1.) Mark Fisher enters Executive race against Craig
2.) Guthrie has a challenger, William Coates
3.) Marian Bollinger in District F has a challenger, Fred Silva (no dems yet)
4.) Joe Price enters the sheriff’s race to make it 5 Republicans
Recent News to Think About
June 27th, 2006 · 52 Comments
Tags: Elections
52 responses so far ↓
1 NixonLives! // Jun 27, 2006 at 6:09 pm
It is nice to see a Republican finally enter the county executive race.
2 anonymous // Jun 27, 2006 at 11:31 pm
NixonLives,
What a name. Lets see who believes your ideas. LOL
3 GOPerative // Jun 28, 2006 at 11:18 am
Who is Mark Fisher? Reminds me of the Fred Simmons campaign. I know he owns a farm (Fisher Farms, Inc.) and has given some money to the State Republican Central Committee ($225) but other than that he is off my radar. Can someone fill me in. Do we have another Ron Roz here set up to get the anti-Craig vote? Or is this more serious for the Craig camp?
4 PolJunk // Jun 28, 2006 at 2:12 pm
If someone beats me to the punch, then don’t bother publishing my comment. Here’s today’s article from the Sun. I don’t know how much it helps, but at least it gives you a little insight into Fisher’s perspective.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.ha.fisher28jun28,0,3468002.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines
5 ReaganAgain08 // Jun 28, 2006 at 8:19 pm
Don’t know anything about Fisher, but what an absolute embarrassment this development is for David Craig: A well deserved embarrassment.
Someone should tell the County Exec this is the type of thing that happens to you when an O’Malley stalwart (Bob Hockaday) is runnning your show and you attend Dulaney-James/O’Malley fundraisers in a Gubernatorial election year.
6 GoldwaterGOP // Jun 28, 2006 at 9:12 pm
I have heard that Mr. Fisher wanted county water and sewer extended to his 2.5 acre property on corner of Vale and Tollgate roads so he could subdivide and develop it. I believe his request to hook up was denied by the Public Works and by the County Council.
I would hazzard to guess that this is Mr. Fisher’s way of protesting the decisions by the Council and the County Public Works Department for denying his request to develop outside of the development envelope.
With at $25 filing fee, any nut could try to make a statement by running for office. I guess Mr. Fisher is making his. I certainly don’t think this any “real” primary challenge for David Craig.
As far as Nixon Live’s comment. David Craig is one of the longest serving Repulbican officeholders in this county. He was a Republican when it was very unpopular to be one. Give the guy some credit here, just because he does not fit into the far right of the party that does not mean that he should be tossed aside. Let’s grow up a bit! Mr. Craig has a very long and strong history of service to the Republican party. He is strongly supported by many other very loyal Republican Leaders such as Ellen Sauerbrey…in fact, I believe Sauerbrey quitely supported David back in 1998.
7 ReaganAgain08 // Jun 28, 2006 at 11:27 pm
GoldwaterGOP:
Any run for office is, de facto, a statement. If Fisher’s reasons are (perhaps partly) as you say they are, while not exactly instantly compelling, more power to him for having the brass to throw his hat in the ring. Regardless of the reason, David Craig joins Rob Wagner in facing an uprising within the ranks – even if Craig doesn’t have a “real” primary challenge on his hands.
What’s your source on Ellen Sauerbrey supporting David Crain in ‘98? Not saying she didn’t, but I’d never heard that before.
8 GOPerative // Jun 29, 2006 at 1:03 am
Thanks for the link PolJunk. That helps us know a little more about the guy. I agree with ReaganAgain08. Putting your name on the ballot is the ultimate statement in the political world.
For some reason I can’t find the dislike of Craig that NixonLives espouses. I think this could serve as a small wake-up call to the Craig camp. In Fisher’s own words, it’s a long shot especially when $1,000 is the most he is going to spend. I’m glad Fisher is running. I like the underdog in elections (don’t tell anyone but I voted for Roz).
Why are we evoking the name of Ellen Sauerbrey? Good lady but quite irrelevant at the moment.
9 GoldwaterGOP // Jun 29, 2006 at 1:29 am
Given that some people within the party are challenging David Craig’s Republican credenitals, Mrs. Sauerbrey’s prior support of David Craig is quite relavant. Mrs. Sauerbrey is as true of a Republican as one can get, if she has in the past thrown her support his way, I would think that to be a strong statement for his Republican credentials. As far as my source for the 98 story…I know because I am an old timer and was there in 98.
