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RUSSELL SIMMONS BACKS REPUBLICAN FOR SENATE: Maryland’s Michael Steele gets support from Def Jam mogul.
*Entertainment mogul Russell Simmons, known for pushing decidedly liberal activism through his group Hip Hop Summit Action Network, will join Radio One founder Cathy Hughes to co-host a campaign fundraiser Thursday for Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, a Republican running for U.S. Senate.
The Washington Times reports that Simmons, the co-founder of rap label Def Jam, has also been a vocal supporter of Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican he believes drew black voters with urban initiatives, especially criminal-justice reforms. He also credited Ehrlich with putting the Republican Party in a better light among blacks nationwide.
"He raised the whole party up," Simmons said at the time. "He makes every Republican open for discussion" among black voters.
Steele would be the state's first black U.S. senator if elected. His campaign spokesperson, Doug Heye, says he shares the same message of economic opportunity embodied by Simmons and Hughes.
"These are both people who not only built extremely successful companies but companies that are actively involved in their communities," Mr. Heye said. "It goes to what Mr. Steele talks about in building legacy wealth."
The fundraiser will be held at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore. Also scheduled to participate in the event are Cathy Hughes, founder and chairman of Radio One, and DJ Kid Capri. Tickets to the reception are $35. VIP reception tickets are $500.
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