The campaign for Governor comes to Wicomico County as upstart Republican candidate Brian Murphy will take his quest to our neck of the woods today at 5 p.m. Murphy will do brief remarks around 5:15 or so, although that time may vary due to a bluegrass show adjacent to the building where the Wicomico County Republican Party table is located.
He should be in Salisbury for about an hour before leaving to work an event in Caroline County. This will be the last time Murphy will be in the Wicomico County area “for a week or two,” according to campaign spokesman Sam Hale. But the fact he’s going through the region so close to primary time seems to indicate he’s counting on the conservative Eastern Shore as a base of support.
Sometimes a minor league campaign is simply about survival, particularly for a pitching staff. Due to a number of factors, only 5 of the 13 pitchers who began the 2010 campaign here are still around – James Brandhorst is one of them.
That’s not to say James has been ineffective – in fact, he’s unscored upon in his last 5 appearances covering seven innings. But perhaps it’s Brandhorst’s size (at 6′-4″ and 245 pounds he’s one of our bulkier pitchers) or careful usage which has led to his durability over the course of a 140 game season. Overall, he’s made a team-leading 40 appearances covering 51 innings.
Obviously he’s been on the wrong end of some decisions as his 1-7 record would indicate, but a losing record is not atypical for a reliever who tends to come into the final innings of a close game. He also has 4 saves as the backup closer to the now-departed Josh Dowdy. But in 51 innings he’s piled up 60 strikeouts while allowing only 44 hits and 24 walks and a decent 3.53 ERA. The resulting 1.33 WHIP could be improved upon by allowing fewer walks but the 2009 20th round draft choice out of Lamar University is probably progressing on schedule.
James pitched well for Aberdeen last season (0-1 but with a 1.30 ERA and 4 saves in 27.2 innings) and appears destined to remain a reliever for his career. I’m sure the 22-year-old Texan (he turns 23 next week) doesn’t really mind so long as he continues to advance through the system.
The second in the series will feature three candidates – one is running for Wicomico County Executive while the others are trying to replace Jim Mathias as a Delegate from House District 38B.
Having a more detailed budget and vowing to reduce government as John can sounds good. Cutting from the top and getting rid of “double-dipping” has its own populist appeal. Even lunch with the employees sounds good – but that’s going to eat up a lot of John’s income!
But is the ferry that big of an issue to run a campaign for County Executive on? John sounds like the opposite of Rick Pollitt in that he would be more of a hands-on executive. It would be a refreshing change in that respect.
The question I wish Matt had asked, though, was how Baker’s background in dealing with state government and unions would hold him in good stead on the level of a County Executive. In speaking with him before, the one beef he has with the Tea Party is their disrespect of unions (perhaps their anger is more with the union leadership than the rank-and-file, but it’s still there.) That’s something which may need to be reconciled in a Baker administration.
This is one of the more interesting interviews insofar as location, since it was shot in Marty’s dress shop. (Full disclosure: her dress shop is one of my advertisers as is she.) She started out a little slowly, but once the conversation got rolling her delivery improved. In some respects she is the perfect candidate, with some reluctance to serve the public in such a manner but determined to do so as a product of her background in small business and the agricultural community.
I like the part where Marty fretted about the effect on her life with the legislature being in session (I call it Maryland’s 90 Days of Terror), and certainly she raised some legitimate concerns about private property rights with the reference to HB63. (Spoiler alert: that committee bill is part of my upcoming monoblogue Accountability Project.) She’s part of a crowded four candidate field for the District 38B GOP nominations.
On the Democratic side in that same race is John Hayden.
John seemed to have a way to describe those things which were problems, but was a little short on details on how to solve them. He did make a good point regarding the coastal bays as opposed to Chesapeake Bay (a distinction which the state doesn’t always make) but seemed to have too much of a platitude for schools. And if he can “simplify” the state government it would be a Houdini act given he would be among a whole party of Democrats who are basically responsible for writing the labyrinthine code we have now.
One thing John didn’t point out is that he’s a fellow blogger; he does the Maryland On My Mindwebsite I link to.
Unfortunately, the interview was marred by several interruptions – certainly not to the extent of Jim Rutledge’s bus interview from last week, but having a phone ring and other conversations going on didn’t help a voter decide. In fact, all three of these interviews featured seemed to be out of focus (they were among the first done so perhaps it was a guinea pig effect.)
I’ll continue this series next week with another 38B challenger, a hopeful from District 37B, and a County Council candidate – for the first time it will be an all-GOP edition. You’ll have to stay tuned and find out who gets featured.
Thanks again to Matt Trenka and Right Coast for allowing the usage of these interviews.
The event in question actually happened a couple weeks back according to this published report, but Martin O’Malley made news on his Facebook page by breathlessly announcing, “Today Governor O’Malley appointed the Honorable Michele D. Hotten to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals–the first African American woman ever to sit on this high court. Congratulations Judge Hotten!”
Certainly I can think of no objection to the pick based on experience, as the brief bio in the article I cited lists a long resume of judicial accomplishments spanning a quarter-century. Apparently she’s well qualified.