GOPerative, I would hardly place David Craig in the same league as Rob Wagner when it comes to party disatisfaction. I think the party’s disatisfaction with David is extremely exaggerated.
You are right about filing is a statement, but keep in mind the statement he is trying to make….”I did not get my way, so I am going to run for the office and make it my way”. Given his recent dealings with the county, his candidacy is more about him than about improving Harford County.
10 DiscoChick // Jun 29, 2006 at 2:01 am
It looks like Susan McComas will have a challenge from Jim Welch on the Republican side. He is well connected and liked in Bel Air. This could be bad news for the Ferret Queen.
11 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2006 at 3:19 am
At last there may be some hope, I for one have been waiting for a decent Republican to step up to the plate and challenge Craig. I am very interested in what Fisher has to say. Just based on the fact that he is not David Craig goes a long way in my book.
12 NixonLives! // Jun 29, 2006 at 1:58 pm
The reason more and more people are moving away from Craig is due to his arrogance. It exudes from him.
It also does not help that he has ACTIVE Democrats in high positions and is in fact married to one (despite how she is registered)- a woman that he has no control over. She is making more decisions than anyone can possibly imagine. SHE picked Sullivan for the agricultural position simply because she has taken a shine to him.
How do I know this????? I work in county in government and am privy to more things than I care to. The combination of indecision and arrogance that surrounds Craig is pathetic.
Goldwater GOP- If Ellen Sauerbrey was aware of all the ACTIVE Democrats that were in Craig’s camp- she would be ashamed. If you do not believe me- let’s ask her. You know her very well- correct?
13 Ehrlich Guy // Jun 29, 2006 at 5:56 pm
NixonLives:
I have heard through the grapevine that David Craig’s folks are furtively supporting Chad Shrodes. If this doesn’t take the cake. It fits with his past behavior though.
Chad should kiss up to Mrs. Craig and he might get a full endorsement! They probably know each other from the Gore campaign.
GoldwaterGOP: You need to change your blog name. Barry Goldwater would be turning in his grave to hear you defending a RINO like Craig. He has O’Malley people in his camp- PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Why not change your name to MondaleDEM?
14 ReaganAgain08 // Jun 29, 2006 at 8:13 pm
GoldwaterGOP:
Regarding placing David Craig in the same league as Rob Wagner when it comes to party dissatisfaction, you’re probably right. They aren’t in the same league. I don’t remember the last time Wagner attended a Dulaney-James/O’Malley fundraiser. Speaking of which, someone will have to report whether Dulaney-James and/or O’Malley attend David Craig’s grand opening tonight.
As for the reasons Fisher is running – he didn’t get his way, so he wants to run for office to make things his way,…well, that’s pretty much politics in a nutshell. Politics is about power, the power to change things to the way you want them to be. Individuals make up political parties based upon (more or less) collective belief. Individuals run for office, get elected, and fight to “make things their way.”
15 hmmmm // Jun 29, 2006 at 10:59 pm
Listen, there is no candidate in the race other than David Craig that can beat Ann Helton. Let’s face it, if Fischer wins (which is longer than a long shot) then Ann Helton will walk all over him with the hundreds of thousands of dollars that Art is going to drop into the race. SO, we need to support Craig in order to keep the seat Republican, and that is the most important thing.
16 I LIKE IKE // Jun 30, 2006 at 12:51 am
The simple fact that David Craig’s treasurer is the same as Shrodes’ does not at all mean that the Craig camp is supporting Chad. A lot of candidates share treasurers. Trying to link support for Shrodes because they share the same treasurer is really strectching it.
As far as a perceived arrogance with David Craig, some folks sometimes confuse confidence with arrogance. I find confidence is a necessary trait for any successful leader. I look at Craig as someone who is experienced and confident, not arrogant.
Nixon Lives!, I think it is kind of low to bash the wife of a public official. Do you even know Melinda Craig? Have you ever actually sat down and had a conversation with her? Next time you are at an event where she is, you should take the time to speak with her. I also think you are really living up to your name sake “Nixon”, he was a fan of dirty down in the mud political campaigning.
