Friday, April 28, 2006

Maryland Politics Disgest

Some interesting things going on in Maryland politics...

Lichtman Defiant
Days after Democratic US Senate candidate Allan Lichtman lost his four highest-ranking campaign staff, he sent out an e-mail to let the media know that he's not going anywhere. The press release, one of the longest and most elaborate of his campaign, offered the American University professor's plans for reducing gas prices and didn't make mention of the shake-up at his campaign. The message: despite losing a few staff, my campaign is moving full speed ahead.

Duncan Picks Simms
Doug Duncan, a Democrat running against Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley in the gubernatorial primary, is expected to announce Stuart O. Simms as his running mate early next week. Simms, an attorney in private practice who has served as Baltimore's top prosecutor and in former Governor Paris N. Glendening's administration, is a so-so choice for Duncan.

No big surprise that Duncan, the white Executive of suburban Montgomery County in the capital area, would choose a black running mate from Baltimore. Simms provides the racial and geographic balance to the ticket that Duncan desparately needs. Duncan has been closing in on O'Malley in the polls, but he needs to erode far more support from the Mayor in the Baltimore region if he wants a shot at winning the September primary. Then again, most voters aren't going to cast their ballot on the basis of Lieutenant Governor.

While Simms' location and race are strategic, the man himself is not. As someone who hasn't been elected to office in a number of years, Simms has no real political following that will shift to the Duncan camp. In addition, he doesn't really have the reputation as a charasmatic politician.

Jimeno Leaving Worry for Party
Sen. Philip C. Jimeno announced his retirement after nearly three decades in the state legislature. Although Democratic party leaders are sad to see the man go, they're even more concerned about losing his seat. Jimeno represents the Brooklyn Park area of Anne Arudel County, a conservative spot in a county that is not exactly known for the liberalism of its fellow central Maryland counties. The two other representatives from the 31st District are Republicans and its likely Jemino's departure could make it a GOP sweep.

Hopes for the Democrats: a strong Democratic contender in the election, a backlash against the GOP due to dissatisfaction with Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, or a really ugly Republican candidate.

from The League: Reassembled

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Note well that local races such as the hotly contested State's Attorney race may have a big turn out effect against the Dems there and generally. Disclosure:I am an insider with likely Republican nominee David Fischer for that office.

5/16/2006 01:56:00 PM  

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