Rage Against A Machine

(Rockville, MD) After months of letting everyone know he’d join the race for governor of Maryland on his own time, Maryland State’s Attorney Douglas Gansler announced his intention to enter the crowded field of candidates vying to become the head of the Free State. Gansler admitted he has always face long odds whenever he has run for office. To showcase his campaign the State’s Attorney embarked on a 17 city tour starting in his home base of Rockville.

The crowd was peppered with family and friends who’ve supported him. Speaking on his behalf was State Senator Richard Madaleno of Montgomery County who reminded the crowd of Gansler often has gone against the grain. He cited the candidate’s early support of same sex marriage. Senator Madaleno went on to reminded the crowd, it was the State’s Attorney who supported Barack Obama for President while most of the established Democrats in the state were backing Hillary Clinton for President (expect to hear more about this in the next nine months).

The nominee was introduced to the crowd by his son. The vision was about being “Maryland Proud.” The theme under his administration will be to create jobs and provide for a fairer economy for the middle class according to his campaign literature.

In trying to change the conversation from what his two opponents (Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Del. Heather Mizeur) have been talking about, the Rockville native questioned aspects of the so call “machine.” “I’m not your candidate if you just want the status quo. I’ve never just gone along merely to get along.” He also referred to “them” as the establishment –“My service as governor will be built on meeting the needs of people. Not the establishment. Not the special interests.”

This reoccurring theme has some legitimacy if you look at how his main opponent candidate Anthony Brown has been racking up endorsements. There are few high profile Democratic supporters left to get (Isaiah Leggett, Rushern Baker, and Peter Franchot). Just as Brown convinced Ken Ullman of Howard County to drop out of the race and support his ticket; is it time Gansler made an entrée to Del. Mizeur to give up her campaign to support him?

“So John, (Wagner –Washington Post) which one of the two candidates will go negative first,” I ask of my colleague who covers politics. John gives a wry smile, but we both know it could get very nasty. That’s always a risk in primary. It points out the weakness in your rival and makes you vulnerable in the general election, but wait this is Maryland. The last time we had a truly contested race was when Robert Erhlich, a Republican, beat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, a Democrat, for Governor. The party powers in the Democratic Party are not about to let that happen.

The Scene

In looking at the announcement for Gansler and that for Brown there were some striking contrast…Energy. The crowd in Rockville for the most part was subdued. The event for Gansler was called an “Ice Cream Social.” Maybe that’s okay for Rockville, but in Prince George’s County where Brown kicked off his campaign there was a barbeque with a marching band.

Gansler held his kick off in a park in the middle of an urban landscape buffered by several thoroughfares with loud trucks, and blaring car radio’s (where I was standing I kept turning around to see who was making all the noise).

There has never been a Governor from Montgomery County. Gansler made reference to this and if anyone in the county has a potential shot, it’s him. However, a number of my colleagues made reference to candidate runs for Governor who launched their campaigns from Rockville. They include Martin O’Malley and Robert Erhlich. Let’s just say the last guy didn’t do so well.

Look I’m not a campaign manager, but you might want acknowledge some of the elected officials who showed up for the kick-off. I spotted several delegates and a state senator in the crowd. Heck even spoke to State Comptroller Peter Franchot who attended the event. He remains neutral in the race. He told me he has attended the kick-offs for Brown, Mizeur, and now Gansler. “I offer up my consultation to all them,” says Franchot. What will make him get off the sideline from being a spectator? “The fiscal issues in the state,” says the Comptroller, “we got get this state back to being business friendly.”

I was trying to figure out while standing at this event what this campaign reminded me of, and then it hit me, Stephen Sachs campaign against William Donald Schaffer. Sachs and Gansler were State’s Attorney’s. Sach’s was trying to seize upon the angst that people had about a “machine politician.” His pick for a running mate was supposed to change to election. I can go on and on…but you remember how that went.

At campaign events in order to get the crowd fired up they usually play music from various artist. Okay, I’m listening, there’s a tune from Kayne West, Billy Joel, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. If this is someone’s playlist/candidate playlist I guess it can be described as “all over the place.”

If there is an irony to this event Gansler can’t file paper work yet to appear on a ballot, the reason he doesn’t have a running mate. It’s the big unanswered question to the candidate. According to a staff member the announcement won’t be made until October. So what’s the criterion for the pick? A campaign source says they have vetted through a number of candidates and it’s come down to two jurisdictions Baltimore and Prince George’s County. Let me suggest that the running mate will not look like Gansler.

