In Md., Only Steele Holding Out on His GOP Senate Bid

"He's the only option they have," Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Terry Lierman said. "The Republican Party doesn't have a farm team in Maryland. They're stuck with him."

Patrick E. Gonzales, a Maryland pollster with clients from both parties, said Steele would enter the race in a strong position, given his high visibility and the generally positive impression he has made on voters. But simple math dictates that, as a conservative Republican who opposes abortion, he would still have to persuade some Democrats to break ranks.

As Howard A. Denis, the lone Republican on the Montgomery County Council, put it: "He can get every single Republican vote in Maryland and still lose in a landslide. You have to reach out."

The need to reach across party lines also could have implications for Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. , given that a Steele Senate bid would force the governor to find a running mate.

Already, GOP insiders have been floating a list of names that includes such longtime Democrats as former Prince George's County executive Wayne K. Curry, State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, and Baltimore City State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy, as well as Republican state Sen. Sandra B. Schrader (Howard).

Republican political consultant Kevin Igoe said that regardless of Ehrlich's choice of running mate, a Steele Senate bid could create "a three-person ticket." And Steele would be in an even better position to "spotlight the party's openness to African Americans" because he will command far more media attention than he did in 2002.

Cardin said he is focused on his candidacy and not "whomever the Republicans put up."

Mfume, who considers Steele a friend, said that despite their political differences he believes the lieutenant governor could help bring the Senate race an air of historic significance.

"I think it would speak volumes about where we've come as a nation," he said, "and our ability as political parties to look beyond race and religion."