PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Democratic Dirty Tricks Target Black Politician
by George Prince Sunday, Sep. 25, 2005 at 10:44 AM

Democratic dirty tricks adn law breaking have targeted a prominent black politician in Maryland. In a blatant attempt to keep an Afrcan American of prominence and intellect from challenging the Democrats opening seat in the Senate, Democratic operatives have illegally obtained the credit report of Michael Steele. There is no proper purpose for such conduct other than to keep an African American off of the ballot in the upcoming Senate election in favor of the Democratic Party's annointed candidate.

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We don't yet know who the candidates will be in Maryland's Senate race next year. But we may already have had the first crime committed in the race to replace retiring Democrat Sen. Paul Sarbanes. The FBI is investigating how two operatives at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee obtained a copy of Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's credit report. If any laws were broken, charges will soon follow. The dirt is clearly piling up for this campaign.

Michael Steele is a prominent Marland lawyer and African American. he is currently the Lt. Govenor of Maryland. He is intelligent, well spoken and has long been an advocate of racial equality and opportunity. As Lt. Governor, Michael Steele plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Maryland's five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU): Coppin State College, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Bowie State University and Sojourner-Douglass College. He has advocated for Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) to receive unprecedented funding in Maryland's fiscal year 2005 budget. Maryland's HBCU's are slated to receive an ADDITIONAL $68 million, thanks to Micheal's Steele's efforts.

Yesterday the Washington Post named two Democratic staffers who are the likely culprits: Katie Barge and Lauren Weiner. Both have since resigned and the two are reportedly cooperating with the FBI investigation. Ms. Barge was the research director for the campaign committee and Ms. Weiner was working on "opposition research" on Mr. Steele. Mr. Steele's credit report was likely obtained using his Social Security number, which was itself obtained from court documents. A Democratic spokesman said a supervisor quickly secured the credit report and ensured it was not disseminated.

We'll see if that's true in the coming months. At least the criminal investigation may take away the one area where Democrats have long planned to "find" mud to sling at Mr. Steele. In any case, should he formally announce for Mr. Sarbanes' seat (as expected), raising money won't be a problem. Even with his credit report floating around in political circles, Mr. Steele remains one of the best candidates for the Senate seat next year.

Please write to the Democratic party and tell them that you are outraged at such conduct. This behavior is demeaning to all Democrats and Progressives.