Five Questions the Candidate Needs to Answer

I did this with Anthony Brown and you can review them to see if he has sufficiently answered them. So here goes for Doug Gansler.

1.       Can the money you have in the bank (its estimate at $5 million) bring you energy and votes?

2.       Selection of a running mate can be a game changer will your selection be enough?  Let me suggest no one ever votes for the second name on the ticket, but in this case any change in narrative can’t hurt.

3.       You will have to answer the question about why you said “I mean, right now his campaign slogan is, ‘Vote for me, I want to be the first African American governor of Maryland,’ ” Gansler (D) told the group. “That’s a laudable goal, but you need a second sentence: ‘Because here’s what I’ve done, and here’s why I’ve done it.’ ” (from the Washington Post 8-12-13). FYI, saying it was a slip of the tongue won’t cut it.

4.       Here’s another one of those question which will haunt you, “Why aren’t politico’s in this state not endorsing/willing to stand with you?”

5.       The key to any campaign is tightening you base (Montgomery County) and marrying it with another jurisdiction/constituency that you can count on Election Day. I’m trying to figure out who your other is?

 Douglas Gansler Announces his Run for Maryland Governor

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For All the Marbles

(Largo, MD) On a sweltering Friday afternoon in May, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown surrounded by family, friends, and supporters stepped out of the Governor’s shadow and had the spotlight.  Brown, the former member of the House of Delegates, announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Governor.

Using Prince George’s County Community College as his backdrop Brown had nearly 300 people on hand to validate his support.  Holding "Brown for Governor" signs, it was a cross section of the county. There were young and old, Blacks, Whites, those from the Asian, African, and Indian Diaspora in the crowd.  There were a number of members of the legislature including State Senators Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Ulysses Currie, Delegates Veronica Turner, James Proctor, and Darren Swain and Maryland Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MIA, Prince George's Co. Exe. Rushern Baker). 

Representative Edwards is under no pretense on appealing to constituencies outside of your comfort zone. She was with Brown several weeks ago in Western Maryland when he came in first place in a straw poll. It’s an unlikely place to go looking for voters, “look there are Democrats in Western Maryland.”

Expected to join Brown in the race for the Democratic nominee may be as many three other politicians. They may include current Attorney General Douglass Gansler, Howard County Executive, Ken Ulman, Delegate Heather Mizeur, and Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger. The winner of the Democratic primary normally has an easy path in the General Election with Democrats holding nearly a two to one margin over Republicans.

With his early announcement the Lieutenant Governor has the opportunity to shape this race.  Brown hit on accomplishments. He talked about his signature achievement of creating the health insurance exchange. Despite this, the crowd really wanted to know “What can you do for me now?”  He pointed to states school system being rank number one in the nation, but that accomplishment fails to win fans in the Washington suburb. Why because Prince George’s is either in last place or next to last place in state school jurisdictions.  “It’s not enough to have best school system in county unless every child in Maryland whether they are from Capital Heights or Chevy Chase gets a world class education. “ The crowd showed their approval with applause.

The Base

Taking care of your base is key. You must start with the folks you know. Delegate Swain who was appointed to a seat vacated by Delegate Justin Ready reaffirmed why he was supporting Brown, “he knows the issues.” Swain understands why coming out early is important. It's about the fundraising (Gansler has $5.2 mil in the bank) and getting people to endorse your candidacy. According to Swain, Brown has to answer a simple question for supporters ”Am I worthy of an investment?" The Prince George’s delegate is part of a unique cadre of supporters who know about long odds. Several of his friends reminded him of the campaign to get Wayne Curry to be the first African American County Executive; they equated that campaign to this campaign.  

Although Senate President Miller was in attendance to support a fellow Prince Georgian this was not an endorsement as several Brown aides reminded me. This however was a “stamp of approval and qualification” according to them.

Problems and Potential Hiccups

It was impressive to see the number of supporters in the crowd at the Community College. There were several key constituencies missing at this rally. Where were Baltimore City, Howard and Montgomery County politicians? Where were the Business leaders of the state? Maybe they are waiting until he shows up in their backyards to stand with the candidate. You would think some of them would be with him every step of the way.

Is the state ready to elect its first Black governor?  There are still portions of Maryland that find the concept both foreign and unacceptable. Others will question why that subject is on the table to begin with. The number of conservative Democrats in the state is diminishing. You really can’t worry about those who will not vote for you, but you must maximize your voters. I’m hoping the ugliness of racism is buried, but I doubt it.

