MyDD :: Sarbanes Retiring

Sarbanes Retiring

by fng, Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 11:41:51 AM EST

From the diaries. He will be missed--Chris

From Roll Call: "Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D), the longest-serving Senator in Maryland history, is expected to announce this afternoon that he will not seek a sixth term in 2006, sources said."

Washington Post has this:

Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes plans to announce this afternoon that he will not seek another term, Capitol Hill sources said, ending a 30-year career in the Senate and setting off a scramble among Maryland politicians who have long coveted his seat.

First elected to the Senate in 1976, Sarbanes, 72, is the longest-serving senator in Maryland history. Sarbanes has called a 1 p.m. news conference in Baltimore but has not confirmed what his announcement will be. Aides to other U.S. senators said the veteran politician will retire at the end of his current term in early 2007.

The announcement is likely to set off intense jockeying among Democrats and prompt several Maryland politicians to recalibrate their ambitions.

The Baltimore Sun has a more in-depth article with some quotes from Sarbanes' announcement and Democratic reaction in Maryland.

From the Sun:

Sarbanes said he made the announcement early to give other Democratic candidates a chance to start their campaigns. He declined to speculate on who would run for his seat, but said he expected a Democrat would win.

"We've a number of very able democrats. ... I'm confident that one of them will be elected to the United States Senate in 2006, and I will do everything I can to bring around that result," he said.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said he talked to Sarbanes a few minutes before the senator made his announcement. Cummings said Sarbanes was "at a point in life where age had caught up with him, and I respect that."

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wow (none / 0)

I'm wondering if maybe Doug Duncan (MTG - CTY) doesn't try to run for this and leave Gov open for Mayor O'Malley?

Who else is on the list?
KKT? I'm thinking no.

Dutch Ruppersberger?

Stenny Hoyer?

by jdavidson on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 11:56:23 AM EST

Re: wow (none / 0)

I'd like another Kennedy in the senate myself but that is looking doubtful

The Kentucky Democrat

by kydem on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 11:57:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

KKT (none / 0)

is a great public servant, but a lousy politicain. So, I don't expect to see her enter this thing (of course, you never know).

by jdavidson on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:01:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There is another (none / 0)

Maybe Mark Shriver will run (and I hope he does). He would probably do better in a state-wide primary than in the congressional primary he narrowly lost to Congressman Van Hollen. The congressional district was largely white collar (which favored Van Hollen), but statewide there are a lot more blue-collar and minority districts in which he should do better (look at the results from his primary in the minority districts -- I think he got about 80% of the vote there). He's been doing some good work with Save the Children and would be able to raise a ton of cash if he wants to make the run.

by Flatiron Dante on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:25:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There is another (none / 0)

First, thanks Yoda (and I say that with a huge grin on my face).

Second, Not sure he would be a great statewide in a primary with Wynn, Mfume, possibly O'Malley, et al. He ran a very close primary against a relatively equally experienced politician. Yes Van Hollen had more time in the legislature and was in the State Senate v. Shriver in the House, but they were both young Dems who represented not entirely different political perspectives. Mfume and Wynn are different beasts.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:34:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Good Point (none / 0)

I think it's unlikely he'd run against O'Malley, who I think used to be his housemate back in the day. Mfume would also complicate the race for Mark because he'd need strong minority support (coupled with ethnic blue collar voters -- the old RFK coalition) to make a solid run.

by Flatiron Dante on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wow (none / 0)

I think it's more likely that O'Malley would run for the Senate seat leaving Duncan in an uncontested primary for Governor.

Kweisi Mfume is another leading candidate, along with Al Wynn.

KKT is quiet and staying that way.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:03:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wow (none / 0)

I agree. I think O'Malley will shoot for the stars and fall short.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:05:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wow (3.00 / 1)

I think "the stars" is the White House and the Governorship is the road there, not Senator.

by jdavidson on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:20:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Bingo (none / 0)

You are correct. O'Malley has an executive temperament -- I can't see him being happy as one of 100, and being a Governor is a far more realistic route to the White House. Frankly, I can't see Duncan wanting to be a Senator either. I think both stay in that race.

by Steady Eddie on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:55:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wow (none / 0)

I don't think that Duncan would be unopposed if such a situation occured. I could see Cong. Ruppersberger, Cardin, or Cummings entering the gubernatorial primary if O'Malley runs for Senate.

by Lavoisier1794 on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 01:28:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wow (none / 0)

I doubt it; tf they wanted it, they'd've been making noises by now.

by jkdism on Sun Mar 13, 2005 at 05:29:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Maryland, a traditionally democratic state, hasn't had a Senate race since 1986 when Mikulski ran.

