Late last week, Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) announced that he would not seek a sixth term in the United States Senate. Maryland is a traditionally "blue" state, so although the seat is now open for 2006, Republicans are expected to have a tough time picking it up. As a result, about a half dozen Democrats have lined up for a run, the first one announcing today.

Former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume said Monday that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2006.

"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.

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Many observers say Mfume brought credibility and stability, working to institute corporate style-management practices. When he stepped down in November, the organization had enjoyed a budget surplus for eight consecutive years and an increasing endowment fund.

Link.

A number of other Democrats are expected to run, including Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley or Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (both of whom are expected to run for Governor, either of whom might switch races), and Congressmen Albert Wynn and Chris Van Hollen. It's great to see a state with such a deep bench of Democrats.