Hoyer to Back Cardin's Senate Bid

[Freddie Stubbs]

Congressman Gains Democratic Whip's Support in Primary

By John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, May 2, 2005; Page B06

Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) will land the first major endorsement of Maryland's 2006 Democratic U.S. Senate primary today as House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) plans to throw his support behind his longtime colleague.

The endorsement, which Hoyer said he plans to announce during the first of several appearances with Cardin, comes at an important moment in the fledgling race to succeed retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D).

Former Maryland congressman Kweisi Mfume, the only other major contender to announce his candidacy thus far, was dogged last week by allegations of favoritism during his leadership of the NAACP. And other Democrats, including Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County, are still considering whether to enter the race.

"There is no reason to wait," Hoyer said yesterday of his decision to endorse Cardin. "Whoever gets in this race in the future will not bring the talent, integrity and legislative experience of Ben Cardin."

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/01/AR2005050100816.html

[nickshepDEM]

1. Good news... Although I wasnt expecting him to back Mfume.

Cardin deserves this seat.

[OnBackground]

2. commentary and sites

And a Sun columnist has very <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.fraser01may01,1,2510191.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines">positive things</a> to say about him.

Both <a href="http://www.mfumeforsenate.com/">Mfume</a> and <a href="http://www.bencardin.com/">Cardin</a> now have basic sites up, though they are a bit bare bones.

[nickshepDEM]

3. Cardin's site looks nice. eom