Dissension in the ranks!
MD Lt. Governor Michael Steele has asked the National Black Republican Association (NBRA) to remove a radio advertisement (heard in Baltimore) because it is “insulting to Marylanders,” according to WBAL. Listen to the brief spot here (MP3) or right-click and select “Save Target As” to download to hard drive.
The ad is factual: MLK was a Republican, Republicans spearheaded major civil rights legislation and the Democrats tried to block it, etc., but Steele says:
Although they may have had good intentions, there is no room for this kind of slash-and-burn partisan politics in the important conversation about how to best bring meaningful change to Washington, D-C, and get something done for Maryland.
I’m guessing, but he seems to think the appeal to race is unnecessary and divisive. Although I tend to agree, it doesn’t hurt to get the truth out there.
I’ve contacted Frances Rice (pictured with Lynn Swann), chair of the NBRA, for comment.
(Rice/Swann photo credit: NBRA)
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Update: The story made the Washington Post (and here), so it must be big news. Or at least gathering steam.
I love controversy…
Update II (9/22): Frances Rice and the NBRA won’t be deterred by Steele. She writes:
The NBRA radio ad is intended to set the record straight. Our goal is to enlighten African Americans about their political history so that they can know that they have a choice.
This radio ad is part of our on-going nationwide educational campaign, along with our printed materials which includes our magazine, The Black Republican. We will continue our advertising campaign over the coming
weeks, including airing our radio ad in a number of states.
