Baltimore City Councilmember Brandon Scott Hints at Citywide Run // Mayor's Race Getting Crowded: Will He Or Won't He?

By Matt Verghese

Even as Nick Mosby launched his campaign for Mayor on Sunday, Baltimore City Councilmember Brandon Scott wrote an open letter hinting at his own aspirations for the top job (emphasis mine):

Dear Baltimore, 

Helping to make our city a better place is all that I have ever wanted to do with my life. In fact, I believe that serving Baltimore is the reason that I exist. 

Your outpouring of support and my expectations of what I believe this city can be, demand that I take my service to the next level. I have heard you and I sincerely appreciate you. 

Baltimore is at its most critical point and needs true leadership that can bring the entire city together, unifying our strength and our voice. The support you have given me, and the belief that I can do, and should do, more shows that without a doubt, you believe that I can lead Baltimore to being the best Baltimore we can be. 

With your continued support and active participation, I am confident in that belief. Together, we can bring this remarkable city back to its best. In the coming weeks I look forward to hearing from you all as I share my plan for leadership that will invest in, inspire and innovate Baltimore. 

Sincerely,
Councilman Brandon M. Scott

Scott, who turned 30 last year, was the city's second youngest-ever elected Councilman (the record belongs to current Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake) in 2011. Prior to his time on the Council, Scott was community liaison to Northeast Baltimore for the City Council President and then the Mayor.

Despite being a time when a lot of voters want a change - which could favor fresh faces over old hands - an increasingly crowded field could lead to an unexpected dynamic come Election Day.

Nick Mosby Announcement This Sunday // Fresh Face Jumping Into Crowded Field for Baltimore Mayor: Who Else Is Running?

By Matt Verghese

Ending months of speculation, Baltimore City Councilmember Nick Mosby appears ready to jump into the race to become the next Mayor. As reported by The Baltimore Sun, Mosby emailed supporters this morning inviting them to an important announcement taking place Sunday afternoon where they will hear from "the best choice for a better Baltimore." Below is a hard copy invite that has been circulating for a number of weeks:

Mosby has been an active and vocal member of the City Council in his first term, helping pass 'Ban the Box' legislation, being only 1 of 2 Councilmembers to vote against confirming Kevin Davis as police chief, and constantly pressing the flesh in neighborhoods across the City. He and his wife, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby, gained national attention following the protests and unrest set off by the death of Freddie Gray.

Mosby is a client of well-respected fundraiser Colleen Martin-Lauer. Martin-Lauer has also worked for Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Governor O'Malley (among many, many others). 

With 175 days until early voting starts in Maryland's April Democratic primary, Mosby jumps into a crowded field filled with a number of well-known candidates many of who have previously run for the City's top job. A list of announced and potential candidates is listed below. The winner of the Democratic primary is the heavy favorite to win in November.

Announced

• Richard Black, accountant
• Mack Clifton, minister and author
• Sheila Dixon, former Mayor
• Mike Maraziti, President of Fells Point Main Street Business Association
• Catherine Pugh, Senate Majority Leader
• Carl Stokes, Baltimore City Councilman
• Calvin Young, former Baltimore City Youth Commissioner

On The Fence

• Jill Carter, Delegate
• Nick Mosby, Baltimore City Councilmember
• Brandon Scott, Baltimore City Councilmember
• David Warnock, venture capitalist and foundation head
• Jack Young, Baltimore City Council President

Out

• Ben Jealous, former NAACP President  
• Joan Pratt, Baltimore City Comptroller
• Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, current Mayor
• Wes Moore, nationally renowned author and TV host/producer

INTERESTING: Controversial Obama Pastor Jeremiah Wright to Speak at Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Church

Adam Meister, a Baltimore-based blogger and political activist, today reported that President Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright is coming to Baltimore in February. Wright is scheduled to speak at Douglas Community Memorial Church, which is apparently where Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake worships. A press release for the event notes:

DOUGLAS COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CHURCH: Rev. Dr. S. Todd Yeary, Senior Pastor and the Douglas Church Family will welcome  Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.  as they celebrate the 88th Anniversary of the church’s founding. The Founders’ Day service will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 10 A.M. at Douglas Memorial Community Church, located 1325 Madison Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217.

In a blog post today, Adam Meister reminds readers of some of Jeremiah Wright's more inflammatory and controversial comments regarding Jewish Americans. You may remember Wright from the conflicts he created during Barack Obama's 2008 run for President, when he began criticizing the candidate at public events during the campaign. Wikiepedia provides a quick description:

WIKIPEDIA: Wright, who was Barack Obama's former pastor, gained national attention in March 2008 when ABC News, after reviewing dozens of Wright's sermons, excerpted parts which were subject to intense media scrutiny. Obama denounced the statements in question, but after critics continued to press the issue of his relationship with Wright he gave a speech titled "A More Perfect Union", in which he denounced Wright's remarks, but did not disown him as a person. The controversy began to fade, but was renewed in late April when Wright made a series of media appearances, including an interview on Bill Moyers Journal, a speech at the NAACP and a speech at the National Press Club. After the last of these, Obama spoke more forcefully against his former pastor, saying that he was "outraged" and "saddened" by his behavior, and in May he resigned his membership in the church.

On June 9, 2009, in an interview with the Daily Press of Newport News, Wright indicated that he hadn't had contact with Obama up to that point because "Them Jews aren't going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter, that he'll talk to me in five years when he's a lame duck, or in eight years when he's out of office."

