Monday, July 10, 2023

US Senate Race in Maryland: Will Jawando




(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 CafĂ©, 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


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