A Rally, A Non-Endorsement and Some Endorsement Reminders

Saturday morning at 10:30 it was raining and chilly as Hell in Dundalk, Maryland.

But that didn’t stop 70 or so folks from attending a rally for GOP Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan and the 6th Legislative GOP ticket from braving the elements as a prelude to the final GOP Super Saturday of the election cycle.

Making the comment to Al Redmer, my former boss at the Maryland Insurance Administration that the crowd was pretty damned good considering the weather, Al made a crack about how it was a good thing Hillary Clinton hadn’t been invited. Mr. Redmer was, of course, alluding to Hillary’s showing up on behalf of MD DEM Gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown’s behalf on Friday – at which the place was filled with empty seats.

Anyway, after having heard Robin Grammer, Ric Metzger, Bob Long, Johnny Salling and Todd Crandall – all candidates for various offices speak, Kathy Szeliga (GOP Minority Whip) and Rick Impallaria (GOP Delegate who apparently had a birthday on November 1st) had a few words each to say. It was Impallaria’s comments that grabbed my attention, especially when he said:

“This (the election) reminds me of Bob Ehrlich the first time he ran (for Governor in 2002).”

Although I think I understand what Impallaria meant, he probably could have used a better comparison. 12 years is ancient history in politics – and, as popular as Ehlrich was with the GOP 12 years ago, such is not necessarily the case today…at least not when it comes to judging some of the looks passed back and forth between folks at today’s rally. These looks ranged from “What the Hell?” to “Bob Who?”

I turned to someone I’d been talking to and shook my head. For everyone who appreciated and/or like the comparison, there will be at least one person who didn’t. At least.

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Brochin Gets a “Non” Endorsement

I like Baltimore County Councilman David Marks – a Republican. And I like 42nd District State Senator Jim Brochin – a Democrat. Both gents are really very cool folks to hang out and chat with. Although I don’t do that much at all with either of them, I’ve done it enough with each of them to know – politics aside – that I like both of them. Which made this little exchange that cropped up today somewhat interesting to me.

It all began on my FB page where my friend and MD Campaign for Liberty fireball,
Patrick Hussey, wrote on my page: “Got a mailer yesterday from (Jim) Brochin, apparently seeking the “Hard R” vote. On one side it has a staged photo with Brochin and (David) Marks with hard hats and shovels, probably for shoveling manure, and it says,

“Thank you for your bipartisan work and your advocacy!” – David Marks”

Hussey continued a few moments later when he added: “Then, on the other side, it has another pic of Brochin and Marks clapping hands together, smiling, and it says ”

I want to thank Senator Brochin for being a partner with me in trying to solve community problems…he doesn’t play politics. He does what’s best for the community.” – David Marks.”

Hmmm…Democrats and Republicans playing all nicey-nice? Or some evil, ingenious political ploy? I decided to ask David Marks, which I did when I wrote to him:

“I’m hearing you endorsed Jim Brochin?”

David Marks immediately wrote back, by saying:

“Absolutely not.

He (Brochin) used a picture of me, without my approval, in a mailing…He used a quote I never remember giving him.”

Well damn! What the Hell am I to make of THAT? Again, I like both of these guys personally – but, outside of saying that Dr. Tim Robinson, Brochin’s opponent this election, has got to be pissed, I’m at a bit of a loss. Either Brochin made this entire thing up out of whole cloth or Marks doesn’t remember ever giving the quotes.

You’ve got to love that muddy water!

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(You know what to do…)

Endorsement Reminders:

Yeah, previously I’ve stated do not vote for Anthony “Dunderhead” Brown for Governor. You’ve got Libertarian candidate, Sean Quinn, and GOP Candidate Larry Hogan – either of whom would be far superior than a vote for Brown. Seriously, people…how breathtakingly stupid are some of you?

Previously, I also DID wholeheartedly endorse Libertarian Leo Dymowski for Attorney General.

I am now also endorsing Bill Campbell – a real and genuine Comptroller with actual Comptroller training for the office of…Comptroller.

And, although I haven’t done anything with any of these candidates in the general election, I do endorse Frederick’s reason for living, Delegate Kelly Schulz for re-election in the 4th District, Young Go-Getter Meagan Simonaire in District 31, Gordon Bull Running for Delegate in LD 12 and Robin Grammer (for whom I did early vote) who’s running for Delegate in District 6.

It’s your election, Maryland. Don’t blow it. This time.