District 18 Delegate Candidates Debate

A large crowd filled the Kensington Armory to hear from the Democratic candidates for delegate. Rep. Chris Van Hollen and outgoing state Sen. Sharon Grosfeld warmed up the crowd and gave very warm endorsements of Rich Madaleno, their successor in the District 18 Senate seat. If this was less of a Democratic and more of a religious event, I would have called it a laying on of hands.

Before giving my impressions of the debate I should mention once again that I am volunteering for the District 18 slate which includes incumbents Jane Lawton and Ana Sol Gutiérrez as well as Madaleno. However, I still have one vote up in the air and was curious to see the candidates. Overall, I was impressed. I tend to admire people who are willing to put themselves out there and run for public office; it is a lot tougher than people realize. Having said that, here is my snap review.

Dana Beyer has a disarming frankness and willingness to make tough choices which attracted support. For example, she admitted that her preferred route for the Purple Line will never happen so she'll support the Purple Line on the Crescent Trail. A breath of fresh air since the candidates agreed on most of the issues.

James Browning is an engaging candidate who cares passionately about campaign finance reform. Perhaps too much. He really jumped the shark on campaign finance (and even said as much himself!) when he responded to a question about gay marriage with further discussion of campaign finance. However, he could attract a lot of support if he could bring that level of passion and knowledge to a broader range of issues.

Al Carr seemed a bit nervous at times but this somehow helped convey a level of sincerity and trust which worked to his advantage of this experienced Kensington Councilman. I liked that he named of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the person he admires most in an era when King has become unfashionable in many circles even though we desperately need more politicians who want to raise us up to live up to American values rather than put others down.

Dan Farrington has the voice and demeanor of a newscaster and is straight from central casting for the part of delegate. As in the movies, he appeared a tad scripted, an impression accentuated by his clear surprise when asked which politician he admired most (Bill Clinton as it turns out). However, this is carping around the edges at a candidate who presents himself extremely well and seemed more relaxed and likeable in the post-debate mingling around the Armory. The other candidates should watch out.

Noah Grosfeld-Katz came across as more mature than his years even if many probably wondered if he was still a bit young for the job. The debate format suited him as he across as more relaxed than on the campaign trail. He was forthright, thoughtful, clear and even funny in his opinions. I loved it when he said he was the only geeky politico who had written a paper on same-sex marriage in high school--and then admitted he had gotten a mediocre grade for his efforts! He clearly has his mother's passion for politics and did the politician he admires most proud as he handled the questions with aplomb.

Ana Sol Gutiérrez knew exactly what she was doing at this event. She reminded voters of her experience and efforts in Annapolis without getting bogged down in the duller details of legislation. As she shamelessly ran over the time limits, she looked directly at the voters and forged a personal connection with her audience that I could only admire and made me feel that I was in the presence of politician not to be underestimated.

Jane Lawton retains engaging southern charm despite many decades of living in Washington which serves her well. Lawton effectively used her short incumbency and her years of involvement in politics to communicate a high level of experience. She was particularly strong in relating her answers to those of other candidates and on the environment, her committee in the House of Delegates. Her story of how she came to Washington to work in politics personalized her campaign and showed she retains a passion for politics.

Jeff Waldstreicher did not come across as a natural politician which accented how much he clearly wants this job and is working hard to get it. He has a diehard band of supporters as demonstrated by the bunch wearing Waldstreicher t-shirts. Waldstreicher repeatedly emphasized his roots in Montgomery County and his fervent support for education, including proudly wearing of his apple of endorsement from the teachers (MCEA). I can't say I blame him as that support is gold for a new candidate.

I'd be curious to know what anyone else thought. Anyone decide their vote after watching or been impressed by anyone in particular on the campaign trail?