The District 14 Democratic Team - Senate nominee Karen Montgomery, Delegate Anne Kaiser and Delegate nominees Eric Luedtke and Craig Zucker - is distributing this lit piece for the general election.
Showing posts with label Craig Zucker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Craig Zucker. Show all posts
Thursday, October 28, 2010
District 14 Democratic Team Lit Piece
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Datt Attack
District 14 House candidate Neeta Datt is going after Delegate Anne Kaiser and her teammate, Craig Zucker, for accepting Bo Newsome onto their slate. She contends that Kaiser and Zucker are “sacrificing core Democratic values for personal political gain” by gathering endorsements from progressive groups and then teaming up with the non-progressive Newsome. Kaiser and Zucker have already taken some heat for choosing to run with Newsome and Datt is trying to capitalize on that to round up some votes.
Following is Datt’s press release.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEETA DATT, CANDIDATE FOR DELEGATE FOR DISTRICT 14 EXPOSES CANDIDATES KAISER, NEWSOME & ZUCKER
September 1, 2010
Wheaton, Maryland – At a picnic hosted by the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance on August 28, Neeta Datt, Candidate for Delegate for District 14, told the crowd of approximately 75 people gathered, that candidate Robert Newsome wasn’t a Progressive and that by joining on a slate with him, candidates Anne Kaiser and Craig Zucker were sacrificing core Democratic values for personal political gain.
“Robert Newsome is on the record as opposing a woman’s right to choose, opposing the right of gays and lesbians to marry, and opposing universal health care,” Datt said. “He also supports the death penalty and supports the use of public money for private religious schools. He’s definitely not a Progressive and I have to wonder if he’s really a Democrat.”
Earlier in the campaign, Candidates Anne Kaiser and Craig Zucker formed a slate and courted the endorsements from traditionally more liberal organizations. Only after they had received these endorsements, did they add Robert Newsome to their slate. Said Datt, “they knew they wouldn’t have received these endorsements with Mr. Newsome on the slate. It was a calculated political manipulation intended to deceive the endorsing organizations and voters alike. These are not the type of leaders we want to send to Annapolis. We need leaders who will stand on principle and who won’t compromise their values regardless of the circumstances.”
Asked later what prompted her to make these statements, Datt explained, “I believe in transparency. The voters deserve to know who they are voting for. The voters deserve to know who they can really trust and who is a principled leader. The voters deserve to be represented by leaders with integrity. So, the voters deserve to have the information they need to make a fully-informed decisions. All I did was give them information by stating the facts.”
For More Information Contact:
Shuchi Batra, Esq.
Media Director
Friends of Neeta Datt
batra@sbatralaw.com
Cathy Greene, Esq.
Campaign Director
Friends of Neeta Datt
cgreene40@msn.com
Neeta Datt, Candidate, Delegate for District 14
Friends of Neeta Datt
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Primaries to Watch V, Part Two
By Marc Korman and Adam Pagnucco.
Here are races Eight and Seven!
8. District 14 Delegate Open Seat
Previous Rank: #8
Marc
Incumbent Anne Kaiser and 2002 candidate Craig Zucker are widely considered locks for two of the three Delegate seats. Zucker should probably be sweating a little just because of the uncertainty created by two open seats.
For the third seat, the crystal ball is a little cloudy. Eric Luedtke continues to chug along with door knocking and many solid endorsements. I have heard anecdotally that Jodi Finkelstein is impressing lots of people, including the Washington Post of course. Bo Newsome’s campaign had a late and real slow start, but benefits from being on the slate of incumbents plus Zucker.
It is hard to say with any certainty who breaks through here. I give the edge to Luedtke who started early when he was planning a State Senate run and is hitting so many doors, but I am probably biased.
Full disclosure, I donated to Kaiser, Luedtke, and Zucker. Neeta Datt’s son and I attended high school together. I have volunteered for Luedtke and Kaiser.