This changes the 2006 Governor's race as well.

Although there are lots of wannabes this is a great opportunity for an African American.

Maryland in 32% black--the only states with higher percentages or african americans are in the deep south.

The leading black republican would be the Lt. Governor Michael Steel and the leading black Democrat would have to be ex-NAACP exec Kwasi Mfume.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:03:59 PM EST

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Mfume? Try the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus - Elijah Cummings. I'd love to see a Steele vs. Cummings race.

by CAat14K on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:10:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Elijah's great but Kwasi has this mythical larger than life power that moves people. I think it is his if he wants it. Maybe it explains his retirement???

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:14:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Well, I've never met anyone in a position like haed of the NAACP that really retires "to spend more time with [his] family."

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:19:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Problem with Steele, that WaPo gets right early, is that Ehrlich would really like Steele to stick around and replace him in 6 years. He's affable, has been well received across the state, and has a high profile in the national party per the RNC in NYC and the BC-04 campaign.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:11:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Steele probaly doesn't have to decide/announce until after the Governor's race.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:17:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

Next Gov's Race is 2006. Would be 2010 for Steele.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:19:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

I meant 2006--he can help Ehrlich get re-elected (maybe) and then decide/announce. It seems like the Repub. Party would support him if he wants it. What other Republican could beat Steele in a primary? And wouldn't he rather be Senator than Gov.?

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:24:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

my bad--i got my dates wrong--sorry.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:25:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

np n/t (none / 0)

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:30:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

2 Black Senators simultaneously? Never thought I'd see that in my lifetime. I'm up for a Steele vs Mfume race. Note, this would also help the Republicans in their ongoing project to make inroads in the Democraticity of the African American vote nationwide (Steele recently signed on to be part of this ongoing campaign.)

Run, Kweisi, Run!

by MadProfessah on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:10:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: great opportunity for African American (none / 0)

And why would we want to help the GOP make inroads? From what I've heard, Ehlrich is vulnerable and losing Steele would hurt him even more. I think O'Malley goes up against Ehlrich, and Van Hollen, Mfume, or Duncan go for the Senate.

by jj32 on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:37:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ground Shift - Cummings to try for Senate? (none / 0)

This is big news, and will definitely force many folks to rethink their strategy. But I don't think you'll see Duncan or O'Malley abandon their gubanotorial plans.

There could be a battle of House members - Elijah Cummings would be a great Senator, Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen...

I'd love to see another African American in the Senate, and who better than the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. He's got the leadership skills, experience, name ID across the state, good favorables...

by CAat14K on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:08:42 PM EST

Re: Ground Shift - Cummings to try for Senate? (none / 0)

Duncan won't rethink. He's in it to be gov.

Steny might rethink, but I took his decision not to even entertain thoughts of the Gov's race publicly as a statement that he felt he could do everything he wanted from his leadership position in the house.

VanHollen, well, I just think he'd be stepping on a lot of toes as a second term rep to run for that seat so soon.

Cummings, ambivalent on whether or not he jumps in. Has the right profile, would be good at the job.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:13:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ground Shift - Cummings to try for Senate? (none / 0)

Cummings is a very smart politician and he has cross over appeal. He considers himself a bridge between the whites and the blacks.

But he has an awfully safe seat-it is like a job for life.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:21:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ground Shift - Cummings to try for Senate? (none / 0)

Yeah, but Sarbanes had a seat for life too. I think Cummings would have the same prospect as the new Senator for Maryland.

by CAat14K on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:41:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

but he has to win (none / 0)

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 12:55:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

The Senate seat should be safe in the general. Unless Repugs consolidate to one candidate in the primary, and Dems fight a bloody battle. But even then, I still think its a safe Dem seat.

by CAat14K on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:07:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

he has to win the democratic primary.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:11:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

How popular is Ehrlich in Maryland? If he's popular, maybe he could sweep his boy into office.

by falcon4e on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:16:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

He's been hovering mid-50s, which is fantastic for a GOP Gov in a state with 2-1 registered Dems.

