U.S.: Rumblings on the plantation

ANNAPOLIS — Some black Democratic lawmakers say racism exists within the state party and they have little faith that their leader can improve the situation.

"They really don't care about us," said Delegate Tony E. Fulton, Baltimore Democrat. "We are used every four years, then thrown back."

Mr. Fulton thinks black lawmakers have been slighted. He said that they hold 32 of the 141 House seats, but that only two of the chamber's seven standing committees have a black chairman. That's roughly proportional, however, to their numbers in the House.

Dereck E. Davis, Prince George's Democrat, is chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, and Hattie N. Harrison, Baltimore Democrat, is chairwoman of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee.

"The Democratic Party acts as if they own black people," said Delegate Clarence "Tiger" Davis, Baltimore Democrat. "The state party is racist to the core."

Will the slaves revolt? Tune in tomorrow, same time, same channel!