Ehrlich Guy, should we list the all of the Democrats who are advising Ehrlich, or who are serving in his administration. What is good for the goose, should be good for the gander. Don’t you think?
17 ReaganAgain08 // Jun 30, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Nixon Lives!, I like Ike, Ehrlich Guy et al.,
I don’t know whether what “Nixon” wrote about Melinda Craig reaches the level of “bashing.” Is it “bashing” Melinda Craig to state the fact she hosted a fundraiser for Kathleen Kennedy Townsend a week or so prior to the 2002 Gubernatorial campaign? I’m assuming that fundraiser was Melinda Craig’s idea, unless David Craig maybe helped put together the pastry dish. Most political wives have a certain sway in the decisions their respective husbands make, and Melinda Craig is no different. It’s where she is swaying David Craig that bothers me and, as I am finding, quite a few fellow Republicans.
As for Ehrlich having Dems amongst his advisors, well, as far as I know none of his Dem campaign advisors, who are apparently all a part of Ehrlich’s ‘family’ are not out there actively working for Dems (as Bob Hockaday is for O’Malley) against Republicans running for office. Apples and oranges.
18 independent educator // Jul 1, 2006 at 1:49 pm
I for one will also “vouch” for Melinda Craig. She is a fine person and has a right and responsibility to be an independent thinker- as do we all. Good for David that he has a strong woman in his life and doesn’t expect her to be a clone or a lackey. People of character do not need everyone around them to agree with them on every issue. As a matter of fact they find energy and hone their beliefs by engaging in respectful debate. Lock step politics causes stagnation of thought and the same old same old.
Melinda- YOU GO GIRL!
David- You are a lucky man!
As far as Hockaday goes, what better way to win Dem votes than by having a person on board who is familiar with the prey? Understanding people on both sides of the fence is a mark of moderation in leadership- I notice that Mr. Ehrlich is playing the ” I lead from the center” card.
19 hmmmm // Jul 2, 2006 at 1:11 am
independent educator,
it is kind of meaningless for you to personally vouch for Melinda Craig when you are hiding behind an anonymous name. It just doesn’t make much sense. Not that I am much better, but I am not personally endorsing or vouching for anybody. And I am one of those that are defending David Craig, but just your whole “vouch” -ing thing doesn’t make much sense.
Everyone else, let’s move on with something new. We’ve been hammering David Craig for so long now that it’s getting quite old. Ok, Hockaday works on his campaign. Ok his wife held a fundraiser for KKT. We have established this and we need to let people make up their own minds now that the facts are out there. Do we have a better alternative, I do not think so but that is up to you to make up your mind.
Right now we need to talk about Mary-Dulany James and Dion Guthrie. Those two need to go, and they need to go now. We also need to talk about re-electing Bob Ehrlich now that he has made an extremley awesome Lt. Governor selection in Kristen Cox, lets talk about that. Anything else. PLEASE!!!
20 Dark Star // Jul 2, 2006 at 3:15 am
Whatever happened to the notion of serving your country because you felt it was the right thing to do (in war or in peace), and not feeling like you’re owed some debt of gratitude in return? I don’t believe Kane has anything to apologize to VietVet for because he served in peacetime, just as I don’t think VietVet needs to feel guilty that he survived his tour, and many of his mates did not. I do find it a bit sophmorish though that some candidates, who may have dished out oatmeal to some Korean orphans while in the military, find it necessary to show how “valiantly” they served their country.
21 independent educator // Jul 2, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Hmmmm, ( got it right this time!)
I think I can ” vouch” as I have met the lady and have spent time talking about issues with her (and her husband)…. which I submit provides for “informed” judgement- as opposed to the opinions of other “anonymous” contributers here who have no problem expressing negativity based on second hand information at best. If they have the right to criticize anonomously, then certainly I have the right to VOUCH
(Websters: assert, attest) what I know to be true from my personal experience. Unless of course every opinion, experience related here by anonymous contributers is also deemed ” meaningless”.
22 hmmmm // Jul 2, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Frankly, any statements made here, unless somebody provides facts behind it to justify the statement, is bunk. If you say Craig is bad because he has O’Malley operatives working for him in the form of Hockaday, then that is fine. If you say that Craig is good because he is not going to raise taxes and has represented areas for the past 20 years as a strong conservative as provided by his voting record and based upon his impeccible service in public service he will continue to serve as a strong Republican as County Executive, then that is great.