Pastor Jeremiah Wright Comes to Baltimore, Maryland - February 2013

JuiceBlender: Herman Taylor vs. Rep. John Sarbanes, Acid on Sen. Bill Ferguson's Car, Doug Duncan Poked, GOP Gov 2014

Below, Maryland Juice highlights four images that may be of interest to politicos.

PHOTO JUICE #1: FORMER DEL. HERMAN TAYLOR VS. REP. JOHN SARBANES? - A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us an invitation to a fundraiser for former Delegate Herman Taylor. In 2010, Taylor left the Maryland House to run for Congress in a Democratic Primary against Rep. Donna Edwards. Taylor received 9% of the vote, but it looks like he may be thinking about running again. His invitation asks people to consider a contribution to his "campaign efforts" and the event is hosted by authority of "Herman Taylor for U.S. Congress." Note that it appears he has been redistricted into Rep. John Sarbanes' slice of Montgomery County. Interesting. See the screenshot below:

PHOTO JUICE #2: SEN. BILL FERGUSON'S CAR VANDALIZED WITH ACID AND HORSESHIT - The Baltimore Sun reported a couple days ago that State Senator Bill Ferguson's property was recently violated in a repugnant manner (excerpt below):

BALTIMORE SUN: State Sen. Bill Ferguson's car was vandalized overnight, and he said he suspects political enemies are to blame.... Ferguson said that in 2010, someone dumped food and horse manure on his car. This time, there was also manure on the hood of the car.... "The car, it's just stuff, but it really scared my wife, the notion that someone was standing on our property," Ferguson said in an interview....

Sen. Ferguson posted the following photos and message on his Facebook page:

PHOTO JUICE #3: MOCO REPUBLICAN MEYER MARKS FOR 2014 GOVERNOR? - A Maryland Juice reader tipped us off that a Montgomery County Republican Central Committee member was plotting a run for Governor in 2014. Indeed, a visit to Meyer Marks' website turned up a placeholder section called "For Governor 2014." Hmm. See the screenshot below:

PHOTO JUICE #4: MOCO COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE LEVENTHAL POKES DOUG DUNCAN ON FACEBOOK - Just jokes, right? A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us a Facebook post of George Leventhal poking at former three-term County Executive Doug Duncan on Facebook. Leventhal and Duncan are both plotting runs for County Executive in 2014. See the screenshot below:

GUEST ANALYSIS: Maryland Lawmakers Who Are Out of Step With Their Voters // PLUS: Baltimore Election Results Mapped

UPDATE: Delegate Galen Clagett sent us a response to the post below, where he explains that though he voted against final passage of the Dream Act, his objection was to any bills that required money that year. See his message below:

DELEGATE GALEN CLAGETT: Dear Juice, I wanted to respond to your posting on December 12 regarding Md lawmakers being perceived as "out of step" with their voters. I saw my name listed as voting against the Dream Act and wanted to clarify something not contained within a simple accounting of votes, that is, a fiscal note.

To be sure, I supported this important legislation when it came before the House previously (and had no fiscal note), I also voted for it as a citizen in November. However, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was unwilling to vote for any legislation this year that contained a fiscal note given our current budget situation. As you probably know, sometimes it is not the issue itself but the collateral impact thereof (esp. when it concerns the state budget) that determines how we have to vote.

I am proud to be know as a moderate Democrat and I work very hard to make sure that I represent my constituency in 3A when in Annapolis. As anything, numbers have stories, and those stories provide a great deal more information and perspective than the numbers alone. I would hope that you and your readers keep that in mind when reviewing actions taken during Session.

Sincerely,

Delegate Galen R. Clagett, 3A

Two Maryland Juice sources forwarded us worthwhile items about our state's recent Presidential Election results. The first tidbit is about Maryland lawmakers who may be out of touch with their voters, while the second discussion item is a series of maps depicting how voters in various parts of Baltimore voted in the November elections. We highlight a few of the interesting results below.

JUICE #1: POLITICIANS WHO MAY BE MORE CONSERVATIVE THAN THE VOTERS IN THEIR DISTRICT - An anonymous Maryland Juice source forwarded us a list of lawmakers who may be out of touch with their constituents. In particular, they sent us a spreadsheet of election results highlighting politicians who voted against the Dream Act and/or marriage equality, but who represent districts where a majority of voters supported either Question 4 or Question 6. In other words, these politicians may represent districts where the voters are more liberal than the elected officials. For at least some of these officials, these misfires might serve as warning signs that a challenge in a party primary could be more fruitful than they realize. Do elections have consequences?

POLITICIANS WHO OPPOSED THE DREAM ACT BUT WERE OVERRULED BY THEIR BOSSES (AKA THE VOTERS) - The two lists below show politicians who may be out-of-step with their districts. In particular, these politicians voted against the Dream Act but represent districts where a majority of voters voted "for" Question 4 at election day precincts. In short, these politicians misfired on one of the hottest issues in state and national politics this cycle. The Democratic Dream Act opponents below live in districts where voters supported in-state tuition for all Maryland students:

• Sen. James Brochin - [ Democrat ]
• Sen. Anthony Muse - [ Democrat ] - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Sen. Bobby Zirkin - [ Democrat ]
• Del. John Bohanon - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Jon Cardin - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Galen Clagett - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Pete Hammen - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Sally Jameson - [ Democrat ] - ( also voted against marriage equality ) 
• Del. Steve Lafferty - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Brian McHale - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Dan Morhaim - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Dana Stein - [ Democrat ]