Adam
Kaiser is definitely a lock. Zucker has been a smart pick for nearly a year. Of the remaining candidates, Luedtke has the best combination of money (although not much), endorsements, door-knocking and mail. Bo Newsome may be technically on a slate with Rona Kramer, Kaiser and Zucker, but they are effectively letting him sink or swim on his own. The other candidates’ financial performances are truly woeful. One candidate whose fundraising record is unknown is Vanessa Ali, who never sent in her August 10 report and has racked up $150 in late fees.
7. District 14 State Senate Challenge
Previous Rank: #5
Marc
From where I am sitting, which is far, far away from District 14, Delegate Karen Montgomery is not picking up the momentum she needs to topple Rona Kramer despite a steady stream of door knocking. The incumbent State Senator is taking Montgomery seriously, has formed a full slate, and has the full-throated support of Ike Leggett and others as a result. To win, the challenger will need to rapidly amp up her campaign to try and demonstrate why Kramer is out of touch with primary voters.
Adam
Both candidates are working hard at crunch time. Both are mailing, both are knocking and both have allies. The unions have stepped up to help Montgomery with the first of what could be multiple independent mailers, but Kramer can always write checks to herself to counter them.
Kramer is holding an ace that has not yet been seen. It is widely known that Montgomery was in China during the critical 2007 special session and missed votes on tax hikes, slots and the budget. But it appears that she missed the 2006 special session too. She was recorded as having an “excused absence” on the only two bills to make it to the House floor during that session: a bill to crack down on sex offenders and a bill to limit increases in electricity rates. Given the recent problems with Pepco, that latter missed vote could make for a damaging mailer.
Our informants are split down the middle on this contest and many are calling it a toss-up. But when the incumbent holds the money advantage, these kinds of races usually go in their favor.
More tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
First Independent Expenditure in District 14
The mailer below was produced by Progressive Maryland, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and SEIU Local 500. It promotes Senate candidate Karen Montgomery, Delegate Anne Kaiser and Delegate candidates Craig Zucker and Eric Luedtke. It also goes after Rona Kramer. Interestingly, the groups refer to Kaiser and Zucker as a part of their "progressive team" despite their membership on a slate with Kramer.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Primaries to Watch IV, Part Two
By Marc Korman and Adam Pagnucco.
Here are races Eight and Seven!
8. District 14 Delegate Open Seats
Previous Rank: #8
Marc
The dust is still settling in District 14 where eight candidates are running for three seats. The safe money seems to be on two term incumbent Anne Kaiser returning to Annapolis. She even worked hard in 2006 when there was little primary suspense. Confidence is high for Craig Zucker as well, who is slating with Kaiser and State Senator Rona Kramer.
As I wrote previously, there has been a strong push for an African American candidate in District 14 (Ike Leggett’s home district). Kramer, Kaiser, and Zucker are adding 2006 County Council candidate Bo Newsome to their team. Newsome received 7.56% of the vote in District 14 when he ran for Council, a distant sixth. Though he did do better in District 14 than he did Countywide, where he registered 5.91%. However, Newsome did get the Washington Post endorsement and ran what was considered a credible campaign. Being on the slate will be a big boost for Newsome, but it does not give him a free pass by all of the other candidates in the field.
Those other candidates are led so far by Eric Luedtke. Luedtke has been running hard for months, bringing home endorsements, and most importantly knocking on lots and lots of doors. Others in the field include Jodi Finkelstein, Vanessa Ali, Neeta Datt, and Gerald Roper.
Full disclosure, I donated to Kaiser, Luedtke, and Zucker. Neeta Datt’s son and I attended high school together.
Adam
Kaiser and Zucker are going to win, so the question in this race applies to the remaining Delegate seat. I am a bit puzzled about why Kaiser and Zucker chose to align with Newsome. It makes sense for Rona Kramer, who would like to have African-American votes in her race against Karen Montgomery. It also looks like payback by Kramer against Eric Luedtke, who briefly explored a run against Kramer last fall. But Kaiser and Zucker do not need Newsome, or even a slate of any kind, to win. And since Luedtke is a favored son of many parts of the county’s progressive community, there has been pushback against what is perceived by some as an attempt to keep him out of Annapolis.
