Obama asks black voters to embrace Cardin

Sen. Barack Obama yesterday commended Republicans for fielding a black candidate in Maryland’s U.S. Senate race, but told a crowd of thousands that they should vote for a Democrat who will oppose President Bush.

“I think it’s great that the Republican Party has discovered black people,” the Illinois Democrat said with a touch of sarcasm during a rally for Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin at Bowie State University.

Then more seriously, Mr. Obama added: “I am sincere. I want them to compete for the African-American vote.”

Mr. Obama, the fifth black U.S. senator in history, and a possible 2008 presidential candidate, was making his second appearance for Mr. Cardin in the past six weeks.

Democrats are trying to prevent black Democrats from crossing party lines to vote for Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, the black Republican candidate.

The rally capped a week in which Prince George’s, and its 320,000 Democratic voters, most of them black, have been the center of attention in a race that most polls and observers say is coming down to the wire.

Mr. Obama said Republican efforts to attract black voters should be taken seriously, but told Prince George’s voters to support Mr. Cardin.

“You don’t vote for somebody because of what they look like,” he said. “You vote for what they stand for.”

Mr. Obama — who when here in September did not mention Mr. Steele by name and avoided criticizing him — took a few shots yesterday at the lieutenant governor, who has lived in Prince George’s for 20 years.

“We want to take a look at who has a track record, [someone who] doesn’t just talk the talk, doesn’t just look good on TV, doesn’t just have a pretty smile, but somebody who has actually done the work and showed backbone,” Mr. Obama said.

Mr. Cardin, a 10-term congressman from Baltimore, has struggled to connect with black voters, though he has campaigned vigorously in Prince George’s.

Mr. Steele, who in 2002 became the first black person elected to statewide office in Maryland, was endorsed this week by prominent Prince George’s Democrats.

Former County Executive Wayne K. Curry and all five black Democrats on the county council Monday endorsed Mr. Steele, saying their party has taken black voters for granted.

Mr. Cardin countered Thursday by appearing with County Executive Jack B. Johnson, Democrat, and about 30 other Prince George’s lawmakers.

“On Tuesday, so goes Prince George’s County, so goes the state of Maryland.” Mr. Johnson said at the rally.

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