ENDORSEMENTS: Washington Post Endorses Maryland Death Penalty Repeal // GOP Lawmaker Seeks Mandatory Executions

The issue of death penalty repeal is quickly creating dividing lines in Maryland politics, and just as with marriage equality and the Dream Act, many progressive politicians have been quick to announce their support for abolition. Conversely, many of the same lawmakers who created problems for immigration reform and LGBT rights are quickly expressing their support for continued government murder (see eg Delegate Pat McDonough).

Below Maryland Juice highlights two endorsements on the death penalty issue. The first piece is an editorial from The Washington Post, while the second is a press release from Republican Delegate Pat McDonough (aka "That Guy With the Speak English Lawnsign"). The two items represent diametrically opposed views on the death penalty:

OPINION #1: WASHINGTON POST EDITORIAL BOARD:

By the grace of state Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Calvert), Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has been handed a second chance — probably his last — to abolish the state’s death penalty. He should seize it.... The puzzling news is that Mr. O’Malley, though he remains as opposed to capital punishment as ever, is balking.... Without a push by Mr. O’Malley himself, the status quo will remain unchanged and Maryland's death penalty will remain on the books.

...even if the machinery of death is frozen, there are good reasons to abolish it for good and to eliminate a costly, unjust and dysfunctional system....

The arguments against capital punishment are refreshed and strengthened every time a capital conviction is overturned. In September, Damon Thibodeaux was freed after 15 years on Louisiana’s death row — the 18th convict released from prison after analysis of DNA evidence. As long as the death penalty exists, the nation risks committing the gravest of injustices: killing innocent people.

[ READ THE FULL EDITORIAL BOARD OPINION ]

OPINION #2: DELEGATE PAT MCDONOUGH:

PRESS RELEASE

News Conference
Friday, January 11, 2013, 2:00 PM
310 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401

Delegate Pat McDonough Offers  5 Bills Mandating Death Penalty 

• Delegate Pat McDonough will introduce 5 bills that mandate the use of capital punishment in the case of mass murder, murder of a law enforcement officer or correctional officer, contract murder, or serial killer.

•  At a time when the Governor and liberal members of the General Assembly are attempting to abolish the death penalty, Delegate Pat McDonough believes they are moving in the wrong direction.  “The recent mass murder of children in Newtown makes it clear that a capital punishment remedy is necessary.  I find it hard to believe that the Governor, or any member of the General Assembly, would support the idea of an assassin of innocent children to be granted life without parole.  It would be unthinkable that the taxpayers and victims’ families be subjected to paying for the existence of this type of murderer for decades after the slaughter of these innocents.  Moreover, according to Maryland law, a mass murderer could be found to be insane and eventually released into the community.  Also, that same mass murderer, according to Maryland law, is a convicted felon and would be eligible to vote,” McDonough concluded.

•  There are approximately 3,400 convicted murderers in the Maryland prison system.  Many are not serving life without parole and will be back on the streets through early release programs. These same murderers would have been eligible for a college degree obtained in the system which would promote another form of early release for them.  However, Delegate McDonough successfully passed an amendment on the floor of the House of Delegates during the last session prohibiting convicted murderers from participating in the prison college early release program.

• Over the years, the Maryland General Assembly has become ‘criminal friendly’ by promoting early release programs and other policies that benefit offenders.  Recently, the Governor and legislators made it easier for convicted murderers to receive automatic parole without the confirmation of the Governor.  Public safety and crime victims’ rights have been relegated to second class citizenship.  It is hypocritical for the elected representatives of the people to engage in vigorous advocacy for gun control and abolishing the death penalty while, at the same time, not providing serious help regarding protection of the public.  Gun laws and killing the death penalty only benefit the criminals.  If the Governor and the General Assembly are honest, they will guarantee that this year’s debate will broaden into a serious discussion about crime, gun violence, revolving door justice in our prison system, and real solutions. “I intend to fight hard to generate an honest and serious debate on these issues,” promised Delegate McDonough.