Living on the legacy of your predecessor is good way to start. Members of the GOP have been hammering the governor on his varied programs from the last legislative session (repeal of the death penalty, gun registration, gas tax increase and other initiatives). The governor has been confident that he’s right and won the day. I’m not certain if he’s awoke a sleeping giant, but he’s definitely got a lot of them “fired up.”(I saw them daily in Annapolis.) The numbers don’t bode well for an attempt to change the political narrative.

I personally discounted the rumor of a Brown/Ulman ticket. My sources tell me the Howard County Executive has setup an extensive campaign group which believes it has a better than average chance of becoming the Democratic gubernatorial nominee. Observers acknowledge however that a pairing of this nature would be "a slam dunk," In talking with Brown observers they smiled at the suggestion. One even suggested the early poll numbers show Ulman has little chance of gaining ground because of name recognition. This puts Brown and Ulman in the same quandary, name recognition. You can change the formula by buying name recognition or being at the right place at the right time (coming out first definitely benefits, but is it sustainable). 

Brown is as squeaky clean as they come. He wasn't a party to the varied politicians in the county who were linked to scandal (Jack Johnson). His closest brush with any impropriety came in his divorce to his first wife. It happened during his first term as Lieutenant Governor. It was quietly done without the ugly innuendos which  have plagued other politicians. He has since remarried and takes care of his own children and the son of his current wife.

Jealousy

The Black political power center in the state has always been Baltimore. The largest urban district in the state began laying the foundation for this in the 50’s with the Mitchell’s and others. Prince Georges came to the party in the 70's after a sizable portion of the county had been invaded by transplanted Washingtonians. Those from the Washington suburb often talk about election of County Executive Wayne Curry as changing the tide.

If you asked seasoned politic veterans where the first Black Gubernatorial candidate would emerge I think they would have point to “Bmore/Charm City.” But that’s not the case with Brown. Brown’s resume has a number of pluses including his time in the Iraq, and being selected by then Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley to be his running mate. Brown has one major problem he isn't home grown. He grew up in Long Island, NY. Does that disqualify you?

So why didn’t the political operatives in Baltimore groom someone for the state’s highest office? If you ask Anthony White, a member of the Governor’s cabinet and working on the Brown campaign; he talks about “power.” “Clarence Blount and Howard “Pete” Rawlings,” both of Baltimore, knew they would never be able to be governor, but because of the way the Governor has to submit his budget to the legislature that’s where the real power is.” They became chairmen of the committee’s, appointed members of the Baltimore delegation to committees, and became indispensable to anyone wanting to win the region statewide. “Jealousy! Oh yeah, there will be some,” says White, but he knows those are few and supporters of Brown will fall inline.

There are  at least five questions the Lieutenant Governor needs to answer. I don't want be a presumptuous enough to tell him how to answer the questions.

1.       Will his early jump out the gate provide dividends i.e. money and support when he really needs it?

2.       Can he build a core of supporters outside of Prince George’s County?

3.       Is he a living legacy of Martin O’Malley or is he his own man that will chart a different path?

4.       Will the state power brokers see him as the leader of the state/party and endorse him prior to the primary?

5.       Can he break curse that no Lieutenant Governor has ever succeed to become Governor.  

  

“Get ready to make Maryland better,” said the Gubernatorial candidate to the applause of the crowd. Then with what has become standard fare for politicians he waded into the crowd to shake hands.  The candidate will make stops in Baltimore City, and Howard and Montgomery Counties over the weekend and with that the race to become Maryland’s governor has begun.

MDGA13

(Annapolis) "What will be our hashtag? How about..." and that's how it all began with reporters, veteran political observers and newcomers weighing in on the come and goings of all things politics in Annapolis.

Neutered was one outspoken politician, Delegate Don Dwyer of Glen Burnie, he faced DUI charges. Lurking around the edges was State Comptroller Peter Franchot who made no secret of his desire to run for governor (and then he took his name out of the race). We also learned that a fractured MDGOP was being split by those in congress and those in the legislature. Who could have predicted the Anne Arundel County Executive, John Leopold, with his red sweater vest had a trail of sex in a car at the Annapolis Mall and employees having to change catheter bags. Hanging over all of this was the Governors desire to seek a presidential run in 2016. Got all that.

My trusted colleagues in "the pit" we're up to the challenge. I'll release some press corp awards and political awards later in this blog.

