Here’s a question: who has gained or lost influence in MoCo over the last year? Maybe the only way to answer that is to see what our informants think. Most of the results from our 2008 and 2009 MoCo Most Influential surveys are the same but a few people moved their position dramatically. Let’s find out who they were.
First, let’s remember that the voting populations were different. Fifty-five informants voted in 2008, including just 16 women. Seventy-one informants voted in 2009, including 29 women. The voters also became more geographically diverse in 2009. For example, in 2008, 20 of the 55 came from Silver Spring or Takoma Park. In 2009, 22 of the 71 came from those areas.
This means that small shifts in position are meaningless and are probably due to changes in voter composition or statistical noise. Further, comparative vote totals don’t mean much because the voting population increased from 55 to 71. Big changes in rank and also in the percentage of voters who voted for an individual are the only changes that may mean something.
Here is a comparison of the elected officials in 2008 and 2009. Note the percentage of the vote each received.
There are only three electeds who achieved any real gains. They are:
Council President Phil Andrews
2008: 6 votes, 11% of the vote, unranked
2009: 24 votes, 34% of the vote, ranked 8th
+25 points
Delegate Brian Feldman (D-15)
2008: 11 votes, 20% of the vote, ranked 15th
2009: 29 votes, 41% of the vote, ranked 7th
+21 points
Council Member Valerie Ervin
2008: 18 votes, 33% of the vote, ranked 10th (tie)
2009: 33 votes, 46% of the vote, ranked 4th (tie)
+14 points (rounded)
At least part of Andrews’ rise is that he became Council President in December 2008, a one-year post that he will soon be giving up. Donna Edwards was ineligible in 2008 because at that time, we restricted eligibility to MoCo residents. We relaxed that rule this year to include people who worked here. Since Edwards’ district includes about a third of the county, she now qualifies.
Four electeds suffered significant drops. They are:
Council Member Marc Elrich
2008: 22 votes, 40% of the vote, ranked 6th (tie)
2009: 13 votes, 18% of the vote, ranked 15th (tie)
-22 points
Council Member Mike Knapp
2008: 21 votes, 38% of the vote, ranked 8th (tie)
2009: 14 votes, 20% of the vote, ranked 13th (tie)
-18 points
Comptroller Peter Franchot
2008: 22 votes, 40% of the vote, ranked 6th (tie)
2009: 16 votes, 23% of the vote, ranked 11th
-17 points
County Executive Ike Leggett
2008: 48 votes, 87% of the vote, ranked 1st
2009: 50 votes, 70% of the vote, ranked 2nd
-17 points
Knapp was the 2008 Council President. Elrich was seen by many as the intellectual leader of the former Council majority that was ended by the 2009 special election. Franchot has had a lower profile since his slots-fueled war with the Lords of Annapolis ended. And the spies’ comments about Leggett have been the talk of Rockville.
Here is a comparison of the non-electeds.
The only big changes here are the entries of Steve Silverman and David Moon, the decline of Tim Firestine by 21 points (which is probably more a reflection on his boss than on him) and the replacement of former MCEA President Bonnie Cullison with current President Doug Prouty.
We are not going to perform this exercise again until after the 2010 primary election. It will be interesting to see who benefits and loses then!
Friday, October 16, 2009
MoCo Most Influential: 2008 vs. 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
My Nominations For the Most Influential People List
By Walter E. Bader.
Politicians, political appointees, bureaucrats, labor leaders, the MSM media elite, and others have the inclination and resources to self-congratulate and fawn over one another for whatever reasons they do those things. Meanwhile, the real people who live their lives, work hard, raise families, and make valuable contributions to their community simply do not care about rubber chicken affairs, political banquets or awards ceremonies. Yet, these people, individually and collectively, work hard and most definitely affect people’s lives at the most basic and important levels.
Therefore, I nominate the Average Worker who lives or works in our community. (I cast all ten votes for the Average Worker.)
Who is more important and has more of an influence on our lives (and on whether we will live or die) than the medical doctor, nurse, EMT or paramedic, police officer, the high power lineman?
Who has more influence on our children and the quality of this County’s future workforce than the teacher, teacher aide, librarian, or parent?
Who is most important when we are building or repairing our houses than the carpenter, plumber, electrician, or other skilled craftsman or laborer?
Who is more important in building our infrastructure than the construction worker, engineer, safety worker, or equipment operator?
We tend to take for granted the hospice worker, trash collector, mortician, street sweeper, highway maintenance worker until we need them. When we do, it is often a personal emergency or matter of public health and safety.
Congress takes recesses, the state legislature meets for only 90 days each year and the County Council meets in legislative session about once a week and takes long breaks. County managers take off on vacations and get County holidays off. Meanwhile the community depends on the Average Worker being on the job and cannot wait two weeks for a trash pickup, police response, fire truck or ambulance, water main break repair, or emergency surgery.
I think we are all more influenced by the competence and dedication of the average worker than we are by others who may make the list.
Walter E. Bader is the Immediate Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Montgomery County’s Most Influential People, Part Five
Here are the five most influential non-elected people in the county. Their key advantage: you can’t vote against them to get rid of them!
5. Jon Gerson, Director of Community Outreach, Montgomery County Education Association
12 Votes
Reader: The political voice and face of MCEA, still the best endorsement in Montgomery County.
Reader: May not have the awesome power he had in 2006, but Gerson is still a kingmaker and MCEA is a force to be reckoned with.
Reader: The Apple Ballot still yields incredible power as a voter tool. I choose not to elaborate any further.
Reader: The much-hyped Apple Ballot is purported to drive at least 5% of voters, depending on who you ask. Whether you believe that or not, one thing is for sure, and that is that whether or not it leads to victory, it is definitely not a good thing for a politician to be off the Apple Ballot. Most of them know this, and so the Apple Ballot strategy is factored into most every campaign in the County.
Adam: This is all about respect for MCEA’s Apple Ballot, which remains the WMD of MoCo local politics. Pity the poor politician who gets caught in the blast zone.
4. Gino Renne, President, UFCW Local 1994, Municipal & County Government Employees Organization (MCGEO)
19 Votes
Reader: Labor’s top dog in Rockville.
Reader: The most militant labor leader in the county. Depending on whom you ask, that either makes him more or less effective.
Reader: Knows how to use union power. He even looks like an extra from the movie “Hoffa.”
Reader: MCEA, SEIU 500 and MCGEO are the three most important county unions, and among the most important political players in the county. Gino has Bob Stewart, who’s a tough organizer, and the two play hardball well.
Reader: Gino understands what we’re dealing with, takes the most hits of any union when it comes to loss of employee base and is still willing to try to work out a sustainable budget plan.
Reader: Great combination of brains and brawn!
Reader: They get their people out when needed and certainly make their voices heard. I may not always agree with the way they do things, but they are often effective.
Adam: After all these years, MCGEO’s fearsome overlord still knows how to break balls and bust heads.
3. Adam Pagnucco, Author, Maryland Politics Watch
30 Votes
Reader: No other nonprofit, lobbying outfit or media outlet produces the consistent churn of news, research, and other salacious tidbits that emerge from Maryland Politics Watch. It is no wonder that readership has skyrocketed in such a short time and that this blog’s coverage of local politics has now jumped leagues ahead of any mainstream media outlet. It is both a testament to Adam Pagnucco’s hard work and smarts, but also a statement of the disheveled state of our local news outlets. Politicians and advocates alike ignore Pagnucco’s blog to their peril.
Reader: His blog is the MoCo political bible.
Reader: Adam, you’ve taken this blog which had some nice analysis and made it a bit more pointed. Drives me crazy sometimes but everyone reads it. And you actually listen to people and report and analyze intelligently. Ironically, my least favorite story was the one you said that was the most read.
