I have lived in Maryland for my entire life. I am an Edwards supporter. Oh yes, I’ve heard all the “she doesn’t fit in with the’club’” comments. I have also met the woman, spent time with her staff and worked on her behalf.
We have had an issue in Maryland for a number of years - we have some good white politicians but isn’t it time to let the African American community share in the power. I happen to believe it’s long overdue. I am a white female but I want our substantial AA population to have a say too.
There is often a sense of not wanting to let new members in our club. I wouldn’t necessarily call it racism but there is a feeling of patriarchy in that the white leaders feel their effectiveness is greater than these newcomers.
Donna Edwards came on the political scene when she challenged an entrenched AA congressman (Al Wynn) and seemed to come out of nowhere. She lost the first round but came back and beat him as his ethics problems became public. There was always an attitude of “who does she think she is” around her candidacy.
I don’t dislike Chris Van Hollen but I want someone other than the old guard in there. Van Hollen is from the wealthiest county in the state and Donna Edwards and I live in the county next door - that happens to be the wealthies majority black county in the entire country.
I proudly voted for Donna Edwards, I have converted several of my friends to do the same. I really hope she wins.
Go, Edwards, go!
This is a tough one. I only wish every state could offer two electable, energetic, progressive, thoughtful Democratic candidates on the ballot. The merits of both are clear, and the outcome will be good for Maryland no matter which one wins the nomination.
That’s pretty much been my take on it, it’s a problem that much of the country only wishes and dreams about having.
Either candidate would make a fine Senator.
Race and gender shouldn’t be deciding factors.
I have been a constituent of Chris Van Hollen for more than 20 years and support him with great enthusiasm. A very effective and pragmatic progressive. But I do like Doona Edwards, although I liked her more BEFORE her deceptive TV ads attacking Van Hollen’s stellar record on gun control. This in one of those nominating contests where whoever wins, Democrats can be enthusiastic in November.
This is a real toughie. You folks in Maryland are really really fortunate to have these two running for the seat. That said, I believe I’d probably vote for Donna Edwards – @alice5956, above pretty well captured my feelings (though I am not Marylander and haven’t followed these two fine people over the years like I’m sure alice has). Basically, with all else being equal–and either one of them will make a damn fine Senator for Maryland and help continue progressive causes–I’d like to see more women and more women of color who can and will represent my progressive causes along with the many other fine Senators who care currently white male and white female.
@mt_from_cc, what is the background on her recent ad regarding the NRA and Van Hollen? I know he’s for reasonable gun control – so what did she say? Thanks.
This would be tough for me if I were a MD resident. I like both of them a lot. Both of them are very smart and accomplished. It would be nice to have another woman in the Senate (and a black woman even better) and long overdue. Tough one for Maryland voters
Hey, nobody´s perfect.
She said that Van Hollen voted for a loophole for the NRA. I was torn before that because after I went to his office for help with a problem he actually tried to help me. He was unsuccessful but at least he tried. He has a definite idea of service for his constituents.
Thanks. Yeah, I would really have a difficult time with this decision. I know he’s a really great public servant and votes right on nearly everything important to me–and so does Edward. Part of me is envious that you have two fantastic candidates, but part of me doesn’t envy the fact that you have to choose between these two.
I am a voting MD’er and am currently planning to vote for Van Hollen. I had originally planned to vote for Edwsrds…indeed, I enthusiastically supported her when I was in her District. However I feel Van Hollen is a uniquely capable legislator and has earned the seat by deeds rather than birth. Although I am trying hard not be insulted, it is very irritating to have my considered judgment dismissed as voting for the person “who looks like a member of the club”. But, yes MD does have two good candidates.
Too bad she endorsed Hillary, I was going to vote for her.
My take on this unique opportunity: There is no wrong way to vote (so long as you vote for one of these two).
The headline says that the building itself shook.
I am not sure that’s true. I have never heard her speak on the Bernie/Hillary issue. In fact, in the several group events I’ve been to where Donna Edwards spoke, she carefully avoids the issue. In my neighborhood there are lots of Donna Edwards yard signs. Some have Bernie signs next to them; some have Hillary signs.
I have spoken with many Edwards supporters and have heard about a 50/50 split.
I don’t know where you heard she endorsed Hillary. I don’t think that’s the case.
Donna Edwards scores to the left of Van Hollen on both Dw-nominate (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/3/17/1369636/-Edwards-is-Maryland-s-most-liberal-member-of-Congress-but-Van-Hollen-is-also-to-Mikulski-s-left) and ProgressivePunch.
There is a race and gender neutral way to decide the matter between equal candidates which is not gender and color blind: simply vote for the one belonging to the groups currently under-represented.