A Red Letter Day for True Blue Democrats

Medieval times signified special events with the wearing of scarlet robes by the judges. They came to be known as red letter days. These days had a higher significance than other days. Monday March 3, 2008 is a red letter day for MoCo Politics.

Two lives -- one very public and one fulfilled behind the scenes -- converge today. The lives of these two women, who died exactly a month apart, dominate the local political news on this day. Dorothy Davidson's funeral will be at 11:00AM at Temple Emanuel, 10101 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington. The campaign to replace Marilyn Praisner begins in earnest at noon as her husband, Don, attempts to succeed her onto the County Council.

It is 44 days to the finish line and prior to today three candidates have filed their papers for the special election: Pat Ryan, Steve Kanstoroom and Cary Lamari. Lamari dropped out on Saturday. Two candidates on most people's mind have not filed. Both of them, Nancy Navarro and Don Praisner, are filing today.

Don Praisner will have his kick off announcement immediately after he files. He will have County Executive Ike Leggett and four County Council members behind him: Marc Elrich, Duchy Trathenberg, Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner. He also will have the support of State Delegates Hank Heller, Karen Montgomery and Anne Kaiser.

School Board President Nancy Navarro will have her kick off announcement next week and already has a strong list of supporters behind her including Congresswoman-to-be Donna Edwards, County Council member Valerie Ervin, Senator Rich Madaleno, and Delegate Tom Hucker.

Not to be overlooked in this race is the 800 pound gorilla. Their deadline for applications is also today. Its prominently placed ad in the printed copy of the Gazette was hard to miss. Getting their endorsement is one of the most prized in the county.

Still mulling over this race is Delegate Ben Kramer. His candidacy is only one that causes 800 pound gorillas to sweat.