Reader: Every elected official in the county reads MPW [editor: not quite]... and cares what is said about them in the blog. Politicos check it daily (at least) to find out what’s going on ... or to find out how it’s being covered. Mainstream media sources use it as a source, not always with attribution. As MPW’s primary blogger, Adam Pagnucco has solidified it into the state’s leading political blog. One recent indication of its influence: Saqib Ali chose MPW as the engine to launch his recent attack against Nancy King, recognizing the unique ability of MPW to further his agenda.
Reader: Makes and breaks political fortunes. Beware the pol who crosses him. The Gazette and Post are so 90s.
Reader: Has seen a startling rise as a key opinion maker in the County. Many think he is becoming more influential than the Washington Post in political circles, especially as the big paper crumbles. His missives are lucid, nimble and indispensable.
Reader: Because everyone on these lists reads him. One of the few people smart enough to know how to cite real authority but also knows that the numbers were probably juked to begin with.
Reader: This is not done to butter you up ‘cause we have our differences on some issues but you have worked hard to deserve a spot.
Reader: Don’t get a swelled head, nor is this a transparent ass-kissing move. You happen to actually be influential given that many decision-makers consult your blog regularly.
Reader: The political landscape in Montgomery County will never be the same since Maryland Politics Watch partnered with Adam Pagnucco. He is smart, brash, well-informed, has a sense of humor and oh by the way... his blog can make or break a political career. The first thing I do every morning is to check the blog to read what he is reporting. I know that I’m not the only one. There is a new sheriff in town!
Reader: Your posts are must reads around the state. MPW is now featured every day on the Post.com. The Sun now has a reporter who appears to do little more than cover your blog posts – and respond to them. As the Post and Gazette contract and limit local coverage to reporters/editorialists fresh out of distant colleges, Adam will become more powerful at setting the press agenda. He could take this enterprise private and make a good living from the comfort of Forest Estates.
Andres Pagnucco (blogger’s son): Where’s my Daddy??
2. Royce Hanson, M-NCPPC Chairman
31 Votes
Reader: This guy makes the decisions that average voters really care about.
Reader: Especially this year with so many master plans and a new growth policy, Hanson and the planning board have a huge impact on development itself and the sometimes nasty politics surrounding it.
Reader: By determining which projects move forward and when, Royce helps shape our skyline and layout. He’s one of the less visible (and less accountable?) powers in Montgomery County.
Reader: Royce Hanson is currently pushing through growth policy changes and the adoption of a CR zone that will have more radical effects on Montgomery than anything done by the County Council this term.
Reader: In a community where land use battles make an MMA match look like a Precious Moments tea party, Royce commands the respect of all sides.
Reader: Representing the various land use/development communities: Three master plans in the works, plus the annual growth policy. Need I say more?
Reader: The clear leader of the Planning Board and staff. He calls the shots and directs the show.
Reader: He’s gotten some good results out of an agency that has fewer people to do more work. Master and Sector Plans are getting produced. He butts heads with County Council Members, but that is healthy.
Reader: If there is one issue that never goes away in Montgomery County politics, it is development. That’s why the Chair of the Planning Board is one of the most influential people in the County. What Montgomery County looks like in 30 years will be due in no small part to the work of Royce Hanson, the Planning Board and the planning staff. But more importantly, these land use decisions have a huge impact on politics, especially for County offices. Many an officeholder can trace their victory (or defeat) to issues related to projects that went through Hanson’s hands.
Reader: His role on the planning board with the added perspective of a second chance decades later gives him huge say over the future of our county. His new vision, carefully crafted in consultation with Glenn Orlin, will guide our county for the next 20 years no matter who is elected in 2010. However, will lessons learned over the past 40 years in our county serve us well in plotting the next 40 years? Or, has this economic downturn truly resulted in a reset in our thinking which could open the door to new thinking beyond Hanson, Orlin, and Rollin Stanley? It must drive a person like Marc Elrich crazy to have tried for multiple elections to gain a seat on the County Council only to have his ability to shape policy constrained by nameless, powerful bureaucrats like Orlin and Hansen. It should be a lesson to all of the multitudes looking for an At-Large seat.
Adam: Living legend, planning pioneer. Fabled creator of the Ag Reserve. Laid out the basic functions and processes of the Planning Board more than thirty years ago that are still used today. Was the Democratic nominee for Congress in 1964 and 1966, a time when many of today’s elected officials were sucking pacifiers.
1. Jerry Weast, MCPS Superintendent
32 Votes
Reader: Longest serving superintendent in MoCo – no further explanation needed.
Reader: Oversees half the County’s budget. He does it with focus, determination, statistics... and charm, which is an effective combination.
Reader: The public schools are the core of the economy. Jerry Weast is the core of the public schools. He’d make a damned good candidate, too, if he ever decided to run for office.
Reader: Influence has waned significantly, but controls half of the county’s budget and can still dance circles around his board.
Reader: He’s an incredibly powerful school superintendent, plays smart politics which makes him even more influential. He’s much less influential then he was 5 years ago, before first Ervin and then Navarro, Docca, Brandman, Barclay etc. joined and took over the school board, and when Valerie replaced Subin as Council Ed Chair. He controls the largest chunk of the county’s budget, so he’s #1 on the list. He has the best PR operation in the county, probably to the detriment of our county’s students.
Reader: Whether you like him or not, he has moved MCPS to being one of the top school districts in the country.
Reader: Is there another leader in the county whose exploits have been studied by Harvard? He is smart, savvy, and strategic. He controls the largest public enterprise run at the local or state level in our county. A bad word from him could sink many a politician with the Post editorial board who seem to eat out of his hands.
Reader: Won’t be here much longer, but has wielded tremendous power during his tenure and gets great results in the school system. People may not like how political he is, but it has certainly been beneficial to the students of Montgomery County.
Reader: It is a testament to the value placed on public education in Montgomery County that Jerry Weast can be at the same time so polarizing and also be so firmly planted in his post. He does have the good fortune to run a school system in a wealthy, well-educated jurisdiction (it is hard to fail when you have such quality material to work with). Despite his successes, at this point the controversies are more remembered, and many would agree that it is time for him to go.
Adam: Brilliant bully still rules the schools. Will go down as a Hall of Fame power broker. He will only be fully appreciated after his successor comes in and gets bulldozed. Mark my words – the last thing the politicians want is to create another all-powerful Superintendent who regularly upstages them like Jerry Weast.
Well, those are our results for 2009. We’ll give the spies a little time to react, so enjoy the abuse they heap upon us next week!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Montgomery County’s Most Influential People, Part Four
Our respondents collectively nominated 158 individuals as the most influential non-elected people in Montgomery County. Of these people, 101 received just one vote and 19 received two. To make it onto the upper reaches of our list, it was not enough for a person to be well-known in one local area or in one sector of the community. A person needed wide recognition across multiple segments of our sample to get near the top. Today, we begin presenting the leaders, along with some commentary from myself and our voters, in reverse order of the number of votes.
14 (tie). Doug Duncan, Former Montgomery County Executive
7 Votes
Reader: Watching Doug Duncan since 2006 has been like watching Whack-a-Mole. He keeps popping up briefly and then disappearing again, all the while we know he’ll eventually emerge yet again. Now we hear he’s weighing a return to the campaign trail. But the fact that what he’s planning is being watched so closely simply underscores his influence, even when out of office.
Reader: Seriously, could make a comeback. Just waiting for the opportunity. The whole depression episode seems to have tempered some of the opposition he had accumulated through so many years of doing whatever developers wanted.
Reader: Whether next year is a pretty calm election year with a few primary flare-ups or a knock down drag out fight that could lead to a Republican governor is up to this man.
