Black Politicos Eye U.S. Senate Seats
blackenterprise.com
How likely is it that a historic number of African Americans will serve? Political scientists weigh in
By Joyce Jones
It's a rare occasion when we see two African Americans from one state, and opposing political parties, vying for the same seat in the U.S. Senate. The last time was during the 2004 Illinois contest that took place between the Republican Alan Keyes, perhaps best known for his failed presidential campaigns, and the wildly popular Barack Obama-which most political observers considered to be a farce. But now Republican Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele has thrown his hat into the Maryland senate race and may well face off with former congressman and NAACP president, Kweisi Mfume, next fall. This time it will be serious.
They are not the only African American candidates with their eye on the U.S. Senate. Last year, Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.) announced his bid to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. In Michigan, pastor and former Detroit city council member Keith Butler is aiming to become the Republican nominee who will oust first-term Democrat Debbie Stabenow.
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