These Republicans live in districts where voters supported the Dream Act:

• Del. Sue Aumann - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Gail Bates - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Bill Frank - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Ron George - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Patrick Hogan - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Herb McMillan - ( also voted against marriage equality )
• Del. Warren Miller - ( also voted against marriage equality )

POLITICIANS WHO OPPOSED MARRIAGE EQUALITY BUT WERE OVERRULED BY THEIR BOSSES (AKA THE VOTERS) - The two lists below show politicians who may be out-of-step with their districts. In particular, these politicians voted against marriage equality but represent districts where a majority of voters voted "for" Question 6 at election day precincts. These politicians are not keeping up with their constituents on a major civil rights issue. The Democratic marriage equality opponents below live in districts where voters supported same-sex marriage rights:

• Sen. John Astle - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Sam Arora - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Talmadge Branch - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Steven Deboy - [ Democrat ] - ( also voted against Dream Act )
• Del. Cheryl Glenn - [ Democrat ]
• Del. Melvin Stukes - [ Democrat ]

These Republicans live in districts where voters supported marriage equality:

• Sen. Ed Reilly - ( also voted against Dream Act )
• Del. Gail Bates - ( also voted against Dream Act ) 
• Del. Ron George - ( also voted against Dream Act )
• Del. Michael Hough - ( also voted against Dream Act )
• Del. Tony McConkey - ( also voted against Dream Act ) 
• Del. Herb McMillan - ( also voted against Dream Act ) 
• Del. Warren Miller - ( also voted against Dream Act ) 
• Del. Kathy Vitale - ( also voted against Dream Act )

JUICE #2: SEN. BILL FERGUSON'S MAPS OF BALTIMORE ELECTION RESULTS  -  The second politico tidbit is that State Senator Bill Ferguson of Baltimore City has an interesting new series of maps on his website. Visitors can look at how different neighborhoods of voters in Baltimore weighed in on various ballot items, but we highlight a few interesting examples below:

Question 4 - Dream Act Results in Baltimore: (Green/Yellow = Support, Red/Orange = Oppose)

Question 6 - Marriage Equality Results in Baltimore: (Green/Yellow = Support, Red/Orange = Oppose)

You can check out more maps at Senator Ferguson's website.

Del. Jon Cardin Announces 2014 Attorney General Fundraiser // HMM: Democrat Applauds Dream Act Win But Voted Against It

An anonymous source tells Maryland Juice that today Delegate Jon Cardin announced a fundraiser for 2014 Attorney General. So far, the Baltimore-area Democrat would be taking on only Senator Brian Frosh of Montgomery County, though others are known to be thinking about the race. In the email blast below, Cardin announces a December 4th "Jon Cardin for AG cocktail reception," but our source also points out that strangely, Cardin applauds passage of the Maryland Dream Act. This is unusual, because Jon Cardin voted against the Dream Act in the Maryland House.

DELEGATE JON CARDIN HAILS DREAM ACT BUT VOTED AGAINST IT: In what doubles as a "post election 2012" report, Cardin states that "by supporting the Dream Act, Marylanders advanced the State’s longstanding principle that access to education is the key to strengthening the State. I am proud of Maryland voters, and I am confident that Maryland will continue to lead the way in providing equal rights and equal opportunities to all of its residents."

Too bad Marylanders can't rely on Cardin to lead the way on these issues. Our source points out that Delegate Jon Cardin joined Tea Party members and voted against the Dream Act during the House of Delegates floor vote last year. Prior to the floor vote, the Dream Act was debated in the House Ways & Means committee where Cardin is a member. He abstained from voting on the bill in committee. This is hardly a profile in legislative courage, and it borders on outrageous for him to now applaud passage of something he opposed. See Cardin's email blast below, followed by a few excerpts from the legislative record for the Dream Act:

Cardin Annapolis Reports: Post Election 2012   November 20, 2012 Dear Juice, After two years of hard fought campaigning on both the State and federal levels, the election is finally over. Maryland has approved every ballot question including expanded gaming, affirming same sex marriage, and passing the Maryland Dream Act. On the federal level, President Obama has been re-elected with a mandate to balance the budget and return bipartisanship to Congress while Maryland again elected a strong delegation of Congressmen, including one new Representative, John Delaney, to Maryland’s 6th District. In approving all ballot measures, Marylanders sent the Governor and General Assembly two clear messages. First, by affirming the Dream Act and becoming the first state in the Union to pass same sex marriage by referendum on their first try, Marylanders have spoken for equal rights and fairness for all Maryland’s residents. Further, by supporting the Dream Act, Marylanders advanced the State’s longstanding principle that access to education is the key to strengthening the State. I am proud of Maryland voters, and I am confident that Maryland will continue to lead the way in providing equal rights and equal opportunities to all of its residents. Second, by approving expanded gambling, including table games, and a sixth casino site to be located at Prince George’s County’s National Harbor, Marylanders reminded government that when citizens are choosing where to spend their disposable income, government should not restrict their options.  Furthermore, they reasserted to lawmakers that they are serious about raising revenues in the State. This measure will keep Maryland money in Maryland while creating jobs for Maryland residents. As a result of approving these ballot measures, Maryland looks forward to adding $200 million in revenues from expanded gaming, an estimated $66 million from the Dream Act and millions of dollars from new marriage licenses and the lucrative wedding industry. These new revenues have put Maryland in its strongest budget position in years with the real possibility of balancing the operating budget without significant cuts this coming legislative session. The message is clear, and I plan to continue working to grow industry in Maryland to raise revenues and continue to get my constituents back to work. This session, I plan to introduce research and development legislation to spur business investment in Maryland, including incentivizing existing business growth and creating new business opportunities, particularly in green industries such as wind and solar power. Finally, it is clear that voters in both our State and our country want to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle working together to find and create innovative solutions to our big problems. I have always been committed to working with constituents and leaders from all sides and collaborating with the entire legislature to create solutions to our problems. Moving forward, please know that I am always open to new ideas and innovative solutions no matter where they come from. DON’T FORGET TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION FOR MY EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE TO BECOME MARYLAND’S ATTORNEY GENERAL ON DECEMBER 4, 2012 AT THE HOME OR ROBB COHEN AND GAIL SCHWARTZ. PLEASE CONTACT STEVE HURVITZ AT (703) 340-4497 OR STEVE@STEVEHURVITZ TO RSVP, JOIN OUR HOST COMMITTEE OR WITH ANY OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE. You can always reach me at jon.cardin@house.state.md.us.  I am proud to be representing you in Annapolis and to be working with Delegates Dana Stein and Dan Morhaim and Senator Bobby Zirkin as part of the District 11 legislative team. Sincerely,   Delegate Jon S. Cardin

