The Washington Blade reports that there is a record number of gay, lesbian, and transgender candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. Three won election in 2002. Del. Rich Madeleno is certain to become the first openly gay senator as he is unopposed for the Democratic nomination in a overwhelmingly Democratic district. Baltimore City Del. Maggie McIntosh and Montgomery Del. Anne Kaiser are locks for reelection. Del. McIntosh formerly served as House Majority Leader is currently Chair of the Environmental Matters Committee. Del. Kaiser is on the Ways and Means Committee.
Candidates seeking to win election for the first time include:
Openly gay challengers include pastor and radio commentator Anthony McCarthy in District 44 (Baltimore), former Takoma Park Councilmember Heather Mizeur in District 20 (Montgomery County), restaurateur Tim Quinn in District 37 (Dorchester and Wicomico counties), and business professional Mary Washington in District 43 (Baltimore).
Dana Beyer, a retired doctor who is transgender, is running for Madaleno’s open House seat in District 18 (Montgomery County).
Having members in both bodies will likely prove invaluable as the Maryland General Assembly takes up gay and lesbian rights issues, including fallout from the forthcoming decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, on whether the state's constitution requires that the state allow gay marriage.
Certain districts appear especially gay friendly. Beyer is running in the same district as Madaleno (District 18); Washington is running in the same district as McIntosh (District 43). Mizeur is running in lesbian-friendly Takoma Park. On the other hand, Tim Quinn will probably find winning on the Eastern Shore especially tough for a gay candidate.
Washington or McCarthy would be Maryland's first openly gay or lesbian African-American delegates if they gain election. Except in Quinn's Eastern Shore district, the Democratic primary will likely be decisive so watch how they do on September 12th.