But in the end, the slate’s actions probably don’t matter all that much. Luedtke has the endorsements and is doing the work necessary to win. The other third-seat Delegate candidates have not put together solid campaigns yet and it’s getting late – maybe too late.
7. District 19 Delegate Open Seats
Previous Rank: #6
Marc
With Delegate Ben Kramer opting for reelection, District 19 had to settle for two open seats. Most of the five non-incumbents running have been hustling for months. Hustle is what they will have to do from now until September 14th. There is no favorite in this race and each candidate brings their own strengths and weaknesses.
If I had to give one candidate the edge, it would probably be Sam Arora due to his resources and door knocking thus far. I do not live in District 19, but I have not heard of any of the challengers doing as much as Arora yet. That said, Cullison and Hutchins have the Apple Ballot and Hoan Dang has been out and about for months. If you live in District 19, expect to hear your doorbell a lot.
Full disclosure, I donated to Sam Arora.
Adam
Ben Kramer will go back to the statehouse because of his name recognition from last year’s special election, his twin base in Leisure World and Kemp Mill, his famous surname and his family fortune. That leaves three competitive candidates for two seats.
Bonnie Cullison has lots of endorsements, is the only woman in the race other than late filer Vivian Scretchen and is a good speaker with a personality that should appeal to voters. She is the only candidate in the district who can claim to be a leader on the county’s number one issue – education. Her campaign took a long time to come together but we hear she is now out on the doors. Additionally, MCEA will be heavily invested in sending its former President to Annapolis. Jay Hutchins is a very likable person with a good biography and lots of endorsements, including the Apple Ballot. But some think he is not yet working hard enough to fend off Sam “Hunk of the Hill” Arora, who is coming on with a real head of steam. Arora has bundles of money, a whole bunch of campaign savvy and is out-hustling everybody. Any two of these three could win. One question still lingers: how will the intensely competitive Senate race affect the Delegate race?
More tomorrow!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Craig Zucker Announces Seven New Labor Endorsements
District 14 Delegate candidate Craig Zucker has announced seven new labor endorsements. Following is his press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Zucker
Email: czucker@craigzucker.com
Momentum Builds for Zucker in the District 14 House of Delegates Race: Candidate Earns Endorsements from Seven Important Labor Organizations
July 1, 2010 – SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND – District 14 House of Delegates Candidate Craig Zucker (Democrat - Brookeville) has earned seven new endorsements from Maryland-area labor organizations. Communications Workers of America, District 2 (CWA), International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 24, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 26 (IBEW), International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 51, Ironworkers Local #5, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters (MARCC), and Sheet Metal Workers' Local 100 have all declared their support for Zucker. "Craig has been a progressive and effective voice for working families and he's always put their interests first," said Charles "Chuck" Graham, Business Manager, IBEW, Local 26.
Craig, a longtime advocate for working families, has been in public service for more than 14 years and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Maryland State Comptroller. Throughout his career Craig has worked to create and retain jobs.
"I am proud to have the support from each these vital organizations that stand up for the interest of hardworking Marylanders," said Zucker. "As delegate, I will continue to listen to the needs of working families to help create and retain quality jobs in our state.”
In total, CWA, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 24, IBEW Local 26, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 51, Ironworkers Local 5, MARCC, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 100 represent more than 12,000 working men and women in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC area. These organizations join the Service Employees International Union, Montgomery County Education Association and more than 40 other elected officials and community leaders in support of Craig Zucker's candidacy.
###
By Authority: Friends of Craig Zucker, Treasurer: Jennifer S. Zucker.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Kramer, Kaiser and Zucker Form Slate in District 14
Senator Rona Kramer, Delegate Anne Kaiser and Delegate candidate Craig Zucker have announced that they are running as a team in District 14. Kramer faces a challenge by Delegate Karen Montgomery. The remaining Delegate seat being vacated by Herman Taylor has attracted MCEA Board Member Eric Luedtke and possibly more candidates who have yet to announce. County Executive Ike Leggett, who lives in District 14, has endorsed the slate.