Below you can see the 2011 House of Delegates roll call vote for the Dream Act, followed by the Dream Act Ways & Means roll call vote:

Voting Yea - 74
Speaker Busch	Cullison	Hixson	Mitchell	Stukes
Alston	Davis	Holmes	Mizeur	Summers
Anderson	Dumais	Howard	Murphy	Tarrant
Arora	Feldman	Hubbard	Nathan-Pulliam	Turner, F.
Barkley	Frick	Hucker	Niemann	Turner, V.
Barnes	Frush	Ivey	Oaks	Valderrama
Barve	Gaines	Jones	Pena-Melnyk	Valentino-Smith
Bobo	Gilchrist	Kaiser	Pendergrass	Vallario
Branch	Glenn	Kelly, A.	Proctor	Vaughn
Braveboy	Griffith	Kramer	Reznik	Waldstreicher
Cane	Gutierrez	Lee	Robinson, B.	Walker
Carr	Guzzone	Love	Robinson, S.	Washington
Carter	Harrison	Luedtke	Rosenberg	Wilson
Clippinger	Haynes	McIntosh	Ross	Zucker
Conaway	Healey	Miller, A.	Simmons
Voting Nay - 66
Afzali	DeBoy	Impallaria	McHale	Serafini
Aumann	Donoghue	Jacobs	McMillan	Smigiel
Bates	Dwyer	James	Miller, W.	Sophocleus
Beidle	Eckardt	Jameson	Morhaim	Stein
Beitzel	Elliott	Kach	Myers	Stifler
Bohanan	Fisher	Kelly, K.	Norman	Stocksdale
Boteler	Frank	Kipke	O'Donnell	Szeliga
Bromwell	George	Krebs	Olszewski	Vitale
Burns	Glass	Lafferty	Otto	Weir
Cardin	Haddaway-Riccio	Malone	Parrott	Wood
Clagett	Hammen	McComas	Ready
Cluster	Hershey	McConkey	Rudolph
Conway	Hogan	McDermott	Schuh
Costa	Hough	McDonough	Schulz

Dream Act - 2011 MD House Ways & Means Roll Call

Election Night Party Schedule: Watch the Returns with Democrats and/or Dream Act & Marriage Equality Supporters

UPDATE: We have a corrected location for the marriage equality election night rally/party. The event will be at the Baltimore Soundstage at 124 Market Place, Baltimore.

There are still four days of hard work until we know if our efforts have paid off this cycle. But if you like to plan ahead and are beginning to think about where you will spend election night, here are a few options:

Dream Act Supporters & Gov. Martin O'Malley
Location: Arcos Restaurant, 129 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD

Educating Maryland Kids, the coalition working to protect the Maryland DREAM Act, will host supporters and volunteers for an election night party at Arcos restaurant starting at 8 pm. Governor Martin O’Malley, who signed the Maryland DREAM Act into law in 2011, will join members of the coalition, which is comprised of faith-based, education, civil rights, and labor organizations including SEIU, the Maryland State Education Association, Maryland IAF, Maryland Catholic Conference, NAACP, and CASA de Maryland.  Other prominent elected officials have been invited as well.

Dream Act Supporters & CASA de Maryland
Location: CASA de Maryland, 8151 15th Avenue, Langley Park, MD

Dream Act election night victory party with food, large screen tv's, watching all the returns, etc. 

Marriage Equality Rally Party
Location: Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, Baltimore Baltimore Marriott, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD

Details TBA

Democrat John Delaney Victory Party
Location: Bolger Center, Osgood Building, 9600 Newbridge Drive, Potomac MD


U.S. Senator Ben Cardin & Maryland Democratic Party
Location: M&T STADIUM, South East Club Lounge, 1101 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD, Auto parking in Lot D

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and the Maryland Democratic Party have announced that they will celebrate Maryland Victory 2012 on Election Night at the M&T Bank Stadium – Home of the Baltimore Ravens. The festivities on Nov. 6 will begin at 8pm and run through approx. 12:00midnight or until the major races are finalized, whichever is later. This will be the primary headquarters for Maryland Democrats on Election Night. 

