As we know Barack Obama is attracting unprecedented numbers of Black Americans to the polls during the primaries. The notion of a Black President enfranchises these voters in ways never seen before. Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois, seems to have an affect on Black voters like that other Illinois politician, Abe Lincoln had in the 19th century. Obama is the zeta to Lincoln’s alpha; the pinnacle of nearly 150 years of the struggle to be free but never quite equal might end with the 2008 election. If Obama does win the Democratic Primary, what impact will he have beyond the Presidential race? If large number of Black voters swamp the polls on November 2, what will be the secondary effect? If Blacks go to the polls for Obama it can only help incumbents like Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. Her seat in the Senate is the one most in jeopardy to be lost by the Democrats. Landrieu, however, is playing it close to the vest. She has not endorsed either candidate thus far. You would think that in her most private moments she cheers on Obama like a rabid NASCAR fan. Another key seat up for grabs is Trent Lott’s old slot in Mississippi. Ronnie Musgrove (D) will be running against Roger Wicker (R). Already said to be a close race, a huge African-American turnout could turn the tide in a very Red State. The most interesting race that involves the “Obama Factor” will be in Alabama. Jeff Sessions, a two term Senator, would normally be a shoe-in but recent events swirling around the incarceration of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman around spurious information and involving Karl Rove aired recently on CBS’ 60 Minutes. If you didn’t catch the episode watch it here. Jeff Sessions pressured CBS to not air the program. Why would he do this if he has nothing to hide? Sessions will be running against a Black female candidate named Vivian Figures. What will Obama’s impact be on this race if he is on the Presidential ballot in November? Will Red States turn black in 2008 under the weight of interested African American voters? If so, the party will owe a debt of gratitude to them along with Barack Obama for making it possible. Never in the history of this country have African Americans been in a position to have this much power…and this much equality.  It has been a long time in coming.

Democrats Dream of a Filibuster Proof Senate