Following is the slate's press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 17, 2010
State Senator Rona Kramer, Delegate Anne Kaiser and Candidate Craig Zucker Form District 14 Leadership Team
Slate Receives Endorsement of Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett
(Olney, MD) -- Today, State Senator Rona Kramer (Democrat-Olney), Delegate Anne Kaiser (Democrat-Burtonsville) and candidate Craig Zucker (Democrat-Brookeville) announced the formation of a District 14 legislative slate called the District 14 Leadership Team.
“We are looking forward to working as a team to make sure District 14 gets the resources and representation it needs and deserves,” said the candidates in a joint statement.
Each member of the Leadership Team has pledged to protect working families, businesses, and community priorities throughout the district. Senator Kramer and Delegate Kaiser provide strong leadership in Annapolis with their positions on two powerful committees. Senator Kramer serves on the powerful Budget and Taxation Committee and Delegate Kaiser on the House Ways and Means Committee. Zucker also brings a wealth of experience to the team as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Maryland Comptroller.
“I am proud to support this group of outstanding individuals. The District 14 Leadership Team has the talent, experience, and vision that we need during these difficult economic times. They will provide strong leadership for the people of District 14,” said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett.
“Our communities will benefit by having Rona Kramer, Anne Kaiser and Craig Zucker representing District 14 in Annapolis,” said Joy Turner, Sandy Spring activist.
Maryland’s 14th legislative District is comprised of the communities of: Ashton, Brinklow, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Calverton, Cloverly, Colesville, Damascus, Fairland, Goshen, Laytonsville, Montgomery Village, Olney, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, Spencerville and Sunshine.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Senator Rona Kramer
Rona Kramer has been in the Maryland Senate since 2003. She serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee, (capital budget subcommittee; past chair and current member pensions subcommittee; public safety, transportation & environment subcommittee), Joint Audit Committee, Executive Nominations Committee, Spending Affordability Committee.
She has been successful in the passage of many bills to protect senior citizens throughout Maryland, as well as, environmental protections, individual rights, and support for those with developmental disabilities.
Raised in Montgomery County, she attended Kennedy High School; University of Maryland, College Park, B.A., 1976; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., 1979.
Growing up in a family committed to public service, Senator Kramer has been a dedicated community activist her entire adult life, with the following as some of the organizations in which she has been and is still, involved: President, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; President, Shopping Center Management Association; Chair, Montgomery County Police and Fire/Rescue Awards Program; Board of Trustees, Montgomery College of Art and Design; Board of Trustees, Graffiti Abatement Partnership; Board of Trustees, Montgomery County Friends of the Library; Precinct chair and area coordinator, Montgomery County Democratic Party; and the Wheaton Revitalization Strategy Committee.
Website: www.ronakramer.com
Delegate Anne Kaiser
Anne Kaiser, 42, is proud to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 14th Legislative District.
A lifelong county resident, Anne graduated from Rockville High School, earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago and two Masters Degrees from the University of Michigan.
During eight years in the legislature, Kaiser has been the prime sponsor of 32 bills that are now law, primarily dealing with education policy and tax policy.
Kaiser, a member of the Ways & Means Committee, serves as chair of the Education Subcommittee. In that role, Kaiser led the debate on major legislative initiatives for the Governor, the Speaker of the House and our school teachers. Additionally, Anne has other leadership responsibilities including chair of the County Affairs Committee for the Montgomery County Delegation and the Joint Committee on Children, Youth and Families. She also serves as a chief deputy whip.
Anne has been active in the community for 20 years, holding leadership positions as Chair of the Mid-County Citizens’ Advisory Board, Co-Coordinator of the Montgomery County Women's Fair and as an elected member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. She is a lifetime member of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville.
Website: www.annekaiser.com
Craig Zucker
Craig Zucker, 35, is proud to be an independent minded Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in the 14th Legislative District.
Craig has spent more than 15 years in public service. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot. Prior to joining the Comptroller’s Office, Craig was Director of Maryland Home Care for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). While there, he helped to improve the lives of the more than 5,000 home health care workers throughout Maryland by securing their first wage increase since 1986.