###

Harford Executive David Craig Wins MD Young Republicans Straw Poll for 2014 Governor // Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is #2

Maryland Juice will be very curious to see how Free State Republicans behave in their 2014 gubernatorial primary. After all, it seems like without a shake-up of some sort, the Maryland GOP is destined to remain a regional party for the forseeable future. I truly believe that the tone of the Republicans right now is waaaaay too screechy, racist and homophobic to compete in Maryland's suburbs (example: exactly one GOP legislator Senator supported marriage equality this year-- ONE -- and we're in the year 2012). I think these politicians are being half too cute by thinking they can get away with this or turning a blind eye to it. My hunch is that they are turning off a lot of independent, moderate, and suburban voters. It remains to be seen how long the taint will last, but it could be a long time.

GOP Lawmaker Pat McDonough Warns About "Black Youth Mobs" in Baltimore // The Same Guy Made "Speak English" Signs

UPDATE: Yesterday a former Press Secretary for former GOP Congressman (and Maryland Governor) Bob Ehrlich published a blog post scorching Pat McDonough for his comments (see excerpt below):

Why Republicans Should Be Angry at Pat McDonough

There’s one thing, and not much else, you have to know to understand Delegate Pat McDonough: He craves attention.

I realized this in 1995, when he called me – then the newly-minted Press Secretary to Congressman Bob Ehrlich – and gently scolded me for not including him on my press list for his impending “newspaper,” Maryland Citizen....

McDonough has no substance as a policymaker, legislator, or opinion-leader, but like many low grade talk radio hosts, he has a need and a knack for self-promotion. He serves this need by locating the sweet spot on issues sure to appeal to the political fringe.

Among the go-nowhere causes which he has championed: support for so-called “English First” legislation, opposition to a resolution calling upon Maryland to apologize for slavery, and a bill to keep an alleged exodus of Washington, D. C. rats from entering Maryland.

While none of his efforts achieved any real results, he usually wound up with his name in the paper – his real objective all along....

Now, the supporters of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants have, in Pat McDonough, a powerful asset: A right wing, race-baiting, demagogic delegate with a vocal hatred of all people of color, including immigrants. 

Don't Hate // History Will Judge Your Comments Today. They Are Forever Archived On the Net. Duh.

Governor Martin O'Malley's blog today makes a point that Maryland Juice often makes: 5, 10, or 20 years from now -- do marriage equality and Dream Act opponents think their statements today are more likely to be compared to those of Dr. King and Gandhi or George Wallace and Pete Wilson?

I suppose some politicians don't care or don't believe it. But I'll put money on this one. Listen to what the opposition is saying - they are comparing humans to rats (Pat McDonough) and blaming people for the downfall of Western Civilization (Mike Miller/Anthony Muse), etc.

The downfall of Western Civilization will be the hate itself. You see, Maryland Juice is a historian, and I look at civilizations, I study civilizations, I read history every night. And I see bigotry as an attack on modern society, I think it’s an attack on the potential inner goodness of humanity. That’s the way I see it.

BREAKING: Del. Richard Impallaria to Run for Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger's Seat // Plus, A New Liberty Candidate Filing?

UPDATE: The Baltimore Sun today prints an interview with Delegate Impallaria where he explains his reasons for running for Congress. Also, I believe we have identified the mysterious new gold coin-carrying Congressional candidate in Maryland: Peter James, a former CD4 candidate who was endorsed by Ron Paul in 2008. We found the following post from Mr. James on a blog today:

I filed to run in Maryland's new 6th Congressional. With a total of 8 candidate's running in the primary I believe the other will split the RHINO/neocon vote and I will win.

I ran in Maryland's 4th district in 2008 and won with 39% of the vote in a 4 way race. 14% points ahead of the party favorite, who spent twice what I did. All this with one $2,500 mailer.

Today, a Maryland Juice source reports that Delegate Pat McDonough was with Delegate Richard Impallaria today at the State Board of Elections. Mr. Impallaria was there submitting paperwork for the 2nd Congressional District Republican Primary. The seat is currently held by Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. Republican State Senator Nancy Jacobs has already filed for the race.

Our source also noticed a potential Ron Paul supporter filing for Congress:

REMINDER: Monday Dream Act Debate with former Sen. P.J. Hogan vs. That Guy with the "Speak English" Lawnsign

WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MACACA: Maryland Juice invites you to attend a Republican vs. Democrat debate on the Dream Act (a law that provides the opportunity for affordable college for all of MD's students). The showdown is scheduled for Monday, November 14th in Poolesville, Maryland (details below).