But if you say, Craig is bad, or Craig is good or, I will personally “vouch” for Craig. What does that mean to anyone? Absolutley nothing. You can vouch, but please back it up with something of substance so that others can find it insightful. I think David Craig is a great man because he told (according to published accounts in the Aegis) that he told each agency to trim their budgets in an attempt to provide tax relief and make government more efficient.
Anybody can say anything they want, but if you want it to be worthwhile, and remain anonymous, you need to provide your reasoning for making that assertation.
23 NixonLives! // Jul 3, 2006 at 10:47 am
independent educator and hmmmm
You all can defend Craig and his wife all you want, but she had a fundraiser for KKT, Craig has active O’Malley folks in his camp, and as a conservative Republican, I am sitting out the general election for county executive.
I will never vote for a Helton, but I can’t vote for Craig.
You all act like these are small things and/or in the past- but this could not be farther from the truth.
24 GoldwaterGOP // Jul 3, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Nixon,
Get over it…already….I agree with “Hummm”, we have been beating a dead horse for quite sometime.
Every political leader has done something in their past that folks may have disagreed with, or have been unhappy about. Let’s face it, we are not going to agree with our elected leaders 100% of the time. I think it takes a mature person to look past some of those issues, and to look at the total package. While some people on this forum have issues with Melinda Craigs participation in a KKT FR, and the Bob Hockaday connection, it is important to look the total package with David Craig. David Craig is able to appeal to the larger audience, both Republicans and Democrats.
Independent Educator, I agree….David Craig does govern from the Center, very much like our Republican Governor.
Now….let’s move on!
25 ReaganAgain08 // Jul 3, 2006 at 5:41 pm
hmmmm,
Regarding your call to talk about “anything else” other than what I, and others, percieve to be faults of David Craig’s (the Kathleen Kennedy Townsend fundraiser his wife hosted in ‘02, the O’Malley/Hockaday connection, the fact David attended a Dulaney-James/O’Malley fundraiser), I have to ask: Are you opposed to Republicans being informed of the activities of the elected officials of the same party? Yes, there are many things we can talk about, but I think David Craig’s activities are paramount, especially now that he is facing a primary challenge. I’m really not trying to be bellicose just for the sake of it. David Craig’s actions are what defines him and, therefore, I think are open for continued discussion.
By the way, does anyone know if Dulaney-James attended his kickoff the other night?
26 TheElephantWay // Jul 3, 2006 at 10:40 pm
I am new here. Hoping to gain insight on our party. I have read some interesting things here so far. I have a couple of good friends that are running this year, and I believe 2 or 3 will win.
I’ll be in touch.
27 ConfusedGOPVoter // Jul 4, 2006 at 1:11 am
I am just landing on this website for the first time and I was rather taken aback. Why is David Craig supporting Martin O’Malley? Who is Mark Fisher? Is he a conservative entering the primary race in opposition to Craig? I cannot find a website for Fisher. I would like to know more about him.
28 GOPerative // Jul 4, 2006 at 2:39 am
ConfusedGOPVoter:
People have been riding Craig for having an O’Malley supporter involved in his campaign. It is a weak connection. Please do not believe everything you read on this site from the anti-Craig bunch. Then again, don’t dismiss it outright either. I will post the Mark Fisher site as soon as I find the address. From what I hear he is simply the option to Craig. In my book, options are always a good thing.
29 GOPerative // Jul 4, 2006 at 2:41 am
TheElephantWay (great name!!):
Feel free to contact me any time. I love hearing from other “insiders.”
30 Aaron Tomarchio // Jul 4, 2006 at 5:31 am
I have been sitting by reading these posts. I am not going to hide behind fake names. I have a few things….
Nixon Lives,
Who are you, and what Axe do you have to grind with David Craig? If you have these deep seeded concerns about what is going on, I invite you to speak with me at any of the GOP events, or I invite you to stop by my office. If you are as inside the Craig administration as you claim to be, you should know where my office is, and you should know that David has an open door policy for people who have any doubts or concerns as to what he is doing. What are you afraid of? When David took over as County Executive, the first order of business was to keep the door to the County Executive’s suite open and unlocked. I encourage you to talk out these concerns.