Reader: Because of his recent remarks in the Post blasting O’Malley, Duncan makes the top 10 list because with over 300k in the bank, he could mount a strong (although probably unsuccessful) primary challenge to O’Malley next year.
Adam: The dominant political figure of Montgomery’s modern era. Cast a long shadow over the county’s politics for twelve years. Part of today’s dysfunction stems from the fact that many people are struggling to find their place in a post-Duncan county landscape with no single leader. That includes Duncan himself.
14 (tie). Glenn Orlin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Montgomery County Council
7 Votes
Reader: The single most knowledgeable resource about transportation in the County and maybe in the State. Glenn has the memory of an elephant and is not afraid to play tough with Council Members when he believes they are headed in the wrong direction. I believe Council Members trust Glenn more than any other person on the merit staff.
Reader: I heard him referred to as the tenth Council Member. Who sets the county’s transportation priorities? It is more likely Glenn than any of the nine Council Members who have served for a far shorter period of time. His influence is huge. Every candidate for state and local offices in 2010 will have to formulate opinions on projects he has put or kept on the table. He makes the election almost meaningless since he will remain no matter who wins. The rise of powerful legislative staff at the state and county level are one development of the past 30 years little understood, noticed, or appreciated by the public. How could such nice, hardworking people have anything but the best in mind for the county? However, if Glenn likes rail more than buses, his passion will be what drives decisions more than the elected Council Members or County Executive. It is sad and undemocratic.
Adam: He is the tenth Council Member, like it or not. Orlin has a long memory, a nose for detail, a facility for numbers and a quiet but shrewd style. He is the most influential transportation planner in the county, period. He also has one of the largest minor league baseball program collections in the United States.
14 (tie). Jerry Pasternak, Former Special Assistant to the County Executive
7 Votes
Reader: The former Duncan fixer still has access to and influence over various elected officials.
Reader: After three years out of County government, Jerry has largely shed the label of the Duncan administration but still has a huge rolodex of great relationships. Even though he works as a lobbyist, many influential people in County government still seek his advice on political strategy, and on that topic, there is nobody better.
Reader: Might be out of sight, but he is still behind every corner of important policy in the D.C. suburb side of Maryland. He knows what you did last summer. But he’s not necessarily telling.
Adam: Almost every rumor in the county goes through Darth Vader at least once before you hear about it. Still knows all the cards on the bottom of the deck.
12 (tie). Gigi Godwin, President/CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
8 Votes
Reader: The Chamber’s CEO is warm and welcoming with a bubbly personality and a great smile. Don’t be fooled though - her policy knowledge is very deep and elected officials rely on her for guidance and advice. She is the consummate professional and her grace always helps the cause of the business community, even in difficult circumstances.
Adam: Leads a whip-smart team of super-women (including Vice-Presidents Barbara Ashe and Lisa Fadden) who give business a respected policy voice. Worth every penny of their members’ money.
12 (tie). Jackie Lichter, Political Director, SEIU Local 500
8 Votes
Reader: Helped coordinate the SEIU effort for Obama in VA. Helped elect Nancy Navarro. Now, rumor is, may get hired out by DLLR. Definitely continuing the meteoric rise.
Reader: Everyone has had a crush on her for years. (Lucky Alan!) Smart, funny, and she’s advising half a dozen upstart candidates for state office.
Reader: Should run in the future.
Reader: Can’t find anyone who will not rave about her. Unlimited upside. What she ends up doing will be entirely up to her.
Adam: Fastest rise in local politics since Valerie Ervin.
10 (tie). Blair Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Lee Development Group and Gazette columnist
9 Votes
Reader: Blair continues to be an insightful analyst of Montgomery County and Maryland state politics.
Reader: Like a crazy old uncle locked in the attic, Blair drips with frustration and sometimes incoherent musings. But his analysis of political culture in Montgomery and his regular skewering of the press and liberal politicians is still a must read. Here’s a prediction of his next column: Montgomery is getting steamrolled because it doesn't stand up to the Governor and the press will elect Obama to a second term.
Adam: MoCo’s old bull continues to snort and stomp on liberals and Baltimorons. Knuckleheads beware!
10 (tie). Gustavo Torres, Executive Director, Casa de Maryland
9 Votes
Reader: Executive Director of CASA de Maryland, his work has significantly and positively impacted the lives of many Montgomery County residents who have little influence or voice.
Reader: Most important voice in the Latino community in the state and will play an important role in the immigration reform debate next year.
Reader: Gustavo is a widely-respected strategist and advocate for the Latino community. CASA de Maryland is the go-to organization for the press, which makes them visible and effective on issues of concern.
Adam: Undisputed leader of MoCo’s immigrant community.
9. Doug Prouty, President, Montgomery County Education Association
10 Votes
Reader: As the MoCo political establishment has become increasingly disenchanted with Jon Gerson, the locus of political influence in the county's most powerful union may shift. Prouty is smart, well known to both older activists (because his parents were active in the NAACP) and younger (because of his work with MCEA), and charismatic. He is also unflinchingly dedicated to education, with no ambitions to elected office, which will serve him well.
Reader: He’s president of the county’s teachers union, which is one of, if not the, strongest political player in the county. I’m only putting one person per union, the President. While Tom Israel and Jon Gerson are certainly influential in the endorsement process and other decisions, at the end of the day, Prouty is MCEA president and Gerson is just staff.
Reader: The new MCEA President will play a huge role in the 2010 election. His support is one part of the Holy Grail of local endorsements - the other being Chris Van Hollen. Look for this county native to play an even bigger role than his powerful and much respected predecessor Bonnie Cullison. Prouty’s local roots make him less dependent on advice from Jon Gerson as well. However, he may focus MCEA’s efforts on County Council and Board of Education elections next year since their membership will have a greater impact on teacher salaries over the next decade.
Adam: Brand new MCEA President. Few people know him now. EVERYONE is going to know him a year from now. Has equal roots in the labor and educational communities and has the word “Leader” written all over him.
6 (tie). Tim Firestine, Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer
11 Votes
Reader: The buck stops somewhere on Firestine’s desk. It’s gotta be tough being the budget guy when times are so bad. Cutting salaries for teachers, firing a few county employees, talking about furloughs. But, hey, at least we have enough money to get Ike’s Helicopter Adventureland off the ground. Free rides for kiddies and campaign donors.
Reader: Handles the nuts and bolts of the county.
Reader: A calm overseer of daily operations of Maryland's largest jurisdiction.
Reader: No one knows the county government as much as the CAO. He has more institutional knowledge than anyone. He knows where the money comes from and where it goes.
Reader: Shapes the running of the government, shapes the form of Ike’s arguments.
Reader: He’s got his hands in everything MoCo and is very effective.
Adam: Still the most powerful man you’ve never heard of.
6 (tie). David Moon, Former Campaign Manager for Jamie Raskin and Nancy Navarro
11 Votes
Reader: Quiet political mastermind behind Jamie Raskin and Nancy Navarro, now a force feared by several incumbents.
Reader: Now has quite the reputation for winning campaigns. As regards electoral work, any pol in MoCo worth their salt will be seeking his help. We’ll have to see whether influence at the polls can translate into influence over policy.
Reader: At least everyone seems to have a political crush on him right now.
Reader: Talented political strategist and organizer.
Reader: Political and policy guru.
Reader: With several successful campaigns under his belt, Moon has become the go-to political operative in Montgomery County. But only as a staffer to Nancy Navarro can we see the full extent of his influence, leading some to wonder if he’s playing puppet-master.
Reader: Played the David Plouffe role in the Navarro special election, but what will he do for an encore?
Adam: Growing fame is matched only by his deviousness.
6 (tie). Steve Silverman, Montgomery County Director of Economic Development
11 Votes
Reader: Like a previously caged bobcat, Silverman has leapt back into Montgomery looking for fresh game.