The Tea Party, Republicans and nativist groups are out in full force with a repeal effort next year, and we noted yesterday that GOP Delegate Pat McDonough is claiming repeal would be a slap in the face to Governor Martin O'Malley's 2016 Presidential ambitions:

"Nationally, this has tremendous implications," McDonough said. "It is a slap in the face to Obama's favorite governor in the United States (Gov. Martin O'Malley) and the (would-be) next president of the United States...." (source: Capital Gazette)

Delegate Pat McDonough will face off against former Maryland Senator P.J. Hogan on the Dream Act at a November 14th debate:

Maryland DREAM Act Forum | Monday, November 14, 2011 7-9 pm

Poolesville Town Hall
19721 Beall Street
Poolesville, MD 20837

Host: Rural Women`s Republican Club | Note: The event is open to the public.

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Ben Cardin Kicks off 2012 Re-Election Bid // Web Ad Highlights Family's Immigrant Roots

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin kicked off his 2012 re-election bid with a rally yesterday at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. His announcement stated:

"It's been my honor to serve all the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate. The last few years have been tough times and there is still much work to be done to get people back to work and to restore our growth economy. I want to continue the fight and help rebuild the American Dream," said Senator Cardin.

Mr. Cardin also released a biographical video to launch his campaign, and the well-done web ad delves into his family's history as immigrants in America. Watch the video below:




Notably, Mr. Cardin does not yet appear to have any serious opposition, as the GOP does not appear to have the stomach for another obvious loss in Maryland. 2010 GOP Senate nominee Eric Wargotz recently decided not to challenge Senator Cardin. The Washington Post reported:

Maryland Juice Prediction: Robin Ficker Will Win GOP Nod for 6th Congressional District

Robin Ficker is a capable and diligent campaigner who has championed the Grover Norquist view of small government (ie: tax cuts are the solution to every problem). Indeed, in an article today Maryland Reporter notes that Mr. Ficker is pledging to dog Democratic State Senator Rob Garagiola throughout the campaign for Maryland's 6th Congressional District. Mr. Ficker apparently agrees with Maryland Juice's assessment yesterday that Mr. Garagiola is the current frontrunner in the race. Look at Mr. Ficker's ridiculous new homemade lawnsign frame:

But Mr. Ficker has something to cheer about himself. Maryland Juice believes Robin Ficker Realty is the frontrunner to win the GOP nomination for the CD6 race. Mr. Ficker has served as a Delegate and has run for office both statewide and countywide. He's also got a committed base of supporters and may start with higher name ID than other candidates in the race -- especially in the new CD6.

Montgomery County Republicans are likely to play a large role in selecting the CD6 nominee. The table below shows how many voters there are within the new CD6 from each of the five counties that the new District includes. I wanted to crudely make my point, so I also added in the total Countywide 2008 GOP Presidential Primary turnout from each of the five counties. Note that Montgomery County is divided between CD6, CD3, and CD8 -- but if even a third of the MoCo GOP resides in the new CD6, those voters will be very influential.

County  |  # of Voters in New CD6   |  2008 Countywide GOP Presidential Primary Turnout

• Allegany  |  61,568  |  19,642
• Frederick  |  87,354  |  56,885
• Garrett  |  24,437  |  11,115
• Montgomery  |  265,979  | 124,543
• Washington  |  113,651  |  37,672

[New CD6 County Population Counts] |  [Maryland 2008 Presidential Primary Turnout (by party)]

Why the Maryland Republican Party is Dying a Quick Death .... and they don't seem to get it ....

Look at the most recent crop of Democrats who won their first full terms to public office in Montgomery County. The photo collage below shows the most recent State legislative and County Council victors from Montgomery County -- the growth engine for Maryland's economy and the recent Democratic surges of late. Something looks different about these politicians than the ones we're used to. What is it?