Reagan Again 08,
I have been working for the Republican party, it’s candidates and officeholders for many years now. I am disheartened to think that you would so easily toss aside someone like David Craig because of something his wife did over 4 years ago. The Governor has moved on, and I would suggest that we all move on as well. This County Executive supports our Governor…this is a fact, and something that should not be disputed.
As far as the Dulany-James fundraiser, the County Executive is doing what any leader in his position would do, go and be seen and see who is there.
Let’s be honest here, many folks attend other people’s fundraisers, not because they outright support the folks, but because there is a sense of obligation and need to stay abreast of what is going on in political circles. You go to be seen and to see what is going on. Anyone involved in the life of politics understands this simple fact. I am not saying that people don’t oputright support every candidate who’s fundraiser they attend, but there are other reasons to go to an event other than pure support for the candidate. It is a dirty little seceret that many in this business know to be true. I’m just calling it out on the table tonight. I have seen Republican State Senators attend fundraisers for Senate President Mike Miller. Do these Senators actually support Mike Miller? I would say they are there more out of a sense of obligation and to be seen that out of support. Like it or not, this is Politics as it has come to be known. Taking a simple act of attending a fundraiser for an incumbent legislator who is Democratic and blowing it out of proportion is completely uncalled for.
Reagan Again in 08, you seem to be well seasoned and versed in political ritual. I am suprised that you keep harping on this issue.
Now, as for myself, Yes, I am completely biased when it comes to David Craig. I have every right to be, and anyone reading this blog surely knows why. This is all I will say on this matter. Thank you for your understanding.
-Aaron Tomarchio
31 hmmmm // Jul 4, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Reagan,
I am not opposed to providing information about our elected officials decisions. I am not happy that Craig’s wife held a fundraiser for KKT. To me, that is an extreme fault. However, it is passed July 3rd and we have to look at our options. How will Fischer do in a General Election against Ann Helton? I think, despite being a Democrat, Ann Helton will destroy him because Fischer has declared he won’t spend any money to get his name out there. Fischer is also some guy that is mad he didn’t get water and sewer, that’s a pretty flimsy campaign platform.
I would like to see Craig publicly support Ehrlich and talk about O’Malley’s lack of leadership in Baltimore City and how terrible O’Malley would be for the state and for Harford County. We need a strong leader who will do that. Perhaps that is why I will be looking for Nancy Jacobs to be a leader of the Republican Party in Harford County and not David Craig. But look at each race and your options for each race. Not voting for Caig is a vote for Helton, just as not voting for Ehrlich because of some percieved slight is a vote for O’Malley.
Craig should not have been at MDJ’s fundraiser. That was stupid. We need Craig to also state publicly that MDJ has got to go. Her votes against bringing transportation funding to Bel Air and Edgewood is a failure for her constituents. Craig should be pointing out these facts. But he is a “different kind of politician”. That’s bull! However, he is our best alternative. Show me a viable option to stop Ann Helton from destroying Harford County’s business leadership and imposing unfair tax policies then let us know.
Craig is no where near my top choice, but i will reluctantly vote for him and support his campaign to stop another Helton from ruining our future.
32 ReaganAgain08 // Jul 4, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Aaron Tomarchio, hmmmm. et al.
I keep “harping on this issue” because I have yet to see/hear/read a satisfactory response to my (and others’) concerns over some of the actions taken by David Craig.
As you well know, Aaron, David was appointed by this Governor to finish Jim Harkins’ 2nd term – and Harkins was the man who beat Craig in 1998, thus denying David Craig an electoral victory for the office of County Executive. So, the absolute least David Craig can do is be loyal to the Governor who appointed him, and this would (correct me if I’m wrong) include not working DIRECTLY with people who have this Governor’s destruction at the top of their agenda.
With that in mind, I have to agree with hmmmm. I think it’s fair to say if David Craig would come out heavy on behalf of the Governor, denounce O’Malley as a both a proven and would-be disaster, and implore the voters to defeat Mary Dulaney-James, these issues I keep “harping on” would fall by the wayside. Even still, in many ways the die has been both cast and set. This is why I also agree that Nancy Jacobs looks more and more to be the true GOP Harford Co. Leader. (And, as stated before, I am not part of the Jacobs machine.)
33 ChristianConservative // Jul 4, 2006 at 5:55 pm
I am a new poster on this site.