Reader: A team of rivals? Ike’s decision to appoint Silverman to run Economic Development for the County should be seen simultaneously as one of the better decisions he’s made, but also a sign of his own weakness. The fact that so many people were thrilled to have someone in the Executive Branch to turn to other than Ike cannot help but underscore the buyer’s remorse so many people I have spoken to have mentioned.
Reader: Incredibly well-connected and well-liked in various sectors around the County. Many who are disappointed in Ike’s leadership are eager to see Steve succeed in his new role and appreciate his ability to get things done (not a strength of the Leggett administration).
Adam: Ike Leggett made the political move of the year by making Silverman the new Director of Economic Development. That appointment simultaneously placated the business community and neutralized a potential opponent. The problem is that Silverman’s success depends on Leggett’s willingness to fund his department and allow him to use the money as he sees fit. The jury’s still out on that one.
We’ll present the Fabulous Five tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Montgomery County’s Most Influential People, Part Three
Get ready for the big time, people! These six elected officials are the heaviest hitters in Montgomery County.
6. Brian Frosh, Senator (D-16)
31 Votes
Reader: Potential heir to Mike Miller. Has a lot of influence, but has been holding the use of it in check to make that potential a reality. Unfortunately, that's leaving a vacuum in progressive leadership in the Senate.
Reader: Montgomery County’s only Senate Chair and an important progressive voice in the county.
Reader: Although somewhat recalcitrant and in the shadows, Frosh has become the elder statesman of Montgomery politics.
Reader: He is widely acknowledged as one of the two or three smartest legislators in the General Assembly. At a time when political discourse has become coarse and lacking in civility, Brian Frosh remains one of the bright lights in our state.
Reader: As chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, Senator Frosh exercises a great deal of influence over extremely contentious, personal, and emotional legislation involving civil rights, criminal law, and criminal justice. His decision to delay or withhold a committee vote can break a bill. Because of the issues that his committee deals with, Senator Frosh is a key focus of attention for the most committed ideologues of both the left and the right. Another factor adds to his influence: Since he is in the running to succeed Mike Miller as Senate President, Senator Frosh is a legislator whose favor many other senators and activists are more likely to curry. Should Miller have another change of heart and announce his departure from leadership after 2010, look for Frosh’s influence to increase even more.
Reader: Great State Senator, hopefully he’ll replace Miller as Senate President if he can bring together the county delegation’s votes and score some votes from the Prince George’s delegation.
Reader: Because he is respected by nearly all for being smart, progressive and an utterly decent person. Possible future Senate President.
Reader: Progressives who follow Annapolis have no love lost with Senator Frosh, who has moved to the center in a quest to be the next Senate President. His constituents don’t know the details of how he carries the water of Mike Miller - they only know him as an environmental champion and powerful committee chairman. Senator Frosh isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and may even get his wish to become Senate President one day - maybe even without selling his soul out to Mike Miller and conservative Democrats in the process.
Reader: Doesn’t exercise much influence outside his own committee, but always could.
Reader: Central to state formation of legal public policy. Highly underrated. Possible future Senate President (in the year 2030 when Miller dies!)
Reader: Intelligent, honest. Brian is a very rare politician in that he is always true to his word. He truly believes in Constitutional rights, fairness, and a level playing field.
Adam: Brian Frosh proves nice guys can still go a long ways in politics. He gets lots of respect for being a squeaky-clean, honest liberal who doesn’t get in the faces of people who disagree. Not a MoCo partisan – pursues the state’s overall needs rather than focusing on the county’s narrow priorities.
4 (tie). Valerie Ervin, Montgomery County Council Member
33 Votes
Reader: Ervin is probably the standout candidate right now to succeed Ike in 2014.
Reader: One of the only Council Members with people skills to complement her policy and political abilities. A promotion is likely, but where? Exec? Congress? Annapolis?
Reader: I expect that her commitment to neighborhood causes and constituent services are gaining Valerie Ervin a district full of supportive voters. Because she was so quick to seek higher office from the School Board she’d just been elected to, I didn’t trust her when she first announced her candidacy for the 2006 County Council race. But in the time since then, she’s won me over. She has been an energetic advocate for community issues I care about, she has been an effective advocate in protecting the quality of life in residential neighborhoods, she has reached out to me and my neighbors, and she’s a joy to spend time with. Any politician who can change my opinion of her from mistrust to strong support in such a relatively short time is, in my opinion, a force to be reckoned with.
Reader: Former union member and proud of it (rare given the faux politics in this county). Comes from the working class and remembers her roots. Determined, courageous. Just compare with the hollow rhetoric of Duchy Trachtenberg.
Reader: I have personally observed her ability to get things done and see her dedication to issues that really affect neighborhoods, such as the recent controversy surrounding the Sligo Creek Golf Course.
Reader: Influence is not always positive and she plays politics big time. Nevertheless, she is a union darling and has a bully pulpit that she uses effectively. She is difficult to defeat on matters she takes a stand on. She also brings several votes with her on the big issues.
Reader: In a strong position on the Council and a shoo-in for re-election. Clear accomplishments and a good case for re-election. Almost everyone else on the Council has potential problems as they approach a surly electorate in 2010.
Reader: Common sense, takes risks, leads without fear, inspires a true cross-section of the county’s voters – keep an eye on her.
Reader: I rank Valerie above Ike Leggett because she’s the first person community members, unions, and other civic leaders turn to when they want to get things done. Her role in electing Donna Edwards in 2008 (she supported Donna in 06 and 08 when no one else did and was key to getting her local labor and political support) and now Nancy Navarro has positioned her as the strongest political player in the county and the region’s leading progressive voice. Navarro’s win was just as big a win for Valerie as Valerie now leads a majority coalition (Ervin, Navarro, Leventhal, Floreen, Knapp). Her base is strong – solid inside her diverse and liberal vote-rich district, popular among progressives, young activists, labor unions, civic leaders and the business community. Most importantly, Sonya Healy is the smartest, and probably hardest working, person in Rockville. One District 16 official recently told me, “Valerie and Sonya clearly carry the intellectual heft of the County Council.” Her relationship with the labor unions in a county and state heavily influenced by labor unions makes her even more influential, and she is well positioned to move up.
Reader: Valerie Ervin is a true rising star, not just in Montgomery County, but in the Maryland Democratic Party as well. In her few years at the County Council, she has proven to be a liberal but pragmatic operator who can maintain strong ties with interests ranging from business, labor, communities of color and progressive groups. More importantly, unlike our Executive, she is not afraid of taking potentially unpopular or controversial positions, and she is willing to expend capital for her allies. Given that this has been a successful endeavor (witness the election of Nancy Navarro to the Council), Valerie is now positioned as the true powerbroker in County politics. As a result, she is mentioned by many as a top tier candidate for County Executive, Lieutenant Governor, and maybe even Governor.
Adam: A force in county politics who has never forgotten where she came from. Whipped Ike Leggett in his backyard during the 2009 special election and is the person he fears the most. She is the subject of more speculation about her future than any other MoCo politician with the exceptions of Chris Van Hollen and Doug Gansler.
4 (tie). Sheila Hixson, Delegate (D-20)
33 Votes
Reader: The Chair of the Powerful House Ways and Means Committee knows how to work the corridors of power in Annapolis.
Reader: Knows where all the bodies are buried in Annapolis and MoCo.
Reader: As chair of the powerful Ways & Means Committee she can kill bills and also get bills through if she wants. She has the only real leadership position from MoCo in the House.
Reader: Because she will kill any bill in her committee.
Reader: Tradition, wisdom and influence – good to have some of that left in our delegation.
Reader: Feared more than respected or liked in Annapolis.
Reader: Her absolute power as chair of Ways and Means has blocked many good public policy initiatives from being considered (and possibly passed) by the House of Delegates.
