What Maryland Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Aren’t Talking About?

(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.

The Early Vote

 Annapolis -

“Slow and steady,” has been the mantra of the day as I checked in on selected polling stations from Baltimore to Annapolis (with a stop in Columbia). There was one report of a booth which switched from Republican to Democrat (WBAL). It occurred in Baltimore City – the machine was pulled and an attendant made sure the vote was entered for the right candidate. Nicky Charleston of the State Board of Elections (SBE) says they recorded fewer than 30 machines with this switching problem. In the larger sense this is less than .001 of all the machines used in the state. Somehow this problem is not occurring with Democratic votes?

In past elections, some jurisdictions totals waited until they received all their totals before reporting to the SBE. Not the case this election. Once totals are reported (even if all the totals aren’t in) they will reported out. In past elections Baltimore City seem to have a big problem with its total, this jurisdiction will get partial results like the rest of the state.

So when will we see results the moment the polls close. The early vote totals, 8.31% of the eligible voters will be reported out. We may be able to ascertain who got their people out early.

Baltimore’s Write in Candidates

The long odds of Russell Neveradon and Shawn Tarrant winning were on full display at one of the city’s most popular precincts, Ashburton Elementary/Middle School. It’s at this polling station where politicians focus because of its consistent turnout numbers. Bellowing the need to write in Neveradon’s name is a poll work that encourages any and everyone to “Write in Neveradon.”

Standing next to her is a Tarrant surrogate who makes sure they get his literature. On cue, as I walk across the street is Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby, the husband of Marilyn Mosby, the Democrat running for State's Attorney. The political Democratic Duo is leaving nothing to chance, even a write in candidate.

The Electorate Mix

Early morning and midday might as well be senior’s hour. They come in vans and cars, taking up the handicap spots on every lot I visited. Many of these voters take the vote seriously. Conversely, at Wilde Lake High school I run into a young pair of voters. As they make their way to polling station they seem more interested who is being profiled at school than who they are going to vote for. It’s this collision of demographics which will become more pronounced as the day wears on.