But

He has no signature legislative accomplishment

He can't get slots passed (his "mandate")

He hust had his veto of a sensible med mal bill overridden

He is facing increasing and stinging criticism of hiring practices in agencies

Most recently, he's catching flak for the
blogging former campaign staffer who was
spreading rumors about O'Malley and his wife
on GOP sites and

on driving out the administrator of the Port
of Baltimore, a well respected fella who had
worked wonders at the port since he got there
in 1999.

Given all that, I'm not sure how much coattails he would have to give in the Senate race.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:26:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

One poll showed O'Malley leading Ehrlich 51-44. Ehrlich is very vulnerable, so if anything the Democratic Senate candidate should have coattails for O'Malley or Duncan.

by raginillinoian on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:28:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

I agree.

I thought, before today that he had a good chance at re-election mostly because there doesn't seem to be a big anti-ehrlich movement.

but now, this will create a lot of good will for dems and a great GOTV opportunity.

all we need are two good candidates.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:31:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

Absolutely, if if was Sarbanes for re-elect and a Dem against Ehrlich on election day, the Dem Gov could face a serious fundraising challenge after what is still shaping up to be a bruising primary.

But, I think that adding an open seat for the Senate does two things:

1 - Gets Dem support in the state out for Dems, and could siphon off some Ehrlich support from suburban Baltimore Dems.

2 - Forces the GOP to put another candidate in play for the Senate seat rather than focus all of their statewide dollars on Ehrlich's re-elect.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:34:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Maryland for God's sake... (none / 0)

Very good points. Of course, that means Dems have to increase their fundraising as well for the Gov and Senate competitive seats. But I do think we'll see mutual coattails - Senate race will bring voters to the Gov contest, and visa versa...

by CAat14K on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:25:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ground Shift - Cummings to try for Senate? (none / 0)

I agree. I think O'Malley wants to beat Ehlrich personally, especially after the scandal involving the lies spread by his aide about O'Malley. Plus, he is a more dynamic, outgoing, hands-on type guy, and I dont see him being very good in the Senate, frankly. I would support him, but I dont think he is a good fit there.

by jj32 on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:41:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

WHOA!!!!! (none / 0)

Kweisi Mfume, anyone?

GEEZ! We'll probably keep it, but geez! What does this mean for our chances of ousting Ehrlich? Will we have enough $ for it?

by raginillinoian on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 01:26:48 PM EST

Re: WHOA!!!!! (none / 0)

yeah, I guess somewhat of mixed blessing. Money needs to go to the Senate race now, but I think that will help GOTV.

by jj32 on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:43:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

check out freepers (none / 0)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1360819/posts#comment?q=1

they are worried. this is good news.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:34:38 PM EST

Re: check out freepers (none / 0)

yeah, I think this is good news too. I think it will help GOTV and the GOP bench beyond Ehrlich and Steele, the GOP bench is thin. And both of them, will need to stay on the GOV. TICKET.

by jj32 on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:44:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: check out freepers (none / 0)

I hate the freepers. :(

Whaddaya think? Mfume, Wynn, Van Hollen, what? And do you think Steele has any chance of actually winning it (GOD, I hope not!)?

by raginillinoian on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:24:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A Couple of Points - (3.00 / 1)

Mark Shriver did not lose a "closely contested primary"; he ran a crappy campaign and blew a huge lead and a sense of inevitability. He will not win the nomination, not a chance.
Doug Duncan is going to be Governor; it's a matter of whether Martin O'Malley realizes this yet. If he does, then it's good - MoM is at his best when he's attacking Bush and the Republicans, and the Senate is a good place for that. On questions of governance, he's shaky, at best, and his record as mayor is...well, just not that good. Baltimore is a bad situation, but he hasn't delivered a miracle there.
My sense is that Cummings won't run - same with Steny Hoyer. If either does, the seat is his for the taking, but Hoyer's on record, and Cummings is not a young man. For both it would mean a loss of a leadership role in the House. My gut tells me that Cummings gives a push to Mfume, which would make him hard to beat, unless MoM also runs, in which case it becomes a pretty interesting fight.
Ehrlich is a putz, and so is Steele. Don't worry about either of them. Republicans win state-wide in Md. only when helped by Dems - e.g., KKT's totally inept gubernatorial bid. GOP wedges and messages don't really resonate that well on a big scale - even in heavily Republican counties (esp. Western Md.), Mikulski just creamed Pipkin, who ran as a rapid tax-cutter (and insinuated Mikulski was a lesbian).
I hope CVH doesn't run; he's a great rep who could do a lot of good in a Democratic House, and there are plenty of good candidates who are ready to take the next step. Not that Chris isn't, just; I hope he waits.

by jkdism on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:40:23 PM EST

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

great analysis.

