(Baltimore, MD) Before arriving at a forum, featuring a Democratic Candidate for United States Senate, Will Jawando from Montgomery County, I see a note announcing Representative Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County will not seek the seat vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin.
“It’s a big day for us. A lot of his voters were my voters.”
A number of voters were hesitant to support Jawando. This is not uncommon,
especially because it’s early, and those who are eligible to vote don’t know
much about the race, “We’re kinda waiting to see what Jamie’s gonna do.” Things
have changed since his exit.
“When I leave here, I’m going to be calling them all day.”
For the Montgomery Council Member, he now needs those who were on the fence to
make a decision, “So here we are.”
Several things come into play with Congressman Raskin not in the race. With his
absence, Candidate Jawando hopes to see
more money come into the race. In a pronouncement that will not shock anyone,
“I’m the only bold progressive candidate in this race.”
“As you know, I use to work in the Obama Administration,”
the Democratic proudly proclaims. He isn’t the only person who worked for the 44th
President. During Governor Wes Moore’s primary run there were at least four
people who boasted claims to working with the former President. Let me tell you
how that worked out, none them bested the eventually nominee.
What this tells me is you have to have a track record which sews
together the state’s Democratic Party constituents.
From Montgomery there are a mixture of old residents (who
are dyed in the wool Democrats – think – those living in Leisure Village).
There is also an energic Jewish community with ties to
former jobs in the federal government. They extend from inside the Beltway along
the I-270 corridor, stretching from Rockville to Olney.
The toughest electorate to peg are those in the Potomac
region, commonly known as Mac-Mansionville. They can fund a campaign and give
you entry into wealth. How do I know? A number of families have hosted
fund-raisers in their homes for President Joe Biden.
People have made fortunes in Montgomery County speculating
on land, construction, and development. They are the drivers of campaign funds
in suburban Washington, D.C. They are unabashed in their desire to keep funds
following from the County, State and the Federal Government.
The newest player, ethnic minorities from Latin America, India,
Pakistan, Africa (Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrean etc.…) and Mediterranean
Countries. They are unique. Most are first generation arrivals who are
self-made. They thrive in the tech areas. Some have advanced degrees and came
into their own in the last ten years. You will pass them on the Metro and think
nothing of them.
“I am the only candidate in this race who has garnered the
most votes (than my rivals),” says Jawando. The claim was made before a group
of Black Baltimore men on a Saturday morning at the Next Phaze Café, a Black
owned establishment.
“This race is going to be won in the Baltimore region (city
and county),” says the candidate. The thirty men assembled nod in approval.
“You know we’ve heard this before from candidates,” says Michael Johnson, the
host of “Straight No Chaser” on WBFF Fox 45. “We see funds flowing from the federal
government, but they never reach us,” as he host chides the presenter.
“Look, as a Senator I can make sure federal funds get to
communities. I can’t tell someone like the Mayor how to spend those dollars…but
I can look over their shoulder to ask how they are being allocated.” A politically sophisticated
way to placate those who are looking for answers.
The fifth year Montgomery County Councilman lays out what
he’s done. “Guaranteed income for those who qualify…creating the largest summer
jobs program…and putting a cap on rents.” The last one he says has lost him
some developer support. “But I still talk to them.”
There is much support from this group about his proposal to
term limit Justices of the Supreme Court and consideration of expanding the number
of members on highest court in the land. When it comes to reparations, he says
he is not opposed to the idea on the federal level. He points out what’s going
on in California. “Here, I’m planning to introduce a reparations study in
Montgomery County.
Juggernaut
Juwando, who is biracial faces long odds with Congressman
David Throne and Princess George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the
race.
Congressman Trone who has financed his own two congressional
runs was the first up with campaign ads. It was introduction of sorts touting
what he did to help a relative who was addicted to drugs. “I want to do the
same thing for Baltimore,” was the tag line. Noting, the Baltimore Metro Area
is where this race is likely to be decided. He’s already sunk more than a
million dollars in ads.
County Executive Alsobrooks, the soft but steady hand
leading Prince George’s County is in a unique position. The former Prosecutor
turned County Executive easily cruised to re-election. On election night in
Baltimore, I did ask her if she would run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland.
“Charles, I just won re-election!”
Fast-forward, here she is with her “hat in the ring.” If
elected she would become only the third woman (Sen. Barbara Milkuski and Representative
Connie Morella) to serve in the Maryland Congressional Delegation.
Democrat women will tell you they have delivered for the
party, but there has been little reciprocation from the electorate to put them
in statewide office on either side of the aisle. The why is a lot more
complicated than it would seem from the outside.
The first is fundraising. A U.S. Senate race is likely to
cost more than 10 million dollars. If you don’t have that kind of personal
wealth, then you have to find causes which will net you dollars.
For Alsobrooks, she comes at a time when the state’s
Governor Wes Moore, literally, owes her for support. Prince Georges County rang
up the most votes for Governor Moore. Alsobrooks also served on his transition
team. In politics, this is called payback. I think in the primary, I expect the
Governor to open his rolodex and suggest she call a number of his “special
friends.”
Alsobrooks is likely to get looks from national
organizations with ties to women’s issues such as Planned Parenthood, NOW, and
Moms Demand Action, just to name a few.
For the last two Maryland U.S. Senate races, women who have
“thrown the hat in the ring” have not done well. The most recent is former
Congresswomen Donna Edwards. Congresswoman Edwards kept being sullied by a
rumor she had supported groups who were against Israel. It doomed any chance she
could succeed.
There is a sense in the electorate that “we want someone
like ‘Sen. Milkuski.’” Her brashness endeared her to a generation of women who
had to “kick-down” doors just to be heard. Is County Executive Alsobrooks up to
a similar task?
This is way too early to speculate. I will watch as these
candidates hone their message.
I’m still waiting to see who will jump into the race on the
Republican side.
CFR3
