How much is a Russell Simmons (Def Jam) endorsement worth?

[Stinky The Clown]

Tonight he was in Baltimore where he endorsed Republican Michael Steele for the Senate run against either Ben Cardin or Keisi Mfume.

Is this a big deal?

[buff2]

1. It didn't help the Dems when he was on the other side of the fence

It means nothing.

[LA lady]

2. They are really playing it to the hilt

Angling for Hip-Hop Appeal


Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele's credibility with a pivotal constituency -- African American voters -- got a boost yesterday when hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons got behind his U.S. Senate bid.

"It's extremely significant," said Donna Brazile, a Democratic political strategist. "It says that Michael Steele is someone who is comfortable with youth voters and minority voters."

Yesterday's heavily promoted announcement was just the latest example of how one of the nation's highest-ranking black Republican office holders is trying to balance two aspects of his life -- his race and his political party. Standing beside Simmons, Steele happily embraced the label "hip-hop Republican."


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/24/AR2006082401676.html