He has been involved in many community and political organizations including the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, the Olney Theatre Center, Project Change (Olney) and the Board of Governors for the Chelsea School. Craig also served on the Mid-County Recreation Advisory Board and as a member of the Carl M. Freeman F.A.C.E.S. Advisory Board. Craig currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Manna Food Center.
Craig earned his undergraduate Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College and his Masters Degree in Government from the Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Brookeville with his wife Jenny, and his son Benjamin.
Website: www.craigzucker.com
By Auth: Friends of Rona Kramer, Douglas E. Metz, Treasurer
By Auth: Kaiser for Delegate, Alison Praisner Klumpp Chair; Marian Kaiser, Treasurer
By Auth: Friends of Craig Zucker, Warren Fleming Chair; Jennifer Zucker, Treasurer
Monday, May 03, 2010
Craig Zucker Announces Campaign, Releases Gigantic Endorsement List
As expected, Craig Zucker, the Comptroller's Deputy Chief of Staff, has announced his candidacy for the House of Delegates in District 14. Zucker has also released a MONSTER list of endorsements that far exceeds the count collected by any other challenger or open seat candidate in the county. In the wake of the Lenett debacle, we hear that these endorsements have been triple- and quadruple-checked. Following is Zucker's statement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Zucker
Email: czucker@craigzucker.com
Zucker Launches Bid for the Maryland House of Delegates
Pledges to be a Strong, Independent Advocate for District 14; Announces Support from Almost 40 Former and Current Elected Officials
BROOKEVILLE, MARYLAND – Promising progressive, effective, and independent leadership for the people of the 14th Legislative District, this morning Craig Zucker (Democrat-Brookeville) officially filed as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in the 2010 election. Zucker, 35, brings more than 15 years of public and community service to the campaign.
Joined by his wife Jennifer and son Ben, Zucker stated, “I am proud and humbled to be running for the House of Delegates as an independent and effective leader for the people of District 14. If elected, I pledge to work every day to ensure our community and its residents have the economic and educational resources it needs to succeed now, and in the future."
Zucker has been active with several community organizations, including the Olney Theatre Center, Project Change (Olney) and the Chelsea School, which prepares students with language-based learning disabilities for higher education. He has also served as Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Mid-County Recreation Advisory Board and as a member of the Carl M. Freeman F.A.C.E.S. Advisory Board. Craig currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Manna Food Center, which helps to feed the hungry in Montgomery County.
“Craig has always been a strong advocate for local needs, and I am confident that if elected, Craig will continue to be a tireless champion for the people of our community,” said Laytonsville Mayor Charles W. Oland.
If elected, Zucker has pledged to work to improve the economy, create jobs, protect quality education for our children, and safeguard against uncontrollable sprawl. Zucker brings great experience in both the state and federal branches of government.
"Craig is well respected throughout the district and has the experience to be an effective legislator. It would be a pleasure to serve with him," stated Delegate Anne Kaiser.
Zucker currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to State Comptroller Peter Franchot. Craig has worked for two U.S. Senators, served as a county District Director to a Member of Congress from Maryland, and was Legislative Director to a Maryland State Delegate. He also worked for several years in the private sector for a trade association.
"Craig's community ties and knowledge of state and local government will make him a strong champion in Annapolis for Montgomery County's priorities," said Councilmember Nancy Navarro.
In addition to Mayor Oland, Delegate Kaiser and Councilmember Navarro, Zucker has the endorsement of almost 40 former and current elected officials, including Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler, Senator Rona Kramer, House Delegation Chairman Brain Feldman, and Senate Delegation Chairman Richard Madaleno.
Craig earned his Bachelors of Science Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College and his Masters in Government from the Johns Hopkins University. Craig and his family live in Brookeville.
