Because of a production error, an unrelated photograph was superimposed on a photo of Wayne K. Curry with an Oct. 31 Metro article on a coalition of black Democrats endorsing Republican Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele in Maryland's U.S. Senate contest.
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Black Democrats Cross Party Lines To Back Steele For U.S. Senate
Terry Lierman, state Democratic chairman, said there is plenty of diversity in the party. "They are trying to make an issue out of something that doesn't exist," he said.
According to a recent Washington Post poll, Steele trailed Cardin by 11 percentage points. The lieutenant governor has support from only 14 percent of black voters, despite an aggressive bid for their support, the poll shows.
  Democrat Wayne K. Curry, right, said he decided to cross party lines to back Republican Michael S. Steele, left, because Steele is a "good man with a good plan." (By Sarah L. Voisin -- The Washington Post) Online Resources
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During the primary, Curry's endorsement gave Rushern L. Baker III a boost in his unsuccessful bid for county executive. Steele is hoping Curry will do the same for him among black Democrats.
Walters said the Prince George's politicians made an "audacious" move by putting local interests above national ones since a Steele victory could keep the Senate in Republican hands.
Curry said the decision to endorse the lieutenant governor was about dignity and respect and an opportunity to back a "good man with a good plan."
Curry said he disagrees with Steele on several issues but supports his plans for equity in business opportunities, economic development and improved schools.
Prince George's council member David Harrington (D-Cheverly) said he was comfortable supporting Steele. "It's a way to say, 'Don't leave Prince George's out, and don't leave African Americans out,' " he said.
Harrington said race is a factor for him. "It's not the factor," he said, "but it is a factor. There needs to be a diversity of voices in the room."
In addition to Harrington, the council members backing Steele are Samuel H. Dean (D-Mitchellville), Camille Exum (D-Seat Pleasant), Tony Knotts (D-Temple Hills) and Marilynn Bland (D-Clinton).