Looking at all of these postings I have come to the conclusion that David Craig is a dangerous Republican. If he is so friendly with O’Malley, I suspect he is pro-choice at heart and has been running as a Republican to get elected. His wife must be very pro-choice to have supported KKT and she obviously strongly influences his behavior- as a good wife should.
I am considering sitting out the race entirely and I suggest other true believers consider doing the same.
Without our principles- what are we?
34 I Like Ike // Jul 5, 2006 at 3:13 am
Christian Conservative,
You are drawing very strong conclusions based on an e-gossip site. If that is how you choose your candidates, I would suggest that you sit out every election. Voters like you who go to the polls armed with hearsay and soundbites are dangerous. Yes…please stay home!
If you really want to do your civic duty…find out the answers to your burning questions yourself. Why not ask the candidate what they stand for? I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to see them around before the election.
35 I Like Ike // Jul 5, 2006 at 3:26 am
Reagan 08, Based on polls that I am hearing, the Governor seems to have much larger problems than that of a County Executive having an O’Malley person, who was (if I am understainding what I am hearing correctly) was an Ehrlich person in the last election help advise him on his campaign.
From what I am gathering from this site, Mr. Hockaday’s role with the Craig camp seems to be somewhat limited. But then again, you don’t know what to exactly believe from what you read here.
36 Shhhhhhhhhhh // Jul 5, 2006 at 5:38 am
What does all this talk about David Craig accomplish? Except to give Dems more ammo against us. It’s stupid, and what does it matter?
Craig will be the county exec for the next four years until Glassman decides to run against him. At that time there will be a crowded field when Nancy Jacobs decides to join the race. It will be interesting to see how these two Republicans separate themselves from Craig over the next four years (if it hasn’t already begun on this site).
Who has the vote to decide if Craig even gets to run again?
He would (technically) be seeking his third term.
Some points to ponder:
Is Jacobs all you bill her to be GOP?
She serves Cecil and Southern Harford. How much of her base comes from Cecil?
Glassman is lining himself up even now. Why else come out so strongly for Boniface with Kazi as the GOBN’s boy? Can Glassman pull anywhere south and east of his own district in a countywide election? Especially if the legislature fails us again with BGE, *** offenders, etc., etc.
I thought you were the insider. How am I the only one spilling these beans?
Other candidates to watch for cnty exec include:
JB Jennings
Martin O’Malley (fully endorsed by the Craig Family)
Jim Harkins*
Mark Fisher (The county won’t be looking to do him any favors now)
*Unless Harkins attempts a coup for sheriff once Ehrlich’s term is up.
Stop the madness.
37 Disco Chick // Jul 5, 2006 at 12:34 pm
“Christian Conservative”-
I suspect you are probably Ann Helton or one of her supporters.
First, what legislation does the County Exec deal with in regards to abortion? None.
I don’t agree with Craig on every single issue, but the guy is doing a decent job and we need to get behind him.
We need to flush the Heltons out of public office completely. Art ran a very nasty campaign against Jacobs in a district he didn’t even live in. He put out flyers saying “just say no to NASTY Nancy”. We don’t need those types representing us.
I also don’t think it is good “Christian” stewardship to sit out during an election. There are plenty of good candidates running for office and I encourage everyone to get out there and vote REPUBLICAN.
38 GetYourFactsStraight // Jul 5, 2006 at 1:36 pm
ReaganAgain08,
If you believe that “David was appointed by this Governor to finish Jim Harkins’ 2nd term – and Harkins was the man who beat Craig in 1998, thus denying David Craig an electoral victory for the office of County Executive. So, the absolute least David Craig can do is be loyal to the Governor who appointed him,” then you need to review Harford County History or pick a new argument. David Craig was not appointed by the Governor. He was elected by a majority of the County Council. So David doesn’t owe the governor anything and your point is moot.
Seeing as you are such an insider (and so politically astute), I would have thought you would have known that the county charter provided that the Council picked the new County Executive not the Governor.
It’s annoying to see “insiders” put out false information.
39 GOPerative // Jul 5, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Shhhhhhhhhhh,
I do not think that Glassman would do well outside of his district. I know that he is not well liked by several legislators outside of his district. He will have a very difficult time achieving his dream of one day becoming County Executive. I will stop short of saying it is impossible for him (because if the Helton’s keep running, any Republican could be elected County Executive).
