From the Editor: Endorsements
In the Maryland Senate race, I endorse Ben Cardin—an effective and principled legislator. As a Congressman, Cardin was one of the few who voted against the bill authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq. He has repeatedly advanced measures that would de-escalate the violence in Iraq and undo the damage that the U.S. has wrought there. If the Democrats were to gain control of the Senate, Ben Cardin would bring moral authority to this issue and have some influence on changing national war policy.
Cardin has a solid record on other crucial issues: the environment, health care, education, social security, jobs, women’s rights, and human rights. He is a true-blue liberal, clearly committed to the idea that government has a responsibility to serve the citizens that it governs.
Cardin’s main opponent, Republican Michael Steele, offers few ideas and almost no record on such issues. Steele certainly makes the most of his pleasant personality, but he really doesn’t offer the voter much beyond his smile and his puppy. And unfortunately, if he were to take this seat in the Senate, he could easily block the effort to build a new Congress that will challenge President Bush.
Some people I know are planning to vote for Green Party candidate Kevin Zeese. Zeese certainly makes valid points about the flaws in our two-party system. His candidacy, however, illustrates a disconnect between intention and consequence. In the current context, a vote for Zeese will not effect change in Congress. Our priority now ought to be electing a Congress that will put a check on Executive power—which has moved perilously close to dictatorial rule under the current administration.
In Maryland Congressional District 8, I recommend Democrat Chris Van Hollen for another term. Van Hollen has been an ethical and progressive congressman. He has been consistently outspoken on Iraq. I look forward to seeing him take a leading role in a new Democratic House of Representatives.
Democrat Al Wynn, Congressman for Maryland District 4, has done little to warrant an endorsement. He has acted against the environment and against citizen rights on too many occasions. His primary opponent, activist Donna Edward, is far more deserving of the seat. However, with the potential for a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives, I grudgingly support Al Wynn—if only to keep the seat warm until Edwards or another feisty challenger takes it away in two years. Wynn has publicly stated that he learned the lesson of complacency in this primary. Perhaps we will see better work from him this term.
I endorse Martin O’Malley for governor.
Bob Ehrlich can take pride in some of his policies—such as the law he signed to reduce smokestack emissions. But on too many issues, Ehrlich chooses against ordinary people, failing to grasp the negative impact of his policies. By raising University of Maryland tuition by 40 percent he put higher education beyond the grasp of many. He slashed Project Open Space, removing important protections. His “flush tax” has turned out to be an invitation for developers to encroach on environmentally sensitive areas. And he vetoed a one dollar increase in the state minimum wage. The number of uninsured Marylanders increased by 800,000 during his term.
Democrat Martin O’Malley supports progressive measures such as raising the minimum wage, reducing special interest funding, and investing in education on all levels. As mayor of Baltimore, O’Malley has made progress on reducing crime and raising test scores. He is charismatic and idealistic. I hope that that combination will help him accomplish many of his ideals for Maryland.
Local Democrat Peter Franchot has run a strong, well-organized, and well executed campaign. The Comptroller has limited power; much of the job is administrative—but he or she does hold a crucial vote on the Maryland Board of Public Works. Franchot is an activist with a commitment to the environment, education, and health care.
For Attorney General, Montgomery County Democrat Doug Gansler is the best choice. Though he can be a bit of a showboat, Gansler understands the details and nuance that goes with this important job.
In the District 20 Maryland Senate race, Jamie Raskin is running unopposed. But we pull the lever—or touch the screen—.enthusiastically for Jamie, an inspiring and energetic activist.
In the District 20 Maryland Delegate race, I endorse the strong new Democratic slate: Heather Mizeur, Sheila Hixson, and Tom Hucker. Each brings strong credentials to the state legislature.
In Montgomery County, we see one of the best progressive slates in years. For County Executive, I endorse Ike Leggett. For County Council, District 5, I endorse Valerie Ervin. For County Council At-Large, I endorse Marc Elrich, Duchy Trachtenburg, and George Leventhal (only three names—but whatever you do, don’t give your fourth vote to gadfly extraordinaire Steve Abrams).
For the Board of Education, I recommend Shirley Brandman in the At-Large seat and Nancy Navarro in District 5. We have a problem with two-tiered education in Montgomery County—with more resources often going to those who least need them.
Brandman has raised her voice against the philosophy of “teaching toward the test.” And as a lawyer, she has advocated on behalf of children who have been denied access to basic human rights.
As a co-founder of Centro Familia, Navarro has a laudable background in the education issues that immigrant families face. She has shown her commitment to keeping any Montgomery County kids from falling through the cracks. We need to keep Navarro on the Board, and add Brandman.
I recommend Democrat John McCarthy for the office of Montgomery County State’s Attorney. McCarthy has built a solid reputation over the past ten years as a Deputy State’s Attorney.
This is a crucial election—get out and vote!
— Eric Bond, Editor