Reader: Where would we be if her chairmanship were held by a Baltimore Delegate?
Reader: Potentially big role in tax policy over $30 billion, but most of it is not her call, but rather Busch’s and the Caucus.
Reader: Most experienced tax policy leader in the state (this includes the Senate). Don’t EVER think of crossing her! LBJ in heels!
Reader: Sheila Hixson continues to be one of the most powerful, yet underrated politicians in Montgomery County. Her position as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee means that little can get done in Annapolis without her support. Nevertheless, she represents a very liberal district where a chunk of single-issue voters seems to never forgive her for supporting the ICC, regardless of all the other work she does for the County and ignoring the fact that nothing more can be done about the ICC. Unfortunately, this means Delegate Hixson will likely have to work hard for reelection, but as long as her slate-mates are happy with her, she should be safe.
Adam: Our sources are divided on Hixson. Her supporters point to her Chair of Ways and Means, a position she has held since 1993. Her detractors claim that the Speaker makes most of the big decisions on taxes and Hixson must implement them to keep her Chair. Regardless of who is right, look at it this way. Ten years ago, the county’s most powerful women included Connie Morella, Marilyn Praisner, Betty Ann Krahnke, Nancy Dacek, Ida Ruben and Sheila Hixson. Today, Hixson is the only one of them who could still make that list.
3. Rich Madaleno, Senator (D-18)
42 Votes
Reader: Rich Madaleno is already highly influential on budget matters (not just on the key Committee but one of the “deciders” of that Committee) and chairs the Senate delegation in his first term.
Reader: Having the ear of the Senate President is an automatic path to power. Having it on budget issues gives Madaleno tremendous input into the course of the state.
Reader: When it comes to the state budget, Rich is always the most knowledgeable guy in the room. He’s a real asset for Montgomery County.
Reader: District 18 had an open senate seat in 2006, yet then-Delegate Rich Madaleno ran unopposed in the primary. That said a lot about Rich Madaleno’s political standing three years ago, and I see no evidence that it has diminished since then. People in Montgomery County and Annapolis respect him for understanding the complexities of budgets in ways that few other legislators do. He understands legislative politics, too: In the game of legislative chess, he can see 20 moves down the road. Few if any question his integrity. One indication of his standing in Annapolis is his interactions with Senate President Mike Miller: When Madaleno has crossed Miller, Miller has threatened but not punished him. (Contrast that with Budget and Taxation Committee-mate Rona Kramer, for instance). With regard to looking out for neighborhoods in his district, he has been a vocal advocate for Georgia Avenue issues since 2003, his freshman year in the House. This was three years before the area community association's pre-primary letter-writing campaign and Crossing Georgia website made everyone else sit up and take notice. For some politicos, the fear they engender in others gives them influence. People don’t fear Rich Madaleno, and that has cost him on occasion. But they like, respect, and trust him a great deal, and that gives him a different type of influence.
Reader: Has the smarts to be an effective legislator and the patience to work on issues important to him.
Reader: With unrivaled budget experience in county and state government as both a staffer and elected official, Madaleno is emerging in many people’s minds as a logical candidate for County Executive when Ike steps down.
Reader: Perhaps the most untouchable political figure in the county because his reputation alone is bigger than life.
Reader: I think that Rich is the only real leader in our delegation. He is always the go-to guy. He is highly regarded among all his peers. He is smart, he gets things done in Annapolis.
Reader: Extremely smart and knowledgeable on all issues. Annapolis insider and knows how to get things done - much like Chris Van Hollen when he was a State Senator. Very popular at home and can sell tough issues.
Reader: Senator Madaleno is one of the more respected members of our County’s Annapolis delegation, so it is no wonder his colleagues chose him to chair their Senate delegation. Whether you agree or disagree with his views, there is no doubt that he is a true district representative who channels the views and interests of his constituents well, whether on tax policy or the Purple Line.
Reader: The Budget expert of the General Assembly is also one of the smartest senators, well versed on all the important issues, the chair of the Montgomery County delegation, often quoted in the press, the hero of the gay community, and well-liked by his colleagues. He may again go unchallenged in the next primary election, and if he continues to fund-raise, will have the capacity to help his colleagues out, thus increasing his clout in Annapolis.
Adam: Terrible budget times amplify the importance of his skill set. Also effective as a crusader for civil rights who earns points with his civility. Indispensable to his county, his district and everyone who cares about equal rights.
2. Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
50 Votes
Reader: I guess.
Reader: The County Executive almost has to be on the most influential list, although Ike seems to be doing his darndest to squander his influence. Increasingly unpopular and bordering on the sleep-inducing in speeches, and the purchase of helicopters is only the latest in a long saga of missteps. The Governor doesn’t listen to him, our state delegation doesn’t listen to him, and increasingly the County Council doesn’t listen to him. He may not be on the list for much longer.
Reader: A legislator by nature, clearly not an executive.
Reader: Some may not like Ike’s waffling style, but the Executive of Maryland’s largest jurisdiction is a high profile job and carries considerable weight here in the County and throughout the state.
Reader: I’ve been pleased with his fiscal restraint philosophy, or at least as much as one is capable of in Montgomery County.
Reader: He’s the County Executive, which de facto makes him one of the most influential people in Montgomery County politics. A look at the 2006 primary election results for County Executive shows Ike as more popular than he really is. Leggett won in a lopsided victory against Silverman because he represented change that he has not delivered, anti-development sentiment, and the lack of a State or Federal candidate pushing Montgomery County voters to turnout. Anti-development sentiment was particularly strong in 2006 because the press coverage of the Clarksburg development scandal made voters concerned that the county’s leaders were in the pockets of developers. Growth has since slowed, and now that the Purple Line seems more certain voters will be less angry about traffic congestion. Leggett’s stands on Latino and Labor rights issues show he is not on the side of working families, and he has not been a leader in the fight to dismantle the achievement gap in MCPS. He will always have a loyal following among the 60+ crowd, but as the MPW polls have showed, the wide-reaching progressive coalition of voters that elected him in 2006 is very dissatisfied. Ike doesn’t take stands on most hard issues, and his “professorial” style of leadership usually just equates to no leadership at all.
Reader: Ike Leggett is the consummate politician. He is a better legislator than he is at being the Executive. Being the Executive requires decision making skills and having a vision. People are willing to give him a pass because he is so likable. There is also the myth that he cannot be beaten. Many believe that the only competitive race against Ike would have to be by another African American.
Reader: Love him or hate him, he is still the County Executive.
Reader: He’s the County Executive and still wields a bit of influence - mostly with the voters, but that is waning. I almost didn’t put him on the list.
Reader: If you wanted to use reverse psychology to achieve your own ends, he’s someone you want on your side. It seems that by not doing anything until the last minute then deciding whether or not to take credit for the results (depending on how good or bad they are), he’s gotten many, many other people to do the heavy lifting of running the county for him.
Reader: Quietly uses the power of his office. Probably the only sane office holder at the county level.
Reader: Agree with him or not, he still controls the agenda and no effective opposition inside or outside party has arisen. He may not win every issue, but he wins most of them and he still sets the tone. His “smart growth initiative” is moving along and actually makes sense. Mike [Knapp] and his gang can’t hang together long enough to put up a coherent fight. Also, with the competition intense among Council Members for who succeeds Ike, none of them will do too much to make one of their own the leader because of the implications for the Executive race. It’s a weird world, but it leaves Ike dominant even when he’s not always on top of every issue.
Reader: Maybe should be dropped a few more pegs after his endorsement did little to help out Ben Kramer.
Reader: Is this high mostly due to the office itself. Would be less influential than the Council as a whole, except for their divisions. Not greatly respected by his peers, which is a problem.