Duncan would be a great, great Governor.

Glad someone around here finally said so.

And one of these slots has to filled by a black. O'Malley is not going to go easy. He thinks he is destined but urban mayors don't typically go far. It is a thankless job.

by the by, I think she is gay.

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:49:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

What about Duncan's deep, deep DLC ties? Anyone have a problem with that?

by jdavidson on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 09:46:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Duncan and DLC (none / 0)

Don't care. He's been a great county executive here in Montgomery County, enacting a lot of very progressive policies.
Working with business makes sense in MoCo because - well, there are a lot of businesses.

by jkdism on Sun Mar 13, 2005 at 05:25:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

I don't know/remember enough about the '02 primary other than what came out of the 2002 legislative session since I was buried in Annapolis hearing rooms all session (Shriver jumping on the Thornton bandwagon to try and make up for the goodies VanHollen got to claim as Vice Chair of Budget & Tax). so I'll stay away from that.

I want to comment on 2 & 4 and say that I think you are at the very least too quick to judge.

I think that Duncan would make an excellent Governor. 12 years as the County Executive are incredible experience and he has an solid record on which to run.

I do not think that he makes the best "candidate" for Governor right now because of name recognition and ironically because of Ehrlich. The Band-leading crooner from Baltimore gets the nod there. He simply is a more attractive candidate right now. Literally. And the race for the Governor's office will be won and lost in Baltimore County where people know and like the Mayor.

And Ehrlich handed O'Malley a gift with the Steffen scandal.

As for Bobby Gov, please don't underestimate him. I disagree with him on almost every policy ground and recognize that he is governing Maryland away from what most Marylanders want and I've even listed a laundry list of opposition points further up thread. But don't pile blame on KKT and say it could never happen again. It happened once. The GOP taboo for MD Governor is over, and Bobby Gov is a very popular man. Don't be so naive as to dismiss him because of voter registration.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:43:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

I think when you run two pretty boys against each other the incumbant comes out ahead.

And Baltimore Co. will go for Ehrlich--it just depends on how much. O'Malley is too liberal for the County.

Duncan can win and govern at same time. Can MoM do that?

by aiko on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 04:32:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

Given your view of what happened in the 2002 primary in your point 1 (and I agree it was Shriver's race to lose), do you think Van Hollen would be able to run a strong primary race statewide? I would guess that he's going to at least try for the Senate seat and am wondering what you think of his odds.

by Flatiron Dante on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 04:45:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Couple of Points - (none / 0)

CVH could run a great race. I just don't think the time is right; like I said, there are plenty of great candidates. And I'd also like to see what he could do in a Democratic House.

by jkdism on Sun Mar 13, 2005 at 05:28:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I would love Keyes to run (none / 0)

As a Democrat, could anything be better than an Alan Keyes candidacy? ;-)

by falcon4e on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 02:44:09 PM EST

Re: I would love Keyes to run (none / 0)

He lives in Illinois now (remember?).

by raginillinoian on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:17:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I would love Keyes to run (none / 0)

Keyes is a citizen of the world, man.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 06:33:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Im from Maryland and Im fairly confident that we.. (none / 0)

Will keep this seat. Is there any Republicans that might pose a little threat?

Im thinking Lt. Gov. Michael Steele or Rep. Wayne Gilchrest could make it intersting.

Here are the possible Democratic candidates:

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley
MoCo County Executive Doug Duncan
Rep. Ben Cardin
Rep. Elijah Cummings
Rep. Chris Van Hollen
House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer
Former NAACP President Kwesi Mfume

by nickshepDEM on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:27:44 PM EST

Al Wynn (none / 0)

Don't forget Albert.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:44:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Glenn Ivey (none / 0)

Ehrlich will want Steele on his ticket.

I doubt Gilchrist would win and the Dems would have a good chance of winning his House seat.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 06:32:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Quote from the Presser (none / 0)

"I am deeply grateful to the people of Maryland, who have honored me with the privilege of representing them in elected public office for nearly forty years," Sarbanes said. "Throughout my years in public service I have always sought to provide the people of Maryland with dedicated, independent representation, based upon intelligence and integrity: representation that gives people confidence that elected officials are there to serve the public interest."