No matter how embattled Michael Steele may become as the head of the Republican National Committee he will always have a base of support here in Maryland, where his name is still golden among certain circles. One case in point: an Anne Arundel County candidate for Delegate is holding a fundraiser tomorrow with Steele as the featured attraction.
With just under three weeks until early voting begins and absentee ballots already out, the pace of campaigns is increasing. Toss in forums, fairs, and other events and it’s obvious the stakes are getting higher.
Monday, August 16 – District 38B candidate Joe Schanno will be hosting an informal get-together at the Steer Inn, 10514 Racetrack Road in Berlin. He will be signing the Americans for Tax Reform “No New Tax Pledge” while there. The event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and light fare will be available.
This ought to be good, since Bob Ehrlich wants to skip the primary and debate Martin O’Malley.
Today, Brian Murphy, Republican Candidate for Governor of Maryland, and Maryland illegal immigration stalwart, Frederick Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, announced their plans to conduct a statewide, townhall-style tour to address illegal immigration in Maryland.
Sheriff Jenkins has thrown his support behind Brian Murphy over primary opponent, Bob Ehrlich, because of Murphy’s commitment to curb illegal immigration when elected Governor. Murphy is the only candidate for Governor to support Arizona’s immigration law, known as SB 1070, in Maryland, and program 287(g), currently implemented by Jenkins.
“As Governor, I will be Maryland’s Chief Executive Officer and Maryland’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer. And I will never shy away from either obligation. Maryland needs a Governor who is committed to protecting Maryland citizens, and who will enforce the law,” said Murphy.
“Chuck has taken leadership in addressing illegal immigration in Maryland. Under my administration, Chuck’s participation in 287(g) will be emulated across the state. I look forward to working together as we propose solutions to our shared problems,” said Murphy.
“[Through our participation in 287(g)] we have taken over 650 criminals off the street of Frederick County. They have committed crimes, and they are in this country illegally,” said Jenkins. “Brian has my full support. During Bob Ehrlich’s four years as Governor, he did not address illegal immigration.”
All voters are welcome to come and hear Murphy and Jenkins discuss this important issue facing Maryland. The first meeting will be held Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 7:00pm, at the American Legion located at 1450 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702-4336. (Emphasis in original.)
One of the issues which appeals to conservatives in Maryland Republican circles is cracking down on illegal immigration, and obviously Murphy is trying to capitalize on that sentiment. It will be interesting to see whether Murphy’s tour extends to the Eastern Shore.
Back in March I reviewed a book by Terri McCormick about rough-and-tumble Republican politics called What Sex Is A Republican? and while I give the book a fairly decent review I honestly didn’t think anything further of it until last night. (It’s probably got my record for longest post title since I placed the whole thing in the headline.)
However, it just so happened that my review was linked by Aaron Biterman at the Republican Liberty Caucus blog – unbeknownst to me Terri had tossed her hat back into the ring for the Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District seat she sought in 2006, losing in the primary.
I’m going to quote a small portion of Biterman’s remarks in the post, then come back around and ask a question.
(Eventual 2006 Republican nominee John) Gard and the National Republican Congressional Committee spent $2 million to defeat her in the primary. McCormick received 32 percent of the vote and established herself as a Republican maverick. The 32 percent she received represented the segment of Wisconsin voters frustrated with George W. Bush’s policies, pissed that the Republican Party Establishment refused to allow the independent-minded voters of the district decide the primary, and excited about Terri McCormick’s message.
Establishment Republican John Gard lost the General Election to Steve Kagen in 2006 and 2008. Some Wisconsin Republicans incorrectly blame Terri McCormick for his defeat in both election cycles.
Now, if I substituted the name Bob Ehrlich for John Gard, Brian Murphy for Terri McCormick, and Martin O’Malley for Steve Kagan and the results were similar, how much do you want to bet (rhetorically, of course, since they don’t allow internet gambling) that Brian Murphy will be a scapegoat too? I think Brian Murphy could very well get 32 percent or more, at least in some areas of the state.
In truth, I didn’t percieve in my reading of McCormick’s tome that she was exceptionally conservative – and perhaps it was because she was writing it to a more general audience of people who are at the beginning stages of getting politically involved – but in light of the fight she put up to bring charter schools to Wisconsin she at least came down on the right side of a key issue.
In the meantime, I may have another book review to write. In truth, the purpose behind writing the first one was twofold: one, I was asked to, and secondly I intended it for publication at Liberty Features – but apparently they stopped doing book reviews just as I read McCormick’s book. But someone saw it and I suppose that’s what counts.
Perhaps once the primary season wears down and I have fewer campaigns to track I’ll have a review of the book I just got from fellow Red County writer (and Marylander) Ron Miller. I’ve read the beginnings of it and the book is promising. In the meantime, it looks like sort of a day off from campaign stuff as it’s Friday the Thirteenth so I’ll enjoy it.
