Black Democrats support Steele

Other Maryland Democratic leaders — such as U.S. House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson and Delegate Anthony G. Brown of Prince George’s County, who is running for lieutenant governor — declined to comment.

A Cardin campaign spokesman did not return calls.

Mr. Cardin, a white 10-term congressman from Baltimore, said this weekend that his “message to the African-American community and to all communities is that we’ve got to change the priorities in Washington.”

“You’re twice as likely to be without health insurance if you’re African-American. So, yes, [black voters are] concerned about a senator who’s going to stand up for universal health coverage. I will. Michael Steele won’t. He supports George Bush’s policies,” Mr. Cardin said.

Mr. Curry said that Mr. Steele is a “good man with a good plan,” and although he differs with some of Mr. Steele’s views, he also differs with some of the Democratic Party’s platform.

He said the lieutenant governor is “most responsive to the things that will make our futures brighter.”