As far as conservatives go, Jacobs is the real deal. She is unopposed and that is nothing short of amazing considering the district was designed for a democrat. She cleans house when it comes to the Cecil County vote. If I remember correctly she only lost 5 or 6 precincts in the entire district in the last eletion. I honestly think that she would do well against Gilchrest if she moved a little farther up Rt. 40. She used to represent Abingdon and Bel Air before we (Republicans) were split up into three different districts. She would do well if she decided to challenge Craig in the next election.
The more of J.B. Jennings in Harford County the better. I found out that he lives in Joppa. I would love to see him take a front row seat in Harford politics.
As far as Harkins for Sheriff goes, his last seat warmer self destructed. I heard the honorary seat warming position has been transfered to Norm Cochran. Then again, that is just rumor.
40 ReaganAgain08 // Jul 6, 2006 at 4:55 pm
GYFS,
Okay, I should have said “annointed” by the Governor instead of “appointed.” David Craig was the Governor’s pick – and everyone knows it. Ehrlich tapped Craig for County Exec over Glassman, Jacobs, etc. The Council then voted to approve the Governor’s ANNOINTED pick.
With that in mind, does the annointed David Craig owe nothing to the Governor who annointed him over others whom he could have tapped for the position? Really? What planet are you on this week?
I hope you are more loyal to those who have helped you than David Craig has been to the Governor who helped him.
41 hmmmm // Jul 6, 2006 at 10:36 pm
I have to agree with Reagan that Craig does owe a lot to the Governor. I think Craig would really have had a great deal of trouble without the Governor’s help. Craig was appointed, Craig is in the spot now, and as a Republican County Executive (really as any County Exec) he should be the leader for the party and for the County. He is not really a leader, he seems to be just interested in his own race. That’s a fault yes. But does that mean with vote for Fisher or allow Anne Helton to become County Exec (allow by not voting for David Craig)… I don’t think so. I will continue to vote for David Craig as the only viable option in this election. So to “GetYourFactsStraight”, I know that David Craig wants to be his own man, but until he is elected by the people of Harford County he owes a lot to the Governor, if not the Governor, than those Council Members that voted for him.
42 hmmmm // Jul 7, 2006 at 11:32 pm
What about Jim Harkins? What does everybody think about him? It’s been a year since he’s left. Everyone is criticizing Craig right now and I want to get these same folks opinions on the former County Executive who had his won faults and connections to O’Malley. Any thoughts?
43 Disco Chick // Jul 8, 2006 at 4:50 am
I have heard the rumors that Harkins is setting up for sheriff, either via appointment, or in the next election. He alslo lives in the 6th congressional district, and Bartlett is getting up there in years- maybe a run for the House of Representatives?
Harkins is just another self-serving politician. He reneged on a 4-year contract with the voters for more money. Hopefully voters will be smart enough not to vote for him even if he runs for dog catcher.
What else is there to say?
44 ReaganAgain08 // Jul 8, 2006 at 7:52 pm
I agree with Disco Chick, for the most part, regarding Jim Harkins being a self-serving politician. However, at least as far as I can recall, Harkins never said or did anything that put a Republican Governor at risk of losing percentage points in Harford County with his O’Malley connections.
45 Whatever // Jul 10, 2006 at 2:47 am
Disco Chick et al
Has it occurred to anyone to question WHY jim welch has suddenly decided to burst upon the scene? could it be that his good friends Bill Cox and Dave Carey see an opportunity to try to take Susan’s seat? according to some gossip that’s what’s happened here: jim’s naivety and ego are no match for mr. cox’s machinations and it’s not an unlikely scenario that the dems see another shot at a republican seat — after all, there’s plenty of folks who think that seat was “created” for dave carey. he’s probably confident that he can beat jim because there’s plenty of dirt to dish about mr welch when the time comes.
46 PolJunk // Jul 10, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I supported Harkins in ‘98 but not in ‘02. I don’t think you’ll see Harkins any time soon. From everything that was ever discussed, he took the MES job to set up his retirement income. I don’t blame him for that at all. Who wouldn’t do the same when afforded the same opportunity?