Rep. Chris Van Hollen & Montgomery County Democrats
Location: Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

Come watch the returns and celebrate with your with fellow Democrats from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm

JuiceBlender: Dem Women Dominate, Marriage Equality Boosters Work Polls, Senate Race for 2nd, No Monday Early Vote

Below Maryland Juice provides a blend of news tidbits about the current election battles, starting with early vote news:

JUICE #1: NO EARLY VOTING TODAY (MONDAY) - In case you haven't already heard, Gov. Martin O'Malley has shut down early voting today, due to the Hurricane. He made the announcement in a recent storm update (excerpt below):

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY: Since Thursday October 25, the entire state of Maryland has been under a state of emergency. Hurricane Sandy is fast approaching and forecasters predict that it will be a large, violent storm that could knock out power for a few days and cause significant damage. This is a serious, killer storm. It's important that everyone is vigilant.... Due to the storm, we are canceling early voting on Monday October 29, 2012.

Question 6 supporters at Baltimore City poll

JUICE #2: BALTIMORE CITY VIDEO // MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOLUNTEERS DOMINATE POLL COVERAGE - A Maryland Juice reader (Hat tip: Lisa Polyak) sent us the following video footage of the last-minute campaigning at a Baltimore City early voting location.

The clip below was shot yesterday, the second day of Early Voting in Maryland, and it includes Maryland Juice's "Obama + Dream Act + Marriage Equality" lawnsign. (Note: video edited by Juice):

LISA POLYAK: I shot short video walking the line of folks waiting to get into the polling sign-in at the League for People With Disabilities polling station on Cold Spring Lane.  Wait time estimated at 1.5-2 hours.  Note the only folks staffing the voter line were YES on 6; NO on 7 and YES on 7.  Fun shot at the end is someone who was walking the line (yesterday & today) with one of your Obama/Dream Act/Marriage Equality signs.

JUICE #3: DEMS MAINTAIN EARLY VOTE ADVANTAGE ON DAY 2 // DEM WOMEN 45-65 DOMINATING TURNOUT - Yesterday, we reported that the first day of early voting demonstrated greater enthusiasm from Democratic voters in Maryland. They turned out at nearly twice the rate as Republicans, and the latest report from the Board of Elections proves it wasn't a fluke. Dems turned out at nearly twice the rate of Republicans on the second day of early voting. Also of note is that Democratic women age 45-65 are turning out in far larger numbers than any other group (see page 5 of the full BOE report below). In fact, twice as many women fitting that profile turned out than the next highest group -- Democratic men age 45-65, who are in 2nd place. But first, here's the current total D & R turnout from the first two days of balloting:

• Democrats 91,185 (4.43%) vs. Republicans 26,809 (2.79%)

Maryland Early Vote Turnout: Days 1 & 2

JUICE #4: U.S. SENATE RACE BECOMES BATTLE FOR 2ND PLACE FOR MARYLAND GOP - The Capital Gazette today quotes a politico who highlights the shabby state of the Maryland GOP. The article notes that Maryland's U.S. Senate battle between Ben Cardin, Rob Sobhani, and Dan Bongino has become a race for 2nd place (Hat tip: Maryland Reporter). Indeed, with Cardin so far ahead in the race, the Maryland GOP stands to lose a lot of face. Even still, Maryland Juice doubts that a trouncing this year will lead to much soul-searching by the Free State Republicans. See an excerpt from The Capital Gazette below:

CAPITAL GAZETTE: “...anybody who observes Maryland politics and isn’t partisan has to agree: Maryland’s Republican Party is a mess.” [Todd] Eberly, a political independent, said the GOP is simply too conservative for the bulk of Maryland voters, who do not consider “progressive” a dirty word. “You don’t run a candidate who would win in Texas, in Maryland,” Eberly said.... The real challenge for the GOP may be staying out of third place.

JUICE #5: CRAZY FULL PAGE ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY AD IN BALTIMORE SUN - A reader sent us the following photos of a full-page ad in yesterday's Baltimore Sun urging Christians to oppose marriage equality. They also provide us with choice quotes from the screed. See below. Notably, a majority of Christians support LGBT rights.

BALTIMORE SUN ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY AD: "Gay marriage is Satan's unfinished business - a repeat scene, similar to the one recorded in the garden of Eden, where Satan tempted Eve, 'in the day you eat from the tree your eyes will be open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5).' In the leaglization of gay marriage, man is now like God, determining good and evil."

The closing tag line states:

This Treatise is Encouraged by the People of God at the Upper Cross Roads Baptist Church, Baldwin, MD (Dr. Robert A. Condict, Pastor)

IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, 'STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH...BE ALERT AND SOBER' - VOTE "AGAINST" QUESTION 6.

JUICE #6: LAST CHANCE TO ADVERTISE ON MARYLAND JUICE BEFORE THE ELECTION // BID BEFORE 4 PM TODAY - Maryland Juice is offering a rare opportunity to advertise on our blog (we rarely do this). We are hosting an eBay auction for ad space that will appear on every page and article at MarylandJuice.com for the week of the November 6 election. But note that the auction ends today around 4 pm, and the current high bid right now is a measly $10! Bid now to snatch up a bargain.

