Tim Russert: Md. Is Battleground State In Senate

This week, NBC's Meet The Press with Tim Russert will take a closer look at Maryland's Senate race that pits Rep. Ben Cardin against Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.

Russert spoke with WBAL TV 11 News reporter David Collins Friday, and he said he views Maryland as a battleground in determining whether the Republicans maintain control of the Senate.

To help voters with their decision, Russert pledged that he'll compel both candidates to discuss in depth where they stand on the issues and why.

"If Mr. Steele or Mr. Cardin refuses to answer the question, I will make that very clear to the viewers. My job is to elicit from these candidates their specific, exact positions on these issues," he said.

Russert was talking about issues like the war in Iraq and U.S. troop withdrawal.

Cardin said he is in favor of letting 10,000 troops a month come home. Steele said he believes announcing a specific timetable would be dangerous.

Democrats are tying Steele to President George W. Bush, whose approval rating remains low in Maryland.

In the candidates past two encounters, Steele focused on local issues. Russert said Republicans across the country are using that strategy.

"I use these debates as a metaphor for what other people across the country are talking about. That includes the war, that includes Social Security, it includes taxes, it includes stem cell research," he said.

Cardin said he favors embryonic stem cell research. Steele said he opposes using embryo's that will be destroyed, but supports using adult stems and umbilical cords.

Actor Michael J. Fox put a human face on the issue by appearing in a campaign ad endorsing Cardin. He was diagnosed years ago with Parkinson's disease and said he hopes stem cell research leads to a cure.

"Well, it is interesting. As we speak here, Michael Steele has responded to the Michael J. Fox ads on stem cell research with an ad that features Steele's sister, who has multiple sclerosis. So he is attempting to do the same thing, put a human face on this issue," Russert said.

Russert has a reputation of frustrating candidates by knowing their positions better than they do and by plotting his interviews out like a chess match. His research has uncovered some inconsistencies in both candidates, but he said he wouldn't reveal them until the show.

"It's going to be great. It's usually all eyes on Florida, all eyes on Ohio … this time, all eyes are on Maryland," he said.

Tim Russert said he plans to dedicate the entire hour to the debate between Steele and Cardin. Meet The Press airs at 10 a.m. Sunday on WBAL TV 11.