[UPDATE] The right kind of Black? MD Senate: Mfume

LINK

I've always liked Mfume. From the article:

"It is with great pride and deep humility that I announce to you today my candidacy for the Senate of the United States," Mfume said in a three-page statement made available to reporters at a news conference in Baltimore.

Mfume, who was a five-term U.S. congressman before becoming president of the Baltimore-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, issued the statement after incumbent Paul Sarbanes announced Friday that he will not run for re-election.

Thoughts?

[UPDATE 05.14.05 12:15 PM CST] As I expected, this discussion has included the requisite "What kind of 'Black Democrat' " is he stuff?

So let's really get into it....

The Democratic party needs to get away from race as a defining characteristic of our politics and policy.

Shouldn't we simply be talking about whether Mfume is the right kind of leader, instead of the right kind of Black Leader?

I am certainly aware of how race affects our society and our politics, but shouldn't Democrats take it upon ourselves to move away from a mentality that's rooted in prejudices and impressions of the past?

Discuss.