Governor Ehrlich, Steele denounce Democratic Party as racist

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. called the Democratic Party "racist" in its appeal to blacks Monday and was seconded by his African-American lieutenant governor, whom the Republicans are show casing today in a prime-time speech at their national convention here. "I saw a message coming out of the Democratic Convention: If you happen to have black skin, you have to believe one way. You have to. Or you are a traitor to your race," Ehrlich said in remarks to the Maryland state delegation at its hotel. "That's the message we've seen from a number of conventions. That's why it's important that this lieutenant governor speak to this country. That's racist." Ehrlich was joined by Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.  Speaking to reporters later, Ehrlich reiterated his comments. Steele said he agreed with the sentiment: "Absolutely. You are putting people in a box, and you are saying you can only believe or think or feel a certain way because of the color of your skin." "I did a national talk show this morning, and the first question out of the box, on an African-American station, was 'How can you be a Republican?'" Steele said. "How can you be a Democrat, is my response. Justify your existence. I don't have to justify mine." [more ] and [more ] Pictured above: Ehrlich and Steele

• On May 11, 2004 Governor Ehrlich  told WBAL radio that he rejects the idea of multiculturalism. "Once you get into this multicultural crap, this bunk, you run into a problem. With respect to this culture, English is the language," he said. "Should we encourage young folks here to be assimilated, to learn the culture and values? Of course. There's a major distinction to ethnic pride and multiculturalism." "We need to get back to our roots," he said, adding that his view on multiculturalism "is a common-sense view held by everyone." [more]
  

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Michael Steele: Workin for the Man Every Night and Day II

• Lt. Governor Made Campaign Promises to Oppose the Death Penalty and to do something about Racial Bias in Sentencing. He has done Nothing. 
  

Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele wants anyone wondering to know that he would carry "buckets of sand, water and dirt" for his boss, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. Mr. Steele said he and Mr. Ehrlich remain in perfect tandem as they lead Maryland to a brighter future. And oh yes, the governor is the only man he answers to on issues such as a promised death penalty task force - a pledge the news media has such a way of keeping alive. When Mr. Ehrlich was sworn in as Maryland's top elected official last year, he promised an equal partnership with Mr. Steele. The first African American elected to statewide office, he attracted voters who shared his opposition to the death penalty and abortion. When he lifted a moratorium on the death penalty after taking office, Mr. Ehrlich said Mr. Steele would head a task force to investigate allegations of racial bias in sentencing. Today, Mr. Steele says that plan is still alive, adding with a degree of irritation that he isn't working on a schedule set by the media or by either side on the issue. He's just not giving up any details. "I am not ready to talk about it," Mr. Steele said during an interview last week in his State House office. [more] Pictured above:  Ehrlich and Steele seem to have that 'Issac get me a drink' Love Boat kind of relationship. "Whatever you said I agree" - Mr. Follow Follow.

• As Md. Execution Looms, Lt. Gov. No Longer Voices Opposition to Death Penalty [more]
• Steele Steps Into the National Spotlight [more ]