BID NOW TO ADVERTISE ON MD JUICE 

AUCTION ENDS 4 PM TODAY

CRAZY VIDEO: Maryland Pastor Says Gays & Their Supporters "Deserving of Death" at Anti-Marriage Equality Event

The Maryland Marriage Alliance, the main group organizing opposition to marriage equality (Question 6), recently assembled a panel of speakers in Baltimore. Last Friday they held a town hall meeting at Manna Bible Baptist Church and brought together opponents of civil rights for LGBT families.

QUESTION 6 SUPPORTERS WORTHY OF DEATH: One of the panelists, Pastor Robert Anderson of Randallstown started off by suggesting that a "vote for" marriage equality (Question 6) would open the door for legalized prostitution, bestiality, polygamy and incest. But even worse, Pastor Anderson plainly stated that gay and lesbian residents -- and their supporters -- were "deserving of death."

In the video footage below, the moderator of the event appears to praise these statements, while the other panelists nod in approval. Watch our video recap of the Maryland Marriage Alliance Town Hall below:




SIDEBAR: This event was held in Rep. Elijah Cummings' district. But as we previously noted, the longtime Democratic politician is turning a blind eye to the hate brewing under his nose.

NEW: Rockville-Specific Marriage Equality Lawnsigns // PLUS: Elijah Cummings Hiding from Civil Rights & PG Dems Speak Out

UPDATE: Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore sends us word that Rockville marriage equality supporters have reached their fundraising goal. Signs will be ready for pickup next Monday:

TOM MOORE: Thanks for the link over the weekend.  We raised $645 in a flash with help from Maryland Juice! I've shut down the fundraising, I've ordered 300 signs, and they're being rushed back here.  Pickups start at my home -- 11 Forest Ave. in Rockville (map below) -- starting next Monday, Oct. 29.

JUICE #1: NEW ROCKVILLE QUESTION 6 LAWNSIGNS - Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore has also decided to go rogue and print his own Question 6 materials. He is organizing pro-marriage equality Rockville residents to print a batch of "vote for" 6 lawnsigns. Here's some information from his new website:

TOM MOORE: Here's the deal: A few folks in Rockville wanted to get the message out by printing up some yard signs and giving them away. They've kicked in around $700. A few more folks said, "How can we help?"

This is how you can help. Click on the Paypal link below and give anything you'd like -- anything up to $50. (Please, no more than that -- over $50, and we may have to report your name, and we'd rather skip the hassle.)

Here's how it's going to work: The signs will be shipped to the home of the reasonably upstanding Rockville citizen Tom Moore, where anyone and everyone can come by and pick up a few signs for their yard. Whether or not you kick a few bucks toward the effort, you're more than welcome to nab some signs. Tom's house is at 11 Forest Avenue in Rockville.

JUICE #2: DOES REP. ELIJAH CUMMINGS GET A FREE PASS ON SUPPORTING CIVIL RIGHTS? - Shouldn't there be some expectation from the party base that long-time "pro-civil rights" advocates actually do something to help Maryland families in their time of need? Rep. Elijah Cummings has been in office for a decade and a half and is never in danger of losing his seat. So much so, that Maryland Juice wonders if he thinks he's earned enough chits with progressive voters that he doesn't have to help with civil rights causes like marriage equality anymore. Cummings' silence is completely voluntary.

At last check Rep. Cummings' position on the issue was: "It’s now up to the voters to decide whether to uphold the law." Is this an acceptable position for a safe member of Congress in a one-party Democratic state?  He wants to subject individual rights to a popular vote?  Remind me not to vote for Elijah Cummings in the Democratic Primary if he ever runs for U.S. Senate.

I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR ELIJAH CUMMINGS FOR U.S. SENATE

JUICE #3: LAST CALL FOR OBAMA-DREAM-MARRIAGE SIGNS IN BALTIMORE - Maryland Juice & allies have been distributing lawnsigns throughout the state urging residents to vote for:

1. Obama
2. Dream Act (Question 4)
3. marriage equality (Question 6) 

BALTIMORE SIGNS AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP: We are almost completely sold out, but there are a handful of signs left in Baltimore. If you are able to pick them up in B'more and are interested in spreading the word in your neighborhood, please email me at david@marylandjuice.com for instructions. Maybe you can even put a few up in Rep. Elijah Cummings' neighborhood.  :)


JUICE #4: PRINCE GEORGE'S DEMOCRATS GLENN IVEY & JOLENE IVEY COMBAT MISINFORMATION: Lastly, if you're sitting on your laurels while this battle is going on in Maryland, it is time to wake up! The haters are airing television advertisements trying to confuse and mislead voters into voting against basic legal rights for Maryland families. They are seizing on Gallaudet University's suspension of their anti-marriage equality "diversity & inclusion" provost as evidence that "we're all at risk."

