It's Raining Endorsements

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters has released their 2006 early endorsements. You can also view their 2005-2006 General Assembly scorecard. The MD-LCV played it very conservative. The only endorsed non-incumbent in the entire state was Del. Richard Madaleno for the open Senate seat in District 18.

Equality Maryland, the state's pro-gay and lesbian rights organization, has also issued its endorsements. Unlike MD-LCV, Equality Maryland endorsed several non-incumbents, including Elbridge James and Jim Gilchrist for delegate in District 17. EM really went out on a limb and chose to support Del. Richard Madaleno, who is virtually a lock to become the state's first openly gay senator in District 18. EM is also backing transgender candidate and EM-board member Dr. Dana Beyer's bid for a delegate seat in District 18.

Like several other organization, EM has endorsed Mike Lenett's senate bid in District 19 over that of either Del. Adrienne Mandel or Del. Carol Petzold. Alec Stone and Roger Manno were pipped for the two open delegate seats. In District 20, EM stuck with incumbent Sen. Ida Ruben over challenger Prof. Jamie Raskin. EM made the interesting (read: daring or dumb) move of endorsing more candidates than there are delegate seats in District 20. Besides incumbents Del. Sheila Hixon and Del. Gareth Murray, EM recommends Heather Mizeur and Tom Hucker.