I've written about this race a few times, but today I really feel good about this campaign. The Washington Post, which is very often wrong, today endorsed Donna Edwards over Albert Wynn. I'm not sure what difference that by itself would make, but with the help of some of the people in this community we can take down another Democrat in Name Only right here in suburban DC. If you really want to send a warning shot to the DC crowd, why not do it right here in their backyards?
The Post's
endorsement is an excellent run-down of all the reasons Marylanders should elect Donna. First, it underscores some of the reasons Al Wynn needs to go:
Ms. Edwards worked for Mr. Wynn as a clerk in the 1980s, when he served in the Maryland House of Delegates. Initially she backed him for Congress, but since then, she says, Mr. Wynn has betrayed the principles that first got him elected. In making that point in a debate with Mr. Wynn this month, she left him out of sorts and on the defensive.
No wonder. As we've noted in the past, Mr. Wynn has often seemed more involved in playing the role of a kingmaker in Prince George's than in his duties in Congress. On key federal issues, he has cast himself as the most bipartisan member of Maryland's congressional delegation. That's great in theory, but too often his votes have been at odds with good government and the interests of his constituents. He has backed the estate tax repeal, a measure that benefits the richest Americans at the expense of the poor and middle class. He supported the Bush administration's energy bill in 2003, offering subsidies to oil and gas companies even as they were headed toward record profits. He has flip-flopped on fuel efficiency standards and opposed campaign finance reform. And he has tried to clear the way for casino gambling in Prince George's. All in all, it is a lackluster record.
The Post gives kind of a tepid endorsement:
Mr. Wynn insists he has been a successful pork-barrel politician; we suspect Ms. Edwards, razor-sharp and relentless, would be at least as effective. We disagree with her on some important issues, but we are convinced she would be the more forceful, principled and effective representative. And while her insurgent candidacy is an uphill battle, it should put Mr. Wynn on notice that voters expect quality representation in Congress, not just a local political boss.
The important issue "they" (meaning, I assume, Fred Hiatt) disagree with her on is the Iraq war. As many in this community have said, the Post is a member of the "Fantasy-based" community on Iraq. As such, they remain determined to throw as many young lives into the meat grinder in Iraq as possible.
But it's nice to see Donna getting some coverage. Especially after my first few posts got responses that tended towards "you'll never win so don't even try."
I hope anybody in the 4th district comes out to support the real Democrat this September 12.
Donna's Website.
Donna's ActBlue page
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