This has led our side to divert efforts from our basic message to try and fend off the misinformation campaign. Delegate Jolene Ivey and her husband Glenn Ivey (former P.G. State's Attorney) released the following ad to counter recent propaganda from the anti-civil rights forces:

WATCH ONLINE: First Pro-Marriage Equality TV Ad in Maryland // Baptist Reverend Urges "Vote For" Question 6

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is out with their first television ad for the November 6 election. The spot below encouraging a "vote for" Question 6 (marriage equality) is airing in the Baltimore market:

ATTORNEY GENERAL 2014: Sen. Brian Frosh Claims Support of 6 Baltimore State Senators & City Council President Jack Young

Sen. Brian Frosh

BALTIMORE SUPPORT FOR BRIAN FROSH: Last July, Maryland Juice broke news that State Senator Brian Frosh was plotting a run for Attorney General in 2014. The Montgomery County progressive Democrat is currently chair of the Senate's judiciary committee, and he appears to be moving quickly to gain the support of his colleagues. Sen. Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County previously stated he would support Frosh for Attorney General. But this week The Baltimore Examiner reported that Frosh may have already lined up endorsements from key Charm City politicians (excerpt below):

EXAMINER: ...it’s through groups like BEST that members of the younger generation of voters gets to interact with local and state democratic leaders – like Senator Brian Frosh of Montgomery County, who came all the way to Baltimore last week to be apart of their latest community event. Frosh, who has served the 16th legislative district since 1995, is now seeking a statewide seat in 2014 – as he has his eyes set on the Attorney General’s post. Currently held by Doug Gansler, another democrat who many believe will run for the open Governor’s seat in 2014; Frosh seems to have the support of most of the city’s political elite – two years out! Stating that he had commitments from all six of the city’s state senators, including the support of East Baltimore native and City Council President Bernard ‘Jack’ Young, Frosh is making the rounds early in order to secure a seat sure to be highly contested – both by Democrats and Republicans alike.

If these reports are true, then the following Baltimore City State Senators are planning to endorse Brian Frosh for Attorney General:

• Sen. Catherine Pugh
• Sen. Lisa Gladden
• Sen. Joan Carter Conway
• Sen. Verna Jones-Rodwell
• Sen. Nathaniel McFadden
• Sen. Bill Ferguson

FROSH BEGINS FUNDRAISING FOR 2014: Senator Frosh is also beginning to build a war chest for a 2014 run. The Bethesda Now site recently noted that Frosh is hosting a fundraising event immediately after the Presidential election, and he's billing himself as an environmental champion (excerpt below):

BETHESDA NOW: State Sen. Brian Frosh (D-Bethesda-Chevy Chase) is raising money for a potential 2014 run at Maryland attorney general with a fundraiser touting his environmental accomplishments.

Frosh, who announced the event yesterday, confirmed his interest in running for attorney general in July and is asking for donations of $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 for an evening on Nov. 14 at an Annapolis restaurant.

MORE ON THE 2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE SOON!

LISTEN ONLINE: Educating Maryland Kids Releases New Ad Supporting Dream Act // Radio Spot Urges "Vote For" Question 4

Educating Maryland Kids, a group campaigning in favor of the Dream Act, released a new radio spot today. The group also announced a large buy of ad time to air their message in Baltimore. Listen to the ad and see the press release below:

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Educating Maryland Kids Launches Maryland DREAM Act 

Ad Campaign with $54,000 Radio Ad Buy in Baltimore

Educating Maryland Kids, the campaign to defend the Maryland DREAM Act, today announced the launch of a new radio ad airing on drive-time radio on two major Baltimore stations—WLIF 101.9 and WPOC 93.1.  The radio buy, which amounts to $54,000, marks the beginning of a major ad campaign which will blanket the airwaves from now until Election Day, when voters will decide on Question 4, the Maryland DREAM Act.
         
You can listen to the ad here: http://educatingmarylandkids.org/dream-act-first-radio-spot/.

The script of the 60-second ad reads:

“Maryland.  We built this state on the bedrock of hard work and fair play.  Everybody’s story starts with somebody in his or her family who worked hard and earned their dream.  No handouts, no guarantees.

That’s what voting for Question 4 is all about—making sure the rules are the same for every Maryland high school graduate as long as they’re willing to earn their way and play by the rules.

Question 4 is simple and fair—if you pay taxes in Maryland, you graduate from a Maryland high school, you pay in-state tuition.  Period.  It’s right; it’s fair.  No handouts, no guarantees.   In Maryland, we take education and the future of every child seriously.  That’s worth defending.  This November, do what’s right and do what’s fair for all kids in Maryland.  Vote for Question 4.”

In addition to the ad campaign, which will include other radio stations and TV ads as we get closer to the election, Educating Maryland Kids and its coalition partners are continuing their major, statewide voter mobilization efforts.  Teachers, union members, students, people of faith, and activists are phone-banking and canvassing in communities across the state to educate voters about Question 4 and urge them to support the Maryland DREAM Act by voting for Question 4.

To be eligible for the Maryland DREAM Act, students must not only graduate from a Maryland high school and pay Maryland taxes but they also must start at a community college and attend for 2 years or attain 60 credits before transferring to a four-year public college or university in the state.  When they apply to a four-year institution, they’ll be considered in the pool with out-of-state applicants, so there is no competition between native-born Maryland students and DREAM Act students for spots.

Educating Maryland Kids is comprised of faith-based, education, civil rights, and labor organizations including SEIU, the Maryland State Education Association, Maryland IAF, Maryland Catholic Conference, NAACP, and CASA de Maryland.

###

Ravens Player Brendon Ayanbadejo Doubles Down on Marriage Equality // PLUS: Bush Campaign Manager Calls It "Freedom"

PRO-MARRIAGE EQUALITY NFL PLAYER DOUBLES DOWN: Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo was at the center of a media firestorm in Maryland last week, after Delegate Emmett Burns Jr. tried to get the Ravens to censor the NFL player's marriage equality support. Burns, a Baltimore area Democratic lawmaker and self-proclaimed Ravens fan, sent a letter to the team's owner asking him to muzzle Ayanbadejo, but the team instead stood by Ayanbadejo's free speech rights.