To address your questions…Harkins is unelectable to Congress. Anyone in District 6 east of Carroll County will not see the light of day, IMHO. I think Frederick politicians will dominate District 6 until it is changed. The Sheriff rumors were there for a while, but they died out…I think for good.
The Sheriff’s Office has been a politcal mess for a while now. I always thought it was a terrible idea to allow deputies to take home their cars (County Govt property) and have yard signs promoting their boss for re-election. When perception is reality in politics, it gives the appearance of either a government endorsement of a candidate, or pressure for a subordinate to support his superior. I confronted Meadows about this in ‘98…he blew me off. Look at how this appears now in ‘06 with the office demotions and public humiliation the Office is receiving.
I’d vote for a candidate who will eliminate public support from deputies (call it a Sheriff’s Office Hatch Act equivalent). The risk of a negative perception of pressure is too great not to do just that, IMHO. Just like I did in ‘98, I’ll never vote for an incumbent Sheriff when I see a County Sheriff car in a Private driveway promoting his/her boss’ re-election with yard signs or some other advertisement. I don’t care how much I like the guy or how good he is; he won’t get my vote.
47 I LIKE IKE // Jul 10, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Reagan08,
If the Governor is at risk of losing points in Harford County, it certainly does not have anything to do with a democratic consultant having a small part in advising a County Executive’s race. Who in the hell besides the nutjobs like us pays attention to the extreme inside baseball that is being played here. If poll numbers are at risk, they are much larger issues at stake. Maybe the Governor’s folks should stop pointing fingers at other people and should maybe start looking in their own camp.
Reagan 08, you are begining to sound like O’Malley when he blames other folks for his problems in Baltimore City.
48 Dave Tritt // Jul 10, 2006 at 10:23 pm
PolJunk,
If you’ve checked out my website, you’ve noticed that I share many of your concerns. Almost 1 year ago, I wrote an open letter to the deputies of the sheriff’s office, and it has been posted there for almost as long. I only mention this so you know I’m not just “jumping on the bandwagon,” this has been an issue of concern to me for quite some time. Please check it out at http://www.trittforsheriff.com and click “to HCSO Personnel”.
I am the only candidate on record who will not accept individual campaign contributions from personnel currently employed at the sheriff’s office.
This is not, by any means, the only change that needs to be made to de-politicize the agency, but it is a good first step. In the Baltimore Sun, two Sundays ago, I issued a challenge to the other candidates to do the same.
Regardless of perception, the fact is that agency personnel are currently being manipulated for political reasons rather than being treated as public safety professionals. I am thankful that the public is beginning to understand the culture of fear and retribution deputies have been living with for years now.
I WILL get the politics out of the patrol cars. The hard working people of this agency deserve a leader who will treat them like professionals, not political pawns. The citizens of Harford deserve a sheriff who will stop playing games with public safety. The county needs a sheriff with character who can be trusted and who will bring honor to the great name of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. If entrusted with this office, I will work hard to earn back the trust that has been squandered by the last two administrations.
I hope to earn your trust and your vote.
49 Theelephantway // Jul 11, 2006 at 2:19 am
Does anyone know where I can find out who is contributing what money to a given candidates campaign? I am sure it is all public record but not sure how or where to find the info. Thanks
50 ReaganAgain08 // Jul 11, 2006 at 1:27 pm
I Like Ike,
Okay, so if the Governor loses by, say 5000 votes, statewide – and runs behind his totals in Harford County enough to make up (or at least add to) that total, I’ll console myself by thinking that I was “beginning to sound like O’Malley.”
Still, I generally agree it is time to let this issue die.
I also do agree, however, that it is high time the Governor start looking in his own camp as well as keep tabs on what is going on elsewhere (statewide). I, for one, do not find the fact the Governor is on TV this early to be an encouraging sign.
51 GOPerative // Jul 12, 2006 at 1:41 am
TheElephantWay:
Go here Contribution Link
Click on Contributor and fill out the information.
It’s that simple.
I think I might add that link to the front page somewhere.
52 MD Politics Now // Jul 12, 2006 at 8:10 pm
O’Malley has been campaigning hard for six months. He’s ran into a mediocre candidate in Doug Duncan and even then once Duncan began campaigning against him his poll numbers suddenly turned into a margin of error vote. Ehrlich’s an incumbent with a financial advantage running in good economic times. Do the math ReaganAgain08.
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