Check the Score Card

With gambling off the table, (except for the fact table games are being introduced at the states casinos) this session was all about guns. Death Penalty and the passage of gas tax will have fare reaching implications. It was the rallies and the turnouts that most visible on gun issues. Proponents of tighter gun control pointed to a series of national tragedies, Newtown, Connecticut Shooting,  Aurora, Colorado  Movie Shooting, and the Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s shooting. Urban legislators pointed to the countless shootings of youth. Rural legislators pointed to the second amendment right to bear arms. In the end one of the nation’s most restrictive gun ownership rules were imposed on Marylanders.

The Death Penalty in the state of Maryland has not been carried out since Republican Governor Robert Erhlich was in office. Efforts to repeal the death penalty have been consistent. Kirk Bloodsworth has been exhibit A for repeal. The Eastern Shore resident was wrongfully accused of First Degree murder. He was exonerated after DNA evidence proved he didn't commit the crime.  The governor was joined by the NAACP in calling for its repeal. To help facilitate the process a judicial committee member was replaced paving the way for it getting to the floor.

Who Controls the Schools?

Shhhh! If every school district pulls a “Baltimore,” it will likely be bondholders. The City of Baltimore needed money to replace an aging infrastructure that has outlived its effective date. The city is also dealing with a reduced student population.

The Superintendent, Dr. Andres’ Alonso made a pitch to city leaders that they get the state to agree to fund (read guarantee) the school system the same amount of money for next 10 years. The school system would go to the bond market and leverage the guarantee to ask for a billion dollars to fund construction. Guess what the state agreed to do it.

Okay, think about this, I'm a small jurisdiction that needs additional dollars, why don't I pull a "Baltimore." See the complication, a number of these types of deals and bondholders are holding the purse strings.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker has a thankless job in the state. He’s had to follow a predecessor who is in federal prison on corruption and bribery charges.

His school system is invariably ranked last or next to last. So what does he ask for? "Let me take over the system." The legislation to do so, comes in at the last minute, but the legislature giveth and taketh. They gave him the power to select a new Superintendent, but they limited his power to shape curriculum and impose wide ranging authority over school board.

The Business of the Legislature

I for one am glad we aren't dealing with a lot of these issues at the last minute like last year. Someone  obliviously decided to look at a clock. For the first time in many years there is no talk of a "Special Session."

Lastly, it has not been a good year for reporters and news organizations in the legislature. Doing more with less has been a mantra in the news business for a number of years. It hurts when I see colleagues go an papers close and reduce (The Examiner -closes Annapolis office, Maryland Gazette- will lose politics in its name and cuts 2 person staff in half, and David Hill, Washington Times leaves).

The Envelope Please

First the disclaimer, these awards are mine alone and no one was consulted about the names of awards or its recipients. So here we go.

The Bryan Sears Award for Why should I give a f...or sh...

Holly Nun, Maryland Gazette - some people would have thrown in the towel after being told you're it. Instead she was determined and made people cringe when she would say, "Can I ask you a question?"

Things Not Fit to Print, But Who Cares

Bryan Sears, Patch.com - Bryan has been bring it for years. He's on every PIO's "oh shit list."

Most Tweeted about things not related to politics

Robert Lang, WBAL - Lang will tell you what he's doing all day long from along the Ravens Parade Route, the O's score, and reporters favorite tweet when Mrs. Lang has baked cookies for the press corp.

Best Newcomer(s)

Kaustuv Basu – Hagerstown Herald Mail – He jumped into the process and found a number of great news stories from the western portion of the state.

Bethany Rodgers - Frederick News Post – like her many predecessors she kept grinding and was a quick learner.

How Long Do I Have to Work Here

John Wagner and  Aaron Davis, Washington Post – all their colleagues who’ve worked this beat have gone on to cover the Congress, White House and major Presidential Candidates (why are they still suffering).

The Most Sarcastic Wit in the Pit

Steve Lash- Daily Record – need some levity, he can bring it.

Political Awards

Most Likely to take advantage of Maryland’s Marijuana Laws

Senate President Mike Miller – How do I know because he said so.

Odd Person Out in Democratic Senate Caucus

Sen. James Brochin – he’s always on a fine line because of the conservative nature of his constituency.

Odd Person Out in Republican Senate Caucus

(no award – everyone was in lock step)

Give Me What I Want

Gov. Martin O’Malley

And yes our twitter session hashtag is #mdga13