Reader: Montgomery County’s Executive is one of the most influential people in local politics. Unfortunately, it is too bad that he has a negative impact on the County rather than a positive one. Time and again, the Executive has proven himself unwilling to take stands on many issues, thereby creating twice as many enemies than had he simply picked a side. This waffling style of politics might make sense for a member of the Council, but not for an Executive. This nice guy routine will only work so long as Ike doesn’t face a real opponent for reelection, but should that change, expect the many disaffected Ike supporters to line up against him. Oddly, the one time when Ike does take controversial positions is when he aligns himself with entrenched politicians like Al Wynn, Ida Ruben and the Kramer family. All of this smells like “old school” politics at its worst in an era when voters are seeking vision, competence, and a change from status quo politics. This is the era of Obama, yet Ike is still governing in the era of Dukakis.
Adam: You guys can complain all you want about Ike, but he does not have a credible challenger yet. Last time we checked, an incumbent without a challenger usually gets re-elected.
1. Chris Van Hollen, U.S House of Representatives
56 Votes
Reader: Mr. Democratic Party has national standing, a deep purse and perfect hair.
Reader: The fact that he came in number two last year is ridiculous. Van Hollen is now the partial architect of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, a mover at the national level, and could give Hoyer a run for his money when Pelosi leaves the Speaker’s chair. He also went from insurgent challenger in 2002 to the elder statesman of Montgomery County now.
Reader: If he wants to exert himself, he is probably one of the few politicians who could convince another to run or not run for something. As his power in the House grows, so does his ability to influence events in the county.
Reader: Beloved by nearly a million Montgomery and Prince George’s constituents. Sky’s the limit for this guy.
Reader: Extremely ambitious but not transparently so. Much like Ike Leggett, Van Hollen managed to navigate his way up through the ranks, in large part, by avoiding contentious issues. As a result, he doesn’t have many political enemies. The lesson is that there is generally little or no upside in Montgomery County politics for taking an unambiguous stand on a difficult issue. After almost 20 years in elected office, can anyone really articulate with specificity where Van Hollen stands on the ICC or the Purple Line??
Reader: Chris Van Hollen has always impressed people with his brains, his energy, and his liberalism. Everyone knows he's going places. He is well respected among Montgomery County political figures and activists. If he wanted to, he could exercise a great deal of influence in local politics. However, he sees himself more as the Watcher than Galactus, generally choosing not to interfere.
Reader: Everyone loves Chris! A successful role as the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and now the Assistant to the Speaker it appears everyone in congress also respects him. I can’t think of a more valuable endorsement from an elected official in Moco than Van Hollen. While he tends to stay out of Moco internal political fights, he is easily defined as the man from Montgomery County. Every time he is mentioned as running for the Senate, you get at least half a dozen people saying they would run for his seat. He’s got the top echelon of Moco leaders chomping at the bits waiting for his next “move.”
Reader: An obvious choice. If talent, hard work, and smarts were not enough, I’d give him an edge just on the decency factor. He’s probably the nicest person in elected office, at any level of government.
Reader: He is everybody’s favorite politician. He is smart, charismatic, does his homework, pays attention to his district and is building an incredible support base in Congress and around the country. He raises money like nobody else. I think that Chris can write his own ticket. I can’t think of anybody in elected office that is held in such high esteem.
Reader: Superstar. Viewed as progressive when he actually compromises quite a bit and is heavily involved in the sausage making of Congress behind the scenes. He was born to legislate and yields a lot of national influence as well as back home.
Reader: Huge potential influence, but not sure he uses it. As the only fed on the list, is in a different category than everyone else. Can potentially affect more dollars and more people than any of us, but I don’t believe he does that so often.
Reader: The 8th District representative is a true national player, given his role at the DCCC and with the Obama administration. He continues to maintain high popularity among constituents, and his strong national connections should make him a strong contender for a U.S. Senate bid. Nevertheless, at least at the local level, his absent voice during some of the more controversial local debates does not go unnoticed. Much of this is likely due to the attention he must give to helping run the national Democratic Party, but it is also at least partly due to his unwillingness to ruffle feathers and get his hands dirty. That might be a perfectly fine strategy for him, but it also makes him a bit boring and a bit like yesterday’s news, since it has been a long time since he had a competitive race. Of course, all that may change in the midst of a heated Senate bid, as we expect people to get energized once again.
Adam: I agree with the lavish compliments from most of the spies. In addition, let’s remember that MoCo residents care MUCH more about national politics than state and local politics. Van Hollen’s sky-high profile as the Democrats’ point man endears him to his constituents. Nothing makes a MoCo liberal happier than to see his or her local Congressman spanking Karl Rove and other Neanderthals on the Sunday talk shows.
We’ll start looking at the non-electeds tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Montgomery County’s Most Influential People, Part Two
Our respondents collectively nominated 53 elected officials as the most influential leaders in Montgomery County. We present the leaders starting today, along with some commentary from myself and our spies, in reverse order of their number of votes.
15 (tie). Kumar Barve, House Majority Leader (D-17)
13 Votes
Reader: The Speaker’s point person on any number of issues, he is well liked in Annapolis and knows how to use the weight of the powerful Majority Leader position.
Reader: Universally liked, and that means something. I would bet there’s not an influential person on your list that hits ignore when he calls their cell phone.
Adam: Funny, charming, smart Bad Boy. Earns extra points for marrying way out of his league. Would be a wildly entertaining Speaker of the House if he could get there.
15 (tie). Karen Britto, Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Chairwoman
13 Votes
Reader: She runs the Democratic Party with a tight fist and is working hard to see that all of the now-incumbents she selected for the legislature are re-elected in 2010.
Reader: Runs a tight ship that has helped keep the County Dems so popular.
Reader: She knows everything about every district and every precinct, and works day and night for the party and its electeds.
Reader: Puppet master, and I mean that in a good way. She understands what this county will look like in a few years and is making sure that the Democratic Party reflects that.
Reader: Our MCDCC head should be nicknamed the “hidden hand.” While your average voter likely knows little about her, Karen Britto works hard to try and keep the peace in the Democratic Party and has also been known to tip the scale when legislative vacancies occur. More importantly, she works hard to advance a vision for the party and its interests in the region. Remember that there are zero Republicans representing Montgomery County at the County Council, State House or Congress.
Adam: A gracious, wise and exceedingly well-connected woman. Easy charm conceals tempered steel. Anyone who wants to run for office in this county must see her first.
15 (tie). Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Council Member
13 Votes
Reader: I’ve been impressed with his pragmatism, and yet I believe he doesn’t stray from his core beliefs (which I don’t always agree with but I respect his commitment to them.) I don’t think any other Council Member enjoys the office more than Marc, or who puts the time into the job as he does.
Reader: Dogmatic and rigid, yet has managed to touch a chord with those that wish for a County of yesterday – rolling hills, cul-de-sacs, and a sprinkle of people of color so we can feel good about calling ourselves “liberals.”
Reader: Drops in influence now that he lacks a majority on the council and has to hustle for re-election. He should be fine, but doesn’t have a lot of money or bills to point to after four years.
Reader: A real opinion leader. First, you think he’s crazy. Next, you turn around and tell everyone about his ideas. Finally, you begin thinking they’re yours.
Adam: Show me a local politician with a more visionary idea than Elrich’s county-wide BRT system. No, I didn’t think you could.
13 (tie). Donna Edwards, U.S. House of Representatives
14 Votes
Reader: Now an icon of the netroots and the national progressive movement, Edwards has a lot of influence to wield. Some are disappointed in her performance so far, but the fact remains that for candidates for office in CD4, her endorsement will mean a hell of a lot.