One of the top base stealers in the Orioles’ chain, T.J. Baxter has provided one of the sparks for the Shorebirds’ offense this year with an ability to get himself into scoring position. Although he’s slowed down the pace in recent weeks, his 28 steals still puts him in the top 15 leaguewide.
The outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter has proven to be relatively versatile as well, filling in gaps in the lineup and allowing other players a bit of rest. And after a July slump (he hit just .219 in 17 games) a 7-for-21 homestand against Lexington may have shaken him out of the doldrums and reignited his bat. He clobbered his 7th home run of the season late in the final game, a 10-3 loss.
The 24th round pick in 2008 out of the University of New Orleans (and New Jersey native, so trips to Lakewood are like a homecoming for him) spent the previous two seasons with Aberdeen before making the jump to full-season ball this year. And while his overall batting average is down from the .280 range he kept with the IronBirds, he’s managed to maintain an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of remarkable consistency, varying between .720 and .724 over the course of his career (.700 is about average.) He’s lost a touch of on-base percentage this year but has more power to make up for it. He’s improved on his stolen base totals each year, too.
However, T.J.’s pro career could be at a crossroads as he is one of the older players on the Shorebirds’ roster – he’ll turn 25 in December. Obviously spending a second season at Aberdeen (although it was a pretty successful one) put him a little behind in development, so he may need a solid finish to assure him a place in the organization next season. With Frederick being a little short-handed in the outfield and first base, though, there’s a chance he could yet move up this season for a short stint and see how he fares at that level.
The first edition of Candidate Wednesday begins with Democratic Wicomico County Council at-large hopeful Mike Brewington, features second Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Rutledge (in the famous school bus interview), and wraps up with House of Delegates District 38A officeseeker Mike McCready.
Just in watching the interview I was struck by the ease at which Mike delivered his message, which is sometimes rare in a first-time candidate. I can understand his ideas about being a Democrat, although I disagree about them being “for the people” anymore. He obviously would fall under the category described as a “Reagan Democrat” given his conservative fiscal views.
However, he fell a little flat in some of the answers. While you can’t get too wonkish in a ten-minute interview, he needs to realize that, yes, it will be tough on these workers that are furloughed but job creation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: losing a public sector job may be the stimulus for creating private sector work on a large scale. And Mike never answered the question on the parking lot, although he brought up a good point regarding the gas tax.
The interview with Jim Rutledge was done on his Crisfield-bound bus for the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake – sometimes you have to take your chances when you get them. But the problem with doing the interview in such a location is that the background noise is too distracting to effectively allow Jim to convey his message. And that’s too bad because Jim makes a lot of good critical points about legislation passed (financial reform, Obamacare, etc.) with the help of his Democratic opponent, Senator Barbara Mikulski.
This interview with Mike McCready was one of the earlier efforts and it seemed that they were still working out the bugs – for example, the whole interview is slightly out of focus. But I liked the line of questioning for the most part and if McCready was trying to establish himself as a conservative he did more or less a decent job – perhaps aside from the aspect of toll roads and raising bridge fees.
I just wish Matt had thought to ask an obvious question I would have asked – how do you think you’ll get along with the liberal majority of Democrats in Annapolis? Certainly he’ll be one of the few who supports gun rights and cares about the fate of farmers and watermen in that caucus.
That brings the first edition of Candidate Wednesday to a close – hopefully if you’re a voter you’re now a more informed one.
I actually played with the title a bit, but here’s the first paragraph of my debut for Pajamas Media:
It’s been over twenty years since Maryland voted Republican in a presidential race, and even longer that Democrats have dominated the state’s congressional delegation and General Assembly. But the Free State has some interesting races dotting the political landscape and Republicans are confident they will taste some rare success.
The idea is that I’ll be covering Maryland races (mostly the Governor’s race) for the website through the election with occasional articles and commentary. It’s an exciting opportunity to place my writing on a truly national stage, as opposed to a regionally-based subsite of a larger national site.
The other day I told you folks that I was going to become another outlet for the Right Coast interviews being done by local questioner Matt Trenka. Tomorrow I will replay three of the nine videos done so far, somewhat randomly selected to present candidates in three different races. These will appear both here at monoblogue and in a slightly different format at my Wicomico County Examiner page.
There will also be my commentary on what was said, although I will limit it to a paragraph or two. I may also lend a hand to future interviews as my schedule allows, perhaps as an off-camera guest questioner.
So far the nine interviews which have been done include:
U.S. Senate candidate Jim Rutledge
House of Delegates candidates John Hayden, Mike McCready, Marty Pusey, Mike McDermott, and Dustin Mills
County Executive candidate John Wayne Baker
County Council candidates Chris Lewis and Mike Brewington
Of the group five are Republicans and four are Democrats so it is a nice bipartisan mix, although all are challengers.
At the moment doing three per week means I’ll have videos on August 11, 18, and 25. If there are more the date will be September 1 and as we approach the primary it may mean I add a day or two during that week since early voting begins September 3 and absentee ballots are out shortly.
Look for the first three videos tomorrow afternoon.
