TIMING IS everything in politics, they say. And at first blush, Rep. Elijah Cummings' timing doesn't look so good.
The Baltimore Democrat is taking over as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus at a time when African-American lawmakers are pretty far out of the power center in Washington.
Republicans run the show now, not only at the White House but in both houses of Congress. The 39 CBC members are all Democrats, and thus function as a faction of a shrinking opposition party. They also serve exclusively in the House, where the rules allow a disciplined Republican majority to ignore them with impunity.
Contrast that with the hand dealt to Mr. Cummings' predecessor, former Baltimore Rep. Kweisi Mfume. He took over the black caucus in 1993, in the heady days following Bill Clinton's election as the first Democratic president in 12 years. Democrats also controlled both the House and Senate, but Mr. Clinton needed the CBC to get his programs passed.
Mr. Mfume had a lot of clout, and used it. He advanced issues of particular concern to black voters, and propelled himself to the helm of the nation's premier civil rights group, the NAACP.
What's more, Mr. Mfume came to the job with more natural gifts for leadership than Mr. Cummings has displayed so far. Over his four terms in Congress, Mr. Cummings' performance has been lackluster.
Nonetheless, he was able overcome some impressive competition to win the CBC's top post. And Mr. Cummings now has the opportunity to speak for black Americans at a time that is actually rich with potential power.
African-Americans increasingly hold the margin of victory in election contests all over the country, most recently saving a Senate seat for Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu. Nothing illustrates their voting strength better than President Bush's decision to personally rebuke Senate Republican leader Trent Lott for his seeming endorsement of segregation. Mr. Bush may not win many black votes in 2004, but he certainly doesn't want African-Americans mobilized against him.
The black caucus also controls one of the largest voting blocs in Congress. Mr. Cummings plans to take advantage of the more centrist views of the newer caucus members to reach beyond traditional allies in the left to forge new partnerships on some issues with Democratic moderates, progressive Republicans, and even the White House.
If the CBC, guided by Mr. Cummings, can fashion itself into a critical swing vote, then African-American voters will gain the voice they deserve in shaping national policy.