After a really tough week last week, it was a relief to get good news this weekend for Democrats in Maryland. Last week really was unsettling. The Washington Post's endorsement of Ehrlich came as a jarring shock to our systems. Then we had the sorry performance by Ben Cardin in a D.C. area debate where he seemed to be woefully ignorant of the details of one of the two largest and most controversial transportation proposals for the area. In the mix also, was one of the all-time dirtiest tricks, a last-minute legal challenge to disqualify Doug Gansler, the Democratic candidate for Attorney-General.
Democrats in Maryland are generally enthusiastic about a great slate of candidates, especially the candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney-General and Comptroller. This group has a lot to offer Maryland now, and may be expected to play big roles in national politics in the future. That's why the bad news last week was so disappointing...and why better news this week gives us reason to be optimistic again.
The news this past weekend was much better. Gansler beat the suit against him - and his Republican opponent looks absurd for denying involvement in a lawsuit prosecuted by his own campaign manager. But, Gansler already had a huge lead -- that's why his desperate opponent resorted to dirty tricks to try and throw Gansler off the ballot.
Even better news are the polls that show the Dems are, in fact, leading in both the Governor and Senate races. It almost seems like a mirage, but, apparently, Maryland voters are committed to the Democratic candidates, regardless of what the major media might be saying about the candidates. The impression given by the major media was that these races were moving the Republicans way. I am greatly heartened by this weekend's news.
In the race for Senate, Ben Cardin was having trouble getting his message across while the media continued to discuss Michael Steele's efforts to portray himself as an independent voice for Maryland. Then Cardin had an awful stumble in a debate, when he was unable to show that he knew the details of a proposal to build a new "Purple Line" -- a new Metro line that would parallel the northern end of Beltway, hopefully diminishing the congestion on that stretch of highway. The latest polls show him with a ten to twelve point lead. Obviously, Marylanders see beyond Steele's slick self-promotion, and are committed to doing their part to restore Democratic control in the Senate.
The other races are more interesting for me. They show a new version of the Democratic Party in Maryland. Martin O'Malley, Anthony Brown, Doug Gansler and Peter Franchot comprise the Democratic slate of candidates for the major state offices. More importantly, they are the first Democratic candidates in decades to come from outside the historically corrupt Baltimore-Annapolis political machine. None of these candidates are originally from Baltimore -- with the exception of Brown, who is a native Long Islander, these candidates have roots in Montgomery County. This is an entirely new development for the Democratic Party, and represents a great breath of fresh air. Montgomery County represents the progressive, technology-based economy and white-collar future of Maryland. The economic miracle here holds lessons for the rest of the state
That's why the Washington Post endorsement of Gov. Ehrlich was such a disappointment. The Post suggested that Ehrlich could break the one-party rule that had not served Maryland well in the past. In fact, this Democratic slate has the greatest chance of transforming politics and government in the state. They offer a fresh approach and perspective that the Governor lacks. If O'Malley is successful in his challenge to Ehrlich, Maryland may look forward to the launch of golden era for Democratic governance. Which is why it is so heartening to get the news that O'Malley leads in the latest polls.
Last week was a tough week here in Maryland. This past weekend brought much better news. Election Day, next week, promises to bring the best news of all -- a Democratic sweep in Maryland.