Now the Ravens linebacker is doubling down on his support for marriage equality with the following email message sent through the Marylanders for Marriage Equality list. Ayanbadejo is one of a long line of spokespeople pushing a Vote FOR Question 6 this November:

Juice,

Monday night was a great way to kick-off the season in front of the national audience!

And even though I'm excited that we started the season off with a win, moving us closer to winning the Superbowl, football is just my job, it's not who I am. I am an American before anything. And just like every American I have the right to speak!

Michelle Obama to Headline Baltimore Fundraiser // DETAILS: First Lady Hosts a 9/21 Reception at Morgan State University

Maryland Juice has received word that Michelle Obama will be headlining a September 21st fundraiser at Morgan State University in Baltimore. See the forwarded email from Maryland's OFA head Jason Waskey:

Maryland Lawmaker Emmett Burns Tells Baltimore Ravens to Silence Pro-Gay Rights Player // CONTROVERSY ERUPTS

UPDATE: A new Baltimore Sun editorial scorches Delegate Emmett Burns Jr. for his censorship effort. They think he's not fit for office (excerpt below): 

BALTIMORE SUN: That Mr. Burns had to reacquaint himself with the First Amendment ... suggests he has neither the temperament nor the basic understanding of government and law to continue in office. The fact that the use of his office letterhead for the purpose may have violated General Assembly ethics rules only underscores the point....

AN EMBARRASSMENT TO MARYLAND DEMOCRATS - If you haven't heard about the recent controversy surrounding Maryland lawmaker Emmett Burns Jr, you're missing out on one of the most idiotic stories of the year. Hat tip: Todd Eberly of the Free Stater blog. 

Delegate Burns, a Baltimore area Democrat, represents District 10 in the State House. He is also apparently against both free speech and marriage equality. Burns is now the subject of a national, viral news story after he tried to get the Baltimore Ravens to silence one of their players (linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo) for publicly endorsing marriage equality. See a synopsis of the story below.

Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo is Pro-LGBT rights (source: Instagram)

Here's a brief review of the controversy involving Maryland Delegate Emmett Burns Jr, the Baltimore Ravens, and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo:

VIDEO: Baltimore Orioles Release "It Gets Better" Message // Pro Baseball Players Speak Out Against Anti-LGBT Bullying

The Baltimore Orioles recently released a video statement for the "It Gets Better" campaign against anti-LGBT bullying and youth suicide (Hat tip: Sen. Rich Madaleno).


It may seem obvious by now, but times are clearly changing when the jocks are getting behind LGBT civil rights. But Maryland is on track to become the first state to approve marriage equality through a referendum. Onward for the Free State!

Gov. Martin O'Malley Releases Casino Expansion Bill for Special Session // SURPRISE: Tax Cuts for Casinos & 24 Hr. Gambling?

UPDATE: Read Gov. O'Malley's special gambling session FAQ below.

Before the start of tomorrow's special session of the legislature, Gov. Martin O'Malley has released a draft bill to expand gambling in Maryland. The legislation (available below) contains a mish-mosh of gambling policy changes to be voted on by the public in this November's Presidential Election.

TAX CUTS FOR CASINO OWNERS?  - While lawmakers were awaiting a decision from O'Malley on whether they would be called back to Annapolis a third time this year, they were bombarded with direct mail and phone calls asking them to reject tax cuts for casino operators. Numerous legislators reported receiving calls and emails from constituents calling on them to reject the gambling expansion plans. Current law taxes slot machine owners at 67%, but the draft legislation below does indeed call for casino owner tax cuts ranging from 6% to 10%. One justification for the gambling tax cuts is that the bill also requires slot operators to now buy their own machines. Maryland currently acquires the slot machines used in the state, but the proposed November referendum would transfer that duty to casino owners. Notably, casino mega-corporation MGM plans to operate a casino at Prince George's County's National Harbor site, but in recent days indicated it would move forward with the new mega-casino even without the slot machine tax cuts.

PRINCE GEORGE'S RESIDENTS PLAN PROTEST AGAINST GAMBLING SESSION: The Washington Post's John Wagner flagged a couple of other key items in the draft legislation, such as a provision allowing casinos to stay open 24 hours. Wagner also notes the timing of the proposed gambling expansion would bring table games to Maryland next year, with a Prince George's casino opening in 2016.

Meanwhile, Prince George's residents, who are concerned about a number of impacts to their communities, are planning to bus protesters to Annapolis to oppose the special gambling session tomorrow. The Real Prince George's blog today printed the following announcement (excerpt below):

REAL PRINCE GEORGE'S BLOG: On Thursday, August 9th 2012, as a host of organizations and concerned citizens will converge on the State House in Annapolis at the Lawyer’s Mall for a Rally and Press Conference at 11:00am....

1.     Governor O’Malley and the Assembly are attempting to rush through    a proposal for a new casino in just two to three days of debate.

2.     The Governor and Assembly are proposing to create a commission of unelected individuals to determine casino tax rates, possibly bailing them out on the backs of working families.

This is not a good deal for Prince George’s County and we don’t want it!....

See Gov. O'Malley's gambling session FAQ below:
Governor Martin O'Malley's Special Gambling Session FAQ

See a draft of the special session gambling expansion proposal below:
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's Special Session Gambling Legislation - 8/8/12