Cardin rejects racial tactics

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U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin yesterday pledged not to use racially tinged attacks in his campaign for U.S. Senate but stopped short of repudiating fellow Maryland Democrats who have said such tactics are acceptable against Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele because he is a black conservative Republican.

"I have never in my entire life brought race into what I do in life, and it is not going to come in now, at this stage," said Mr. Cardin, a 10-term congressman who could face Mr. Steele in the contest to replace retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes. "I don't think race has any place in this campaign."

Even as Mr. Cardin declined to criticize fellow Democrats, members of the Congressional Black Caucus said Baltimore lawmakers in the General Assembly should "cease and desist" from making racial comments about Mr. Steele -- the first black man to win a statewide election in Maryland.

"My plan is to meet with them and ask them to stop this at once," said U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Baltimore Democrat and former Black Caucus chairman.

Rep. Albert R. Wynn, a black Prince George's County Democrat, admonished Baltimore lawmakers and even described Mr. Steele as "a likable guy."

"I think the comments and the attacks were outrageous and reprehensible. It does a disservice to the African-American community, and it creates a herd mentality that whatever the Democrats say we should repeat," Mr. Wynn said.

The Washington Times reported Wednesday that several black Maryland Democratic leaders said racially tinged attacks against Mr. Steele are fair because his political positions do not reflect those of the black community.

"Party trumps race, especially on the national level," said state Sen. Lisa A. Gladden, a black Baltimore Democrat. "It's democracy, perhaps at its worst, but it is democracy."

Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, a black Baltimore Democrat, said Mr. Steele invites racially charged criticism -- including labels such as "Oreo cookie" and "Uncle Tom" -- because his conservative philosophy is anti-black, in her opinion.

Mr. Wynn said such racially tinged criticism of Mr. Steele could backfire among voters in his district and could make the Republican candidate a "sympathetic figure" when Mr. Steele's personal story as the son of a hardworking widow who refused to go on welfare is aired.