Reader: Politico ranked her as one of the top incoming Congresswomen, and her super-liberal stances on every issue both reflect the liberal stances of CD-4 and her national donor network, but she has a lousy, unresponsive staff and her best skill seems to be burning bridges. She’s trying to play locally in Prince George’s to build a local base, but not in Montgomery. Most of the elected officials and activists who supported her in 2008 are dissatisfied, and she has a big problem with the local and national Jewish community. Apparently Van Hollen and Sheila Hixson got angry because they started receiving constituent calls because Donna’s office wouldn’t return them. Her poll numbers among black men are abysmal, and if Glenn Ivey runs and AIPAC raises money for him, along with a Herman Taylor challenge picking off a few votes in MoCo, she might not lose, but she’ll certainly have a fight.
Reader: At the Obama event at the University of Maryland campus when Obama introduced the top elected leaders from Maryland present at the rally, Donna Edwards was received like a rock star among the students. It was really remarkable considering she has only been in office for a year and a half. She appeals to young voters and is obviously really popular among young people. She is a relentless fighter on all the issues that matter to progressive democrats. She works hard, does her homework and is a relentless campaigner. I think that she has a brilliant future in Congress or whatever she chooses to do in the future. It is interesting to note that she is the first African American woman ever elected to congress from the state of Maryland. African American women vote in huge numbers in Democratic primaries in Maryland and in many other states. This fact alone could make her a contender in a statewide run for governor or the US Senate. There is nobody out there that can beat her in a debate. She has to make sure to listen to people who are telling her to beef up her staff which many perceive as weak.
Reader: Everyone knows her staff is her biggest problem, and her constituent services aren’t winning her any points, and she needs to be more thoughtful in how she speaks on Israel-Palestine issues, but overall Donna Edwards has shown herself to be a true progressive, bold, and highly intelligent in her approach to her job. Progressives in Montgomery County will stick with her, especially labor and the LGBT community, because despite her flaws, she’s everything we never got from Al Wynn.
Reader: Giant killer. If she can turn back prospective challengers from MoCo and PG next year, she has a bright future statewide.
Adam: Still a progressive hero despite the faults of her staff and her occasionally testy nature. Chews up opponents and spits out the broken bones.
13 (tie). Mike Knapp, Montgomery County Council Member
14 Votes
Reader: Being chair of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee, he controls land use issues in MoCo.
Reader: Has respect of labor and business. Solid. Leader. Doesn’t knee-jerk like most politicians.
Adam: A decent, genial Upstate New Yorker who has never let his political success go to his head.
12. Rob Garagiola, Senator (D-15)
15 Votes
Reader: He has the ear of the Senate President, which can have a huge impact.
Reader: A rising star in the State Senate, he is Montgomery’s representative on the powerful Senate Finance Committee and has the ear of the current Senate President, Mike Miller, and the possible future President, Mac Middleton.
Reader: Politically, I think he’s way too conservative, but is a solid State Senator and is the county’s counterpoint to Jamie Raskin. In looking at people to fill Van Hollen’s seat, Garagiola is among the top contenders, especially for moderate Democratic voters.
Reader: Bright and decent man with a conservative bent – thinks it serves his district well – some wonder – in comparison to Raskin – very different agendas.
Reader: Paying his dues with Mike Miller while earning creds with workforce legislation.
Reader: Tough, courageous and smart. Willing to take risks and violate liberal orthodoxy. Another possible Senate President.
Adam: I know all you spies like to gossip about Garagiola’s relationship with Big Daddy. But it’s time that we respect him for his intelligence, his ability to work the levers of Annapolis and his aptitude for learning policy and politics quickly. He is a legitimate contender to be Senate President someday.
11. Peter Franchot, Maryland Comptroller
16 Votes
Reader: Doesn’t get much respect, doesn’t give much respect. But don’t underestimate the guy. No one out-hustles Franchot.
Reader: It is remarkable how someone holding statewide elected office could have so few friends and so many detractors. The ultimate self promoter in Maryland politics. He is on this list solely by virtue of the vast authority conferred upon his office.
Reader: The State Comptroller may rub some people the wrong way, but he knows how to garner ink and is one of three votes on the Board of Public Works. His position is powerful in the State as compared to Comptroller jobs in other States.
Reader: Outspoken. Love him or hate him – he’s still underrated. He was right on slots and has an agenda. Two terms as Comptroller a guarantee and will be a challenge for Gansler to hold MoCo votes in the Governor primary in 2014.
Reader: Now that he’s cooled his jets he can refashion himself. But for a Comptroller he casts a big shadow, he knows how to use media and isn’t averse to switching gears.
Reader: In contrast to some of our more conciliatory County politicians, Comptroller Peter Franchot has been willing to ruffle feathers. Where others see challenging Governor O'Malley and Mike Miller as heresy, Franchot has stepped into the ring and usually on the progressive side of the equation. Unfortunately, though many of our politicians act like lemmings, Franchot almost always finds himself alone in his crusades. One would think this would be a sign of his lack of influence, but in fact, somehow it has all worked out and Franchot looks headed for safe reelection.
Adam: Here’s Franchot’s dilemma. When he’s noisy, he gains visibility but infuriates other politicians with whom he needs to have relationships to get anything done (assuming he’s interested). But when he quiets down, he loses influence. Franchot can still make a splash in the media but because he is not at all a team player – and never will be – his ability to move any policy issues is limited.
10. Jamie Raskin, Senator (D-20)
22 Votes
Reader: Jamie Raskin has proven that outspoken liberal does not have to mean ineffective. He’s peripatetic but still gets a lot done.
Reader: Our legislatures are filled with lawyers, too many of whom give that noble profession a bad name. Jamie Raskin, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of lawyer I want in my legislature: smart, principled, liberal, and academic. Officials and activists in Annapolis turn to him because of the knowledge and skills he brings to the table as a constitutional lawyer, qualities that make him unique in the Montgomery County state legislative delegation.
Reader: From freshman Senator to instant leader! It is as if Jamie has been in Annapolis for ever! Or he is just one smart politician. Either case, none of the other freshman from 2006 have had the impact he’s had. People from other counties who could care less for Montgomery County know his name. That’s got to be influence baby!
Reader: Since he beat Ida in 2006, his base has only kept growing. He’s a progressive star in the state, and will move up to higher office soon – he’s a favorite for Maryland AG once Gansler vacates for governor in 2014 or Van Hollen’s seat, whichever he chooses or comes first. In a county represented by Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen, Jamie could not be better positioned to run for higher office. He’s particularly influential now, as many potential and declared 2010 challengers look to him for advice.
Reader: Has emerged as a leader of the Progressives – some say he is too brash and will not be content to grow and become part of leadership in the traditional seniority and favor driven Senate of Mike Miller. He does have good, sometimes quirky ideas, but he is shaking up the formerly sleepy District 20.
Reader: Well loved by progressives, managed to be effective in Annapolis without being marginalized which is no small feat given how outspoken he is. But he has humor and great integrity.
Reader: No other Montgomery County politician can claim the legions of diehard groundtroops that Jamie Raskin has mobilized since first taking office in 2006. He is a true movement progressive, as evidenced by his inspiring speeches, involvement at the national level, and the true grassroots organizing he engages in with his supporters. The rumors are persistent that Raskin is planning a 2014 run for Attorney General, a position he should be a natural for, given his background as a Constitutional law professor, but he is also often mentioned as a successor to Rep. Chris Van Hollen.
Adam: Raskin is becoming an icon who is embraced by all the feuding camps of people who call themselves progressives.
8 (tie). Phil Andrews, Montgomery County Council President
24 Votes
Reader: Continues to set the standard for graciousness and how elected officials should conduct themselves.
Reader: You always know where he is on issues. He will not play games, even when one does not agree with his positions. He is to be respected for standing his ground.
Reader: He was at least a year ahead of his colleagues in understanding what was coming with the county budget, and he got a bunch of crap for it.
