Letter to the Editor: Primary rules of thumb (August, 2006)
As the September 12 primary election approaches, there are some considerations that may seem self-evident to many voters, but surprisingly not to all.
First, our votes in the primary are crucial. In general, for most seats on the Montgomery County Council and the State legislature, and nearly always (certainly this year) for the County Executive position, the race is won in the primary. That’s just a fact of life in largely Democratic Montgomery County.
Second, an incumbent’s longevity in an elected position, and the supposed power that accompanies it, should not be a reason to vote for her or him. If that were the case, we may as well have coronations for these positions (Senator-for-life, for example, or at least for as long as the incumbent wishes).
Third, power, which is a rather offensive term anyway. I would hope that an officeholder’s ideas, initiative, collegiality, and ability to forge coalitions would trump power. If not, why would any talented and civic-minded person even bother to run for office? The ability to influence colleagues by gaining their respect and sharing their concerns should surely count for more than power, which incidentally can be exercised to intimidate both colleagues and constituents if used in the wrong way.
Fourth, the argument that a candidate with no experience in a legislative or executive office is thereby less qualified than an incumbent is another deterrent to attracting new candidates. In Montgomery County, we have citizen activists who work tirelessly to protect the environment, to improve our schools, to defend the rights of tenants, to foster public safety. If public office is not a legitimate extension and continuation of this kind of community service, then our democracy is meaningless.
Finally, there is no official Democratic Party ballot in the primary election. We may see mailings that look like one. But in the primary election, Democrats are running against Democrats, Republicans against other Republicans. There is no group of Party-anointed candidates.
—Mary Reardon
Silver Spring, MD