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 03:49:15 PM EST

Glenn Ivey (none / 0)

Glenn Ivey bio

Elected in 2002, Glenn F. Ivey is the current State's Attorney for Prince George's County Maryland [second largest in Maryland]. He is a former federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., who served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1990 until 1994. During his last two years in office, he served under Eric H. Holder Jr., former United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. While there, Glenn handled nearly 40 criminal jury trials, numerous appeals and grand jury investigations.

In 1983, Glenn graduated with honors from Princeton University. Three years later, he graduated from Harvard Law School after which his legal career officially began when he joined the litigation department at the prestigious Baltimore law firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander.

Glenn eventually moved on to Capitol Hill as senior legislative assistant to Congressman John Conyers (D-MI). His extensive experience includes serving as Chief Counsel to former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and as Counsel to the Senate Whitewater Committee for Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD).

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 06:30:51 PM EST

Re: Glenn Ivey (none / 0)

Glenn Ivey is one of the outstanding men in Maryland politics today. Brilliant, Hardworking, Honest with impeccable credentials. He is blessed with a wonderful wife and great children. We would be fortunate indeed to get a Senator like Glenn. You can download the Voice of America feature on the Ivey family at
http://ivey-watch.blogspot.com/

by JBOC on Mon Mar 14, 2005 at 03:42:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Charles Larson (none / 0)

Chuck Larson, Admiral, US Navy (ret), would presumably win in a walk in the general election.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 06:39:32 PM EST

Re: Charles Larson (none / 0)

Whats the odd's of him running?

by nickshepDEM on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 09:03:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Charles Larson (none / 0)

I dunno. He was the Dem Lt Gov nominee in 2002.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 09:07:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Charles Larson (3.00 / 1)

Wasnt that said to be one of KTT's biggest mistakes? He Lt. Gov. choice?

by nickshepDEM on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 09:10:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Charles Larson (none / 0)

No.

KKT's mistake was not distancing herself from Glendening's problems effectively and thinking her election was inevitable.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 10:30:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Charles Larson (none / 0)

Larson would be a walk to a GOP seat. Nice guy, brought nothing to a campaign that needed a star. Yes, KKT campaign was not run well, but don't superimpose the shortcomings of the campaign over Larson as a stand-aloine candidate. There are so many stars of the Dem party in MD, Adm Larson just isn't one of them.

"into your illusion, i make my intrusion"

by fng on Mon Mar 14, 2005 at 05:09:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

Why should I get excited about Mfume?

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Fri Mar 11, 2005 at 10:32:54 PM EST

Re: not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

Carl,

I've read your comments on Mfume and Larsen here and at kos. While I can understand that you like and admire Larsen, why do you feel you have to tear down Mfume? Why can't someone be for Mfume because they know from his voting record that he'll be another progressive vote in the Senate? Most legislators don't have extensive lists of bills they've sponsored that have passed--why are you holding Mfume to this standard?

Mfume will be an effective voice for fighting discrimination against all minorities and working to end poverty, which disproportionately effects minorities. He'll sponsor and vote for progressive legislation and against bad judges. I don't know much about Larsen, but since he was a Republican until 3 years ago, can you assure us that he'll vote the same way?

I'm for any Democrat who can hold the seat. Maybe that's Mfume, maybe it's Larsen, maybe it's someone else. But it's a little early to be kicking at Mfume, don't you think?

by rayspace on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 12:58:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Do you guys think Mfume can win statewide? (none / 0)

I think he would win easily in some congressional districts, but a state wide election may give him some trouble.

by nickshepDEM on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 01:50:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

I don't have a high opinion of the NAACP at this point. I think they are basically reactionary. They are a bunch of "has beens" trying to relive the glory days combined with "wannabes" that want to have NAACP on their campaign literature.

If Mfume did something impressive in Congress or at the NAACP I'd like to hear about it. If not, I'd rather roll the dice on a new person that might have some new ideas.

Glenn Ivey, Chuck Larson and Kumar Barve all seem more promising to me that Mfume or the current Maryland House members.

And if asking what Mfume's accomplished is "tearing him down" doesn't that suggest he's lacking in accomplishments besides getting to the table?

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 01:51:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

Most progressives are reactionary right now--we're all forced to respond to the latest attempt by the Bush Administration to roll back the New Deal and Great Society, including protections on civil rights and voting rights. Bush told the Congressional Black Caucus recently that he didn't have an opinion on renewal of the Voting Rights Act in 2007, which should shake any right-thinking American to their boots.

