The recent wave of endorsements of Republican nominee Lt. Gov. Michael Steele by prominent black officeholders and community leaders, especially from Prince George County (DC area), sent a shock wave through Democratic Party strategists. They decided their nominee, Rep. Ben Cardin, should go down there to stop the bleeding.

He did, and got a few endorsements. But he didn't even acknowledge most of those black leaders who came out to support him, much less allow them to speak at the rally. Paul Mirengoff of Powerline has more:

Johnson told the crowd that Cardin is "one fantastic individual that will represent us in the United States Senate." However, Cardin is not sufficiently fantastic to have received any prior public support from Johnson.

The rally turned sour when State Senator Nathaniel Exum berated Mr. Cardin for excluding him and other local delegates from speaking or being mentioned. Exum told Cardin, "You do the same [stuff] over and over again, just ignore us."

Cardin later said, "I think he's upset that we didn't go over the names, but I'm not too concerned about it. He's supporting us." That sentiment is Cardin's problem in a nutshell.

Read the whole post at the link above, along with links to related stories. Cardin is absolutely tone-deaf. It would serve him right if Sen. Exum turned around and endorsed Steele, citing Cardin's "lack of respect or appreciation" for anything blacks do for him.

UPDATE 11.05 12:30 a.m.: Reader Diane C. Russell notes in comments that Exum's daughter lives with him and is one of the five council members who just endorsed Steele.

We are always glad to get further info from people "on the ground" in the various states and districts. I wonder what this particular tid-bit is supposed to mean, though. Is the insinuation that Exum's remarks were a set-up? This seems hardly plausible. After all, he had just formally endorsed Cardin. In order to believe the suggestion, one must believe he was willing to stand up and endorse Cardin, and knew in advance that Cardin would NOT acknowledge him or the others by name, OR allow them to speak at the event.

Besides, didn't Mfume's son appear with Steele just after the primaries? Mfume endorsed Cardin, though, just as Exum did. Of course, Exum's daughter lives at home. What are the chances an adult child living with parents might have a difference of opinion with the folks?

If you have ever been on either side of such living arrangements, you already KNOW the answer.