A full list of endorsements is below:
Elected Officials Supporting Craig Zucker
In alphabetical & District Order
• Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot
• Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler
• State Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
• Senator Rona E. Kramer, District 14
• Delegate Anne R. Kaiser, District 14
• Former Delegate Tod Sher, District 14
• Senator Robert J. Garagiola, District 15
• Delegate Kathleen M. Dumais, District 15
• Delegate Brian J. Feldman, District 15 – Chair, Montgomery County House Delegation
• Delegate Craig L. Rice, District 15
• Delegate William C. Frick, District 16
• Delegate Susan C. Lee, District 16 - Vice Chair, Montgomery County House Delegation
• Delegate Kumar Barve, District 17 – House Majority Leader
• Delegate James W. Gilchrist, District 17
• Delegate Luiz R. S. Simmons, District 17
• Senator Richard Madaleno, District 18 – Chair, Montgomery County Senate Delegation
• Delegate Alfred Carr, Jr., District 18
• Former Delegate John Hurson, District 18 – Former House Majority Leader
• Delegate Jeffrey D. Waldstreicher, District 18
• Delegate Henry Heller, District 19
• Delegate Benjamin F. Kramer, District 19
• Delegate Sheila E. Hixson, District 20
• Delegate Tom Hucker, District 20
• Delegate Charles E. Barkley, District 39
• Delegate Kirill Reznik, District 39
• Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich, At-Large
• Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin, Vice-President, District 5
• Montgomery County Councilmember Mike Knapp, District 2
• Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal, At-Large
• Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro, District 4
• Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy
• Montgomery County Register of Wills Joseph Griffin
• Montgomery County Clerk of the Court Loretta Knight
• Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff Darren Popkin
• Commissioner Michael Acierno, President Town of Brookeville Commissioners
• Mayor Peter Fosselman, City of Kensington
• Mayor Sidney Katz, City of Gaithersburg
• Mayor Charles W. “Willard” Oland, Town of Laytonsville
Endorsements from District 14 community leaders and organizations to be released in the weeks ahead.
###
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Primaries to Watch III, Part Two
By Marc Korman and Adam Pagnucco.
Here are races Eight and Seven!
8. District 14 Delegate Open Seats
Prior Rank: #6
Marc
The incumbents in District 14 do not lack for ambition as demonstrated by Herman Taylor’s quixotic run for Congress and Karen Montgomery’s decision to take on Rona Kramer (more on that later). Their decisions create two open seats.
Craig Zucker appears to be close to a sure thing for one of them. He has been running for eight years, has raised lots of money, and appears to have broad support. A second opening upsets his apple cart because folks who ruled out fighting him for one open seat are taking a second look.
The most public candidate thus far is teacher, occasional MPW guest blogger, and activist Eric Luedtke. We last saw Luedtke at the end of 2009 when he pulled the plug on a challenge to Kramer before it really started. What made him an attractive candidate then still holds true and he has the benefit of not challenging a self financing incumbent. Others will likely get into the race. As I have written before, the desire for a candidate that brings more diversity to District 14 is strong.
Full disclosure, I donated to Eric Luedtke.
Adam
Two open seats and two credible candidates. Yawn… I have nothing more to say about Craig “Lock” Zucker since he reported more than $50,000 in the bank before even formally starting his campaign. MCEA Board Member Luedtke will work hard and get lots of progressive backing for the other seat. Even though this district has the largest concentration of African Americans in the county along the US-29 corridor, I am hearing nothing to indicate that any candidate of color is getting in yet. Can someone wake me up if there’s another credible candidate of any kind?
The only interesting thing about this Delegate race is how it will interplay with the Senate race. I could see Zucker and Delegate Anne Kaiser supporting incumbent Rona Kramer and Luedtke supporting challenger Karen Montgomery. Or maybe not. Come on, people, give us something spicy to write about! Don’t make Saqib Ali do all the work!
7. District 16 Delegate Open Seat
Prior Rank: #8 as “Oldak vs. District 16”
Marc
Bill Bronrott’s resignation creates the fifth legislative vacancy in Montgomery County during this term. All indications are that the Central Committee will appoint a caretaker (that is certainly how my vote will be cast) and will let candidates for a four year term run without an incumbent in the fall.