Did you catch the Washington Post article from this weekend headlined Census: The new U.S. neighborhood defined by diversity as all-white enclaves vanish? In Montgomery County, I would posit that the change is not just racial; it is also generational. And this generational transfer of political power (which is happening quicker than you think -- just look at the photo above) is coming with rapid changes in people's views of the world. We are remaking suburbia, and it is not a Beaver Cleaver white picket fence agenda (sorry, Ike). Here's an excerpt from the Washington Post:

...[the] Silver Spring community of Hillandale is home to people of every race and ethnicity — the epitome of what one sociologist calls “global neighborhoods” that are upending long-standing patterns of residential segregation. 

Around the region and across the country, the archetypal all-white neighborhood is vanishing with remarkable speed. In many places, the phenomenon is not being driven by African Americans moving to the suburbs. Instead, it is primarily the result of the nation’s soaring number of Hispanics and Asians, many of whom are immigrants....

In the Maryland suburbs, one in five neighborhoods is dominated by one race or ethnicity, down from almost a third in 2000. 

There are more minorities than whites in Montgomery and Prince William counties, and minorities are on track to surpass whites by the next census in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

And so once again, how is the GOP supposed to survive with this attitude?

Demography is destiny in politics. Sorry, Pat.

11/14 Dream Act Debate: former Sen. P.J. Hogan vs. That Guy with the "Speak English" Lawnsign // You're Invited!

Maryland Juice invites you to attend a Republican vs. Democrat debate on the Dream Act (a law that provides the opportunity for affordable college for all of MD's students). The showdown is scheduled for Monday, November 14th in Poolesville, Maryland (details below).

The Tea Party, Republicans and nativist groups are out in full force with a repeal effort next year, and we noted yesterday that GOP Delegate Pat McDonough is claiming repeal would be a slap in the face to Governor Martin O'Malley's 2016 Presidential ambitions:

"Nationally, this has tremendous implications," McDonough said. "It is a slap in the face to Obama's favorite governor in the United States (Gov. Martin O'Malley) and the (would-be) next president of the United States...." (source: Capital Gazette)

Delegate Pat McDonough will face off against former Maryland Senator P.J. Hogan on the Dream Act at a November 14th debate:

Maryland DREAM Act Forum | Monday, November 14, 2011 7-9 pm

Poolesville Town Hall
19721 Beall Street
Poolesville, MD 20837

Host: Rural Women`s Republican Club | Note: The event is open to the public.

MD Conservative Says Prince George's, Montgomery, Baltimore are "Axis of Evil" // Plus, GOP Uses O'Malley 2016 to Plug Dream Act Repeal

UPDATE: The Potomac Tea Party blog had this comment on Maryland Juice's coverage: "The “progressive” Maryland Juice gives us a look at the protesters outside in the rain.... Note that the Muslims (maybe all two of them) were supported by Quakers.... Also, remember that it was the Quakers (in the Sanctuary Movement) primarily behind the creation of CASA de Maryland (Bette Rainbow Hoover)!" Guess you can add Quakers to the Tea Party's list of enemies.

Earlier this month, Maryland Juice published a letter from a number of anti-discrimination groups condemning yesterday's Maryland Conservative Action Network conference. Several of Maryland's GOP elected officials were scheduled to attend and speak at the event, so the letter's signers called on them to pull out and planned to protest the event. Our earlier coverage noted great controversy due to the event's speaking lineup, which included a number of well-known extremist speakers. Several national progressive blogs and organizations criticized the event in the days leading up: Huffington Post, Think Progress, Southern Poverty Law Center, etc.

Quakers, Muslims and concerned residents protest the Maryland Conservative Action Network (MDCAN) Conference

The Capital Gazette covered the event and highlighted a number of statements from speakers. We reprint a few choice selections below, but first note this introductory comment:

Event organizer Tonya Tiffany of Howard County said the gathering was not meant to stir anti-Muslim sentiment.... She said the real purpose of the conference was to prod the Republican Party into becoming more conservative. "The Maryland Republican Party is too liberal," Tiffany said.

Former Del. Saqib Ali called into question this "reasonable" facade and provided the paper this quote:

"This stuff is unhinged. The things these people are saying is not unlike what the Ku Klux Klan says, and the KKK can't show its face in polite society."

Maryland Juice will let readers judge the MDCAN speakers comments for themselves. Here are the excerpts from the Gazette coverage: