Rep. Al Wynn (D) sucks so bad, even the institution-obsessed Washington Post has
endorsed his opponent Donna Edwards.
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.
This is a race that arrived on the scene late, with a very late entry by Edwards on June 29. And with a decided lack of polling or local netroots coverage, as well as a bit of primary fatigue after Connecticut, I haven't covered it much.
MyDD has covered the race here, here and here. ACORN, the League of Conservation Voters, PDA, and others are behind her candidacy. At their debate, Wynn goons beat up a 57-year-old Edwards supporter, showing the pressure Wynn's campaign is under.
This primary is September 12 and that, unfortunately, will be the first objective gauge of how well Edwards is doing. If she wins, fantastic. If she doesn't, hopefully she'll keep building off her late efforts this year and we can get behind her early for 2008.
On the web: Donna Edwards for Congress