If your standard is that somebody has to do something impressive in terms of public policy, what has Larson done except lose a race for Lt. Gov.? Military service, while admirable, does not translate into having an impact on public policy outcomes. I can't name a bill that had Mfume's name on it, but I can't name a progressive cause that Larson has supported either.

We know where Mfume stands on extending the Voting Rights Act in 2007, and we know that he is an effective speaker on behalf of progressive causes. This is important because a good speaker can frame the issues in ways that help progressive values gain a foothold among the general public. We also know that breaking the glass ceiling in the Democratic Party and supporting qualified African-Americans who want to run is the right thing, both morally and tactically.

I'm not a Maryland voter, and maybe Maryland Democrats will choose someone else in the primary. But I think dismissing Mfume because he doesn't meet a standard that none of the other candidates meets either, especially those that haven't served in elective office, is unfair.

by rayspace on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 04:02:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

Larson got tapped to come back to the Naval Academy as a four-star admiral to deal with image issues. This balances Mfume's image work with the NAACP.

Why does Larson have to have distinguished himself on progressive causes?

I'm not sure what Larson did as Commander, US Forces Pacific in the early nineties. That was when the US Navy was pulling out of the Philippines and negotiating a closer relationship with Singapore, so he probably did a bunch of diplomatic work on those projects.

Also, the United Nation's largest peacekeeping mission to date happened in Cambodia at that time. The Japanese, Australians and French sorta took the lead, but Larson was almost assuredly a player in making that happen. Also, the US military began investigating POW/MIA cases in Cambodia as part of the UN peacekeeping mission. Larson was probably more involved in this.

But I'm just working off the top of my head.

I don't get your point about the Voting Rights Act. Do you think there's gonna be some effort to keep Blacks from voting? At this point the Voting Rights Act probably loses Dems seats because of the required majority-minority districts. But I'm sure if it's a whip issue, whoever the Dem Senator is from Maryland will support it.

I question your priorities if you think the renewal of the Voting Rights Act is one of the top ten issues facing the United States. Here's some that are clearly higher priorities:

Neo Con foreign policy
Debt/deficit
Election reform, including verifiable voting
Whack jobs appointed to federal courts
Economic globalization
Health care
Taxation, including the underfunding of state & local government
Media
Global warming
Education

Identity politics liberals like to make a big deal about anything that serves as a proxy for ethnicity, gender or sexuality. Some of these issues are more important; some are less important. Renewing the Voting Rights Act may have symbolic value, but it's not that important compared to other issues.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Sat Mar 12, 2005 at 04:46:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not getting Mfume enthusiasm (none / 0)

Surely you jest:

" Do you think there's gonna be some effort to keep Blacks from voting?"

How about Florida 2000?--traffic checkpoints near polling places in African-American neighborhoods; purging of innocent people from the polls because they had the same name as felons (mostly blacks); shortages of polling booths in black precincts (also in Ohio in 2004). What about the "ballot security" efforts of the Republicans during the 1986 Southern Senate races? Do you really not know about this, or do you just think that attempts to deliberately disenfranchise people on the basis of their race is "not that important compared to other issues"?

There's a huge difference between supporting the extension of the Voting Rights Act, which most Democrats will do, as you note, and providing leadership on it, which would ensure that some of the electoral reform you call for is undertaken. Undercounting of votes disproportionately effects minority neighborhoods--how can you call for counting every vote and dismiss the Voting Rights Act, the most important piece of social legislation of the last 50 years, as merely symbolic?

Larson has to take a stand on progressive issues because you and his other supporters are asking a largely progressive group of people to support him for a seat a Democrat is likely to win. I feel comfortable saying that many of us would like to be sure that the Democrat who wins actually supports progressive policies and isn't going to give aid and comfort to our opponents like Leiberman or the Southern Democrats of old.

On none of your top ten issues does Larson have a public position, much less a progressive one. All of your examples of his leadership point to his military service. Since he left the military, has he endorsed universal health care? Taken a position on the extremist judges Bush has supported? Criticized media consolidation and Fox News? Proposed a plan to fight global warming? If you're going to ask people to support a (former?) Republican for a Democratic seat, you should at least let us know what he stands for.

by rayspace on Sun Mar 13, 2005 at 12:39:52 AM EST
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