Some black elected officials and activists say they are troubled by the swift support that prominent Democrats gave to U.S. Rep. Benjamin Cardin’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate
…
Mfume, a former congressman and NAACP president, was the first Democratic candidate to declare his candidacy for the race, but has struggled to raise money and garner endorsements.
…
there is a perception that white Democratic leaders are conspiring to deliver the nomination to Cardin.
…
In the early days of his campaign, Mfume scrambled to explain allegations of sexual harassment from his time as NAACP president and collected a 10th of the money raised by Cardin.
…
A group of 300 black Democrats in Montgomery County has also expressed its distaste for the early show of support for Cardin. The county’s African American Democratic Club mailed a letter to 28 white elected officials from Montgomery, accusing them of hastily endorsing Cardin without considering what their black constituents would think.

“This is another example of how the leadership of the Democratic Party takes for granted the African American voters of Montgomery County, in particular, and the State of Maryland in general,” wrote Ann De Lacy, the club’s president. “We urge you to either withdraw or to reconsider your endorsement of Mr. Cardin.”
…

Andrew, Gaithersburg: Is picking an African-American as his running mate the only way Gov. Ehrlich can win re-election?

Nitkin: Democrats Doug Duncan and Martin O’Malley are almost required to select African-American running mates (O’Malley has done so already) after Republican Ehrlich chose Michael S. Steele four years ago and won. Because he has already shown a willingness to reach out to minorities, and because Steele is running for Senate, Ehrlich has flexibility in whom he selects
…