baltimore Examiner’s 2006 Election Coverage
