(Arlington, VA) – “Your Voice, Your Future,” was theme
for the second Maryland Democratic Gubernatorial Debate. Held at the WJLA Channel 7/
News Channel 8, the Sinclair Broadcasting Groups, location in the Rosslyn
section of Arlington (Wait, this debate for the Governor of Maryland is being
held in Virginia?).
Unlike the previous debate which I personally participated in, this included Ralph Jaffe, a perennial candidate. Kia Jackson. the moderator, held a close grip on time with this large group. The candidates had a one
minute opening statement but not a closing statement. A new twist was a 30 second
rebuttal.
Before I get into the quotes and arguments it is clear
the televised the debates have focused a majority of time on Baltimore/Baltimore
County issues. Left by the wayside are the varied pressing issues in Western
Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Democrats have abandoned the party because of
this and a number of them are supporting the Republican Governor (it’s borne
out in polls).
Now for the lines and the attacks:
·
Once again Governor Larry Hogan is main focus of
all the candidates.
- Racial tensions were the line of questioning from two of the panelist. How to solve this problem was varied. Memorable lines came from state Sen. Richard Madaleno, “hurt people, hurt.” Jim Shea, “we’ve allowed the extremes on both sides to take over conversations.” Alec Ross, “Before the justice system failed, the education system failed.”
·
The recent flooding in Ellicott City was a
subject everyone coalesced around. Rebuilding the historic city was high on all
the candidates’ agenda.
·
The attacks against the governor centered on
education funding and how Governor Hogan went after jurisdictions lead by
Democrats (Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince Georges’
County).
·
A question about how much is spent on educating
kids in Baltimore shifted the discussion. Quotes were all over the place.
Valeria Erving, “We are not going to spend our way out of this problem.” Ben
Jealous on the lack of funding, “Till we fully fund our schools…we will not be
able see improvements.” Rushern Baker cut to the real issue, “When they say
it’s not about money, it is.”
Here are couple of observations. Valerie Ervin says she
has filed suit in Annapolis Circuit Court to get her name on the ballot. She received
support from Alec Ross, Richard Jaffe, and a surprised endorsement from Ben
Jealous. Ervin has accused Jealous of causing her to lose a job, and stopping
Ervin from become a Lt. Governor candidate.
Was pleasantly surprise to see Ervin looking more
gubernatorial (dark rimmed glasses, white blazer, Black blouse and no “Black
Girls Rock” button)?
At the time of the debate airing, the Washington Capitals
will be playing the Golden Knights of Las Vegas. Pandering to that audience
Senator Madaleno said he was a Capitals fan (no one else picked up on the
idea).
Now back to this idea the debates have been Baltimore centric.
Senator Madaleno, “I’ve tried to answer the questions from a statewide perspective.”
“There is a reason for it,” says Baker, “Baltimore is the most important city
in the state…no governor has approached Baltimore City the way Governor Hogan
has. He acts like it doesn’t exist.”
Connecting to voters is key, some believe if we can solve Baltimore’s problems they will transfer to the state. Jealous suggests, “We have to solve the tough kitchen table issues affecting families.”
The large panels clearly aren’t allowing anyone to
distinguish themselves. Those with the financial wherewithal are defining
themselves via radio and television ads in the Baltimore metro area. It’s more
expensive to do so in the Washington metro area.
