Ehrlich Meets With MD Black Caucus - Tones Down Redneckness

• Set-Aside Remarks Sparked Criticism

Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. moved quickly yesterday to tamp down outrage over his remarks that a state program to foster minority businesses "needs to end." In a hastily called meeting with African American lawmakers yesterday, Ehrlich (R) pledged his support for the state's Minority Business Enterprise program and said his comments Wednesday were not intended to play down the discrimination that led to creation of such programs. "The goal of the program is to be so successful that it goes out of business, but we're not there yet," Ehrlich told reporters yesterday.Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George's), a member of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, called the remarks by Ehrlich and Schaefer "unfortunate statements by the top leaders in our state." Sen. Verna L. Jones (D-Baltimore), vice chairman of the Black Caucus, said the comments were "ridiculous and very short-sighted." Ehrlich "talks a good game" about minority participation in business, Jones said, "but when he makes statements like this, you have to pause." U.S. Rep Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) , former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, yesterday sent a letter to Ehrlich urging him to continue the minority business initiative, saying, "The future of our state depends on the success of all minority and women-owned businesses."  The program is set to expire in 2006. Its scheduled termination has been extended several times since it began. A legislative audit in 2002 found that the 19 percent minority participation claimed by state agencies was "significantly overstated.[more]

• Md. Black Caucus to Seek Program Extension [more]