It looks like two of the bigger name candidates, Reggie Oldak and Don Mooers, are taking a pass. But lots of hats are already in the ring including 2006 District 18 candidate Dan Farrington, Montgomery County Young Democrats president Scott Goldberg, Obama campaign guru Kyle Lierman, and possibly many others including Lise Van Susteren.
Another wrinkle in District 16 is that Bill Frick faces the same problem as Kirill Reznik in District 39: he will be before the voters for the first time. Frick has had strong fundraising and worked the district hard over the past three years, but he will have to work much harder than had all three incumbents run together.
Full disclosure, I am a Montgomery County Democratic Central Committeemember from District 16, cast a vote to appoint Bill Frick in 2007, and have donated to him.
Adam
Oldak’s decision not to get in deprives this contest of a top-tier challenger with a record of getting D16 votes. She received the Post endorsement last time and almost knocked off long-time incumbent Marilyn Goldwater, whose retirement created the opening for Frick. Now we have to look at everyone else.
The early favorite is Dan Farrington, who ran a great race in District 18 in 2006. Farrington received the Post and Gazette endorsements but lost narrowly to Jeff Waldstreicher, who had the Apple Ballot, for the open Delegate seat. The two were the hardest-working candidates in a good field and Farrington raised FAR more non-self-financed money than anyone else. I found Farrington to be so impressive that I sent him a $100 check immediately after seeing him at a campaign coffee that year. One problem he has is his opposition to the Purple Line’s proposed rail alignment, a position that helped him finish second in the Chevy Chase precincts but will not be so helpful in Bethesda. Still, if Farrington goes into high gear, the other candidates will have to bust their behinds to keep up.
As for the incumbents, Bill “Stud of the Statehouse” Frick will finish first and Susan Lee will finish second. Don’t prove me wrong, Bill!
We’ll have races Six and Five tomorrow.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Craig Zucker to Report Over $50,000
Our spies tell us that District 14 Delegate hopeful Craig Zucker will be reporting over $50,000 in cash on hand in his campaign fund. Zucker lost the 2002 Delegate primary to Anne Kaiser by just 327 votes and has kept his account open ever since. Zucker is Comptroller Peter Franchot's Deputy Chief of Staff and knows his way around both Montgomery County and Annapolis. We hear that Zucker's contributions have come from a mix of business, labor and individual donors.
MPW picked Zucker as the early leader for a potential open Delegate seat in District 14 way back in August. It appears that Delegate Herman Taylor is challenging Congresswoman Donna Edwards, creating a potential opening for other Delegate candidates. Zucker is showing impressive strength eight months before the primary that will be hard for other hopefuls to overcome.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Squeeze Play on Donna Edwards?
Time to stir the pot!
We hear that District 4 Congresswoman Donna Edwards may get a two-headed primary challenge from Prince George’s State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey and Delegate Herman Taylor (D-14). Rumors are rampant of Edwards staffers not returning phone calls and the Congresswoman having multiple spats with other politicians. We believe Ivey would be a strong contender for Prince George’s County Executive if he chose to run for that office. No doubt his supporters hope that Taylor, who represents part of Eastern Montgomery County, will strip enough MoCo votes from Edwards so that Ivey will squeak through on the basis of a winning margin in Prince George’s.
If that is the plan, it has problems. Taylor was convicted of driving while impaired in February after falling asleep at the wheel of his idling Cadillac in May 2008. Taylor is also known to be pro-life in Annapolis, a fact Edwards would be sure to point out. As for Ivey, he has yet to live down his failure to obtain an indictment in the infamous Prince George’s jailhouse killing. Edwards spanked bullying bossman Al Wynn and will take it to either - or both - of these prospective opponents. They have been warned!
If Taylor is foolish enough to run, Olney resident Craig Zucker, Comptroller Peter Franchot’s Deputy Chief of Staff, becomes the early favorite for the open Delegate seat. Zucker lost the 2002 District 14 Delegate primary to Anne Kaiser by just 327 votes and has been a fixture at political events ever since.
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