Reader: As his year as Council President comes to an end, Andrews made sure that issues affecting his district - the controversial I-270 widening and even more controversial Gaithersburg West Master Plan - are in the spotlight, framing the conversation of how Montgomery County will grow in the future. Like Adam wrote before, he is the person to watch in the I-270 debate.
Reader: Any higher aspirations that Andrews has will be stymied by his having pissed off so many core democratic constituencies during his time on the council.
Reader: For all of my disagreements with Phil Andrews, it is hard to say that he is not providing a steady and measured hand as Council President. It just proves that you can take strong positions on issues, tangle with those who disagree with you, and still get along with others at the end of the day. Andrews’ colleagues and especially those that wish to succeed him as Council President would be wise to take notes.
Adam: A budget-cutting President in a budget-cutting year. Andrews was a lone ranger on fiscal issues three years ago but now many of his views are dominant. He is also a decent, competent and civil public servant in a county that could use more of them.
8 (tie). Doug Gansler, Maryland Attorney General
24 Votes
Reader: By his own standards, he has been low key. But the Office of Attorney General in Maryland routinely makes legal decisions that impact the lives of every Marylander.
Reader: The antics of Peter Franchot aside, if he wants it, I think Gansler's the next Governor. Both reasonable and effective.
Reader: Doug Gansler has positioned himself well to be Maryland’s first governor from Montgomery in awhile. Accomplished good things and gained a reputation as a workhorse, not a show horse, especially in comparison with Peter Franchot but also in comparison to his rep as State’s Attorney.
Reader: His race for governor begins in November of 2010. He manages to show up to everything in the county while still being an active presence everywhere else in the state.
Reader: Not mixing it up in local or state circles right now, but almost certain to be the next Governor.
Reader: I suspect that Doug Gansler has been preparing a run for governor since at least 1987. Since becoming Attorney General, Doug Gansler has set himself up nicely for when he decides to run for the Democratic Party nomination. For instance, his vocal support for marriage equality legislation in early 2008 provided a strong contrast to Governor O'Malley’s deeply offensive reaction to the state high court's anti-equality decision a few months earlier. I suspect there are a lot of Montgomery County Democrats who are looking forward to volunteering for a Gansler For Governor campain in 2014 - and wish he were running instead of O'Malley in 2010.
Reader: Montgomery County’s strongest statewide office holder. Unlike Franchot, he understands how to accomplish things in Annapolis. He also hasn’t made any enemies, but he isn’t actually too influential on the lives of Montgomery County residents. He’s a strong candidate for Governor in 2014, but he’s not too progressive, and while he has an early money lead, who knows what will happen in 2014.
Reader: Mr. Gansler is a fundraising machine and has name recognition throughout the state. Let's hope he doesn't disappoint progressives, who are waiting with baited breath to see if he will do the right thing and issue the opinion that, according to longstanding legal precedent, Maryland must honor marriages between same-sex couples legalized in other states.
Reader: Doug Gansler has taken a strong stand in the past on marriage equality, and is about to issue a ruling on marriage equality that will have a direct effect upon my life. While that might not make everyone’s list of “Most Influential,” to me, few things matter more than an official who takes seriously the concept of equal protection under the law.
Reader: Not much impact directly on Montgomery County, but clearly a force to reckoned with at the State. He’s avoided letting his ambition push him into attention getting behavior. I think he’s better behaved than he was as the County Attorney.
Reader: Our Attorney General seems to have many enemies and haters but somehow continues steamrolling up the political ladder. The “silent majority” would be a term best used to describe Gansler voters, because I can’t seem to locate anyone who is willing to admit they actually voted for him. To his credit, he has raised ungodly amounts of money and at this point in time is entering the 2014 gubernatorial contest from a much stronger position than any of his potential rivals. Unless something changes, I predict we will be bowing down to Governor Gansler in a few short years.
Adam: Goes everywhere and raises money for everybody. Clearly running for Governor once O’Malley leaves and is, right now, the heavy favorite to win.
7. Brian Feldman, Delegate (D-15)
29 Votes
Reader: House Chair of Montgomery County Delegation. Going places.
Reader: House Delegation Chair, finishing his second term in the House. Helps give the whole delegation credibility with his demeanor and talent.
Reader: Strong job as Chair with no competitors.
Reader: As head of the Delegation, he can help unite the state delegation to pass (or stop) priority legislation for the state. Smart and respected as well.
Reader: Cool, calm and collected. A measured and serious legislator.
Reader: Does a good job as Montgomery County Delegation House Chair. Is seen by others in Annapolis as a calm, reasonable representative for Montgomery County issues.
Reader: As head of the County Delegation – holds a lot of power in setting the Legislative Agenda – since he is among the more cautious members of the Delegation – wonder when he is going to step up with a more progressive agenda.
Reader: He is Chair of the Delegation for a reason. He is confident and smart and understands the politics of everything very well. He plays the game well in MoCo and in Annapolis where he is well respected.
Reader: Mover and shaker in Annapolis who knows how to get things done.
Reader: I’ve gotten to like him a lot better. He’s quietly effective and has a lot going on in his head that you don’t see. He’s good with his colleagues, he’s respected and thoughtful.
Adam: Grows in stature every year.
Come back tomorrow for the Super Six!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Montgomery County’s Most Influential People, Part One
Last year, we ran our inaugural series identifying Montgomery County’s most influential people. The results stirred much angst in the egos of the county’s powerful, many of whom claim to be more influential than anyone else. (Just ask them!) The complaining emails and phone calls nearly drove your tender-hearted author out of blogging. So a year later, what have we decided to do?
Why, do it again of course!
No one person is qualified to render a determination from above on who has the biggest stick in the county. But we know who is qualified: our far-flung network of spies, tipsters, moles and wags. Every one of them knows something. Every one of them has an angle. Every one of them perceives at least a part of the county quite clearly. Every one of them has friends and enemies. Every one of them sees at least an act or two of the great, perpetual political drama playing out. And together – but only together – they come as close to knowing all as anyone could. Now it is time to summon their collective capabilities in a great exercise of joint consciousness to chart the strands of influence in Montgomery.
We asked each of our informants to compose two separate lists of the most influential elected and most influential non-elected people in the county. They were allowed to pick up to ten people for each list. Many of them picked a lesser number. Some even picked themselves! (Yes, we allowed that, but we required them to vote for others as well.) And we told them to use their own definitions of influence.
This was a tough exercise and many of our informants did not participate. There are a lot of people to choose from in both the elected and non-elected worlds. Moreover, influence can be used for good and for evil, a fact that weighed painfully on the minds of some of our respondents. “I just hate voting for some of these people!” wailed one spy. “They’re dirty and their tactics are underhanded, but they get the job done.” Many hands no doubt trembled at the keyboard as they typed out the names of their most despised foes. But just as interesting were the responses that declined to name close political allies. Sometimes, honesty comes only through guilty whispers in the dead of night.
Of course, we will never disclose the identities of our 71 participants no matter how far some people might be willing to go to learn them. But here is their demographic breakdown:
Affiliation
Elected Official: 25
Government Staff: 11
Civic: 9
Business: 7
Labor: 5
Non-Profit: 5
Other: 9
Race/Ethnicity
White: 57
Asian: 5
Black: 5
Latino: 4
Gender
Male: 42
Female: 29
Age
Under Forty: 22
Forty or Over: 49
Residence
Silver Spring/Takoma Park: 22
Rockville/Gaithersburg: 15
Chevy Chase/Kensington: 11
Bethesda/Potomac: 11
Other Montgomery: 10
Out-of-County: 2
Note: Many of the Silver Spring respondents live outside the Beltway.
Enough methodology. We know you want to see the results. And soon enough, you will!
