GUEST POST: Del. Eric Luedtke Dissects Montgomery County's Marriage Equality, Dream Act & Gambling Results // SEE MAPS

PLUS: MARYLAND JUICE HIGHLIGHTS QUICK NOTES ABOUT DAMASCUS AND GOP VOTERS WHO SUPPORTED MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Below Maryland Juice is pleased to publish an interesting analysis of key ballot question results in Montgomery County. Our guest pundit, Delegate Eric Luedtke (D14 Democrat), looked at the precinct-level returns for marriage equality (Question 6), the Dream Act (question 4) and gambling expansion (Question 7). He also created some insightful maps showing how MoCo's neighborhoods voted on the various measures.

ERIC LUEDTKE: Below, I've attached precinct maps showing how Montgomery County voted on questions 4, 6, and 7. First, I should note that these maps only display the election day precinct level vote, and do not include early voting totals.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections data counts the early vote as a separate canvass, like they do with absentee votes. During early voting, MoCo supported marriage equality nearly six points more than the statewide overall vote for Question 6. On the Dream Act, Montgomery County voters supported the measures by four points more than the statewide vote. Lastly, on gambling expansion, Montgomery County supported Question 7 by four tenths of a point less than the statewide average.

Note that there were some geographical variations in the early vote due to the locations of the early vote centers. For example, the early vote probably included significantly more voters from Silver Spring precincts (folks who likely voted at the Silver Spring Civic Center) than voters from the Bethesda area, where there is no early voting center. But nonetheless, the maps below give a glimpse into the geographic and demographic patterns of the vote on the various questions.

NOTE: On all of the maps below, the bluest areas show precincts that "voted for" the ballot question in large numbers. The purple areas show precincts where fewer than 50% of voters supported a "vote for" the ballot question. See the explanation of the color-coding using the key to the right.

QUESTION 4 - DREAM ACT RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 4 map is probably the most clear. Only six far upcounty precincts voted against it, including much of Damascus (except the central precinct which is entirely suburban rather than a rural-suburban mix like the rest of Damascus), parts of Laytonsville, and northern Gaithersburg outside the city limits. The heaviest vote in favor is concentrated downcounty, particularly in Bethesda and Silver Spring, and also has concentrations in parts of the county further north that have heavier immigrants populations. This includes most of the 29 corridor, which has significant populations of Latinos and continental African immigrants, the Wheaton area and its heavy Latino population, and precincts around Gaithersburg and Rockville with large Latino and Asian-American populations. It’s interesting to note the stretch of precincts voting strongly in favor up the 270 corridor all the way to the Frederick County line, likely due to a continued expansion of more urban and suburban areas in Germantown and Clarksburg. It’s also significant that nearly all of District 15 voted in favor, including the heavily rural precincts around Poolesville and Barnesville. District 15, you may remember, was the last MoCo district to elect a Republican, but its shift towards the Democratic column seems to be continuing.

QUESTION 6 - MARRIAGE EQUALITY RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 6 map is similar to the question 4 map. Support is concentrated in Bethesda/Chevy Chase, lower Silver Spring, and Rockville, with concentrations of lesser support in Olney, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Potomac. Many of the majority-minority portions of the county voted in favor, including the upper 29 corridor and Wheaton/Aspen Hill, although by a significantly smaller margin than they supported question 4. I think this reflects the fact that marriage equality supporters were successful in reaching out to many minority voters, but obviously still have work to do. Four of the ten precincts that opposed are in District 14, which had the lowest vote by district in the county, but still the vote was in favor in all eight legislative districts. 

QUESTION 7 - GAMBLING EXPANSION RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 7 map is a bit of a cipher, in that for virtually every identifiable pattern there is an exception. Significant pockets of opposition cluster along the DC line in areas from Bethesda and Chevy Chase south and in Takoma Park and east Silver Spring, but a big chunk of the western side of Silver Spring voted in favor by a wide margin. More conservative upcounty precincts in Brookeville, Laytonsville, and Barnesville voted against, while most of Damascus voted in favor. Seniors at Asbury and Riderwood voted heavily against it, while seniors in Leisure World voted in favor. The vast majority of the county voted in favor of it by relatively slim margins, and we don’t see many geographic concentrations of support like we did on the other maps, although there is a significant concentration of support in Gaithersburg and Germantown, one in the Aspen Hill area, and a smaller one in Fairland and Briggs-Chaney.

DAMASCUS VOTERS: AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT, FOR BOOZE AND GAMBLING - Maryland Juice has one interesting takeaway from Luedtke's analysis. It appears that Damascus voters may be the black sheep of Montgomery County. Notably, Damascus voters appear to have unusual moral priorities as demonstrated by their voting behavior. On November 6, Damascus overwhelmingly voted to begin allowing alcohol sales in their town (Note: it is currently a "dry" town). But while many Damascus voters also voted against marriage equality and the Dream Act, they also approved gambling expansion. Bottom line: Damascus rejected civil rights and college opportunity, but embraced booze and gambling. I'm no puritan about booze and gambling, but what kind of a message does this send? Oy vey!

SIDENOTE: SOME REPUBLICANS BUCKED PARTY TO SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY - Maryland Juice has one final note for this analysis of the ballot question results. Walter Olson of the CATO Institute today published an interesting op-ed in The Huffington Post noting that in some Republican-dominated parts of Maryland, the "vote for" marriage equality was higher than Obama's vote total in the same places. He surmises that this means Republican defections on marriage equality helped Question 6 pass in Maryland (excerpt below):

WALTER OLSON: In fact county-level results reveal that across wide swaths of Republican territory in Maryland, same-sex marriage actually ran well ahead of Barack Obama and the Democratic ticket. That means there were many, many Romney voters who voted for the same-sex marriage law -- enough, in fact, that without them the measure would almost certainly have lost by a mile....

Two major bulwarks of Republican strength in Maryland, Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties, went both for Romney and for same-sex marriage. The two counties have been home to some of the state's best- known anti-gay politicians, such as Del. Don Dwyer of Anne Arundel and former Sen. Alex Mooney of Frederick. Frederick County especially, where I live, is famed as a right-wing stronghold.... Romney carried Anne Arundel by a point.

In Carroll, Question 6 ran a remarkable 11 points ahead of the president, in Queen Anne's 10 points ahead, in Harford and Cecil 5 points, and in Frederick and Anne Arundel 3 to 4 points. Collectively these counties contributed tens of thousands more votes for Question 6 than if gay marriage had been, as you might put it, only as popular as the chief executive of the United States.....

Election Results: Dream Act (Question 4) & Redistricting (Question 5) Poised for Victory // PLUS: DELANEY WINS

Maryland Juice thinks that tonight's election results show looming victory for proponents of the Dream Act (Question 4) and Maryland's congressional districts (Question 5). Here is the status of the returns for both measures (at 10:58 PM):

• DREAM ACT (Q4): 57.5% for vs. 42.5% against
• REDISTRICTING PLAN (Q5): 63.4% for vs. 36.6% against

Note that at this point, the only large number of outstanding precincts are in Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince George's County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore County. That makes it very unlikely conservatives will be able to make up this gap.

The Dream Act passage in Maryland is a first for such state-level legislation. This is history in the making, and a huge political coming-of-age moment for Maryland's Latino community.

EARLY VOTE TOTALS (For vs. Against): Marriage Equality 54% vs. 46%, Dream Act 65% vs. 35% , Gambling 49% vs. 51%

10:20 PM UPDATE: Follow the results at the Board of Elections site:

• Q4: 58.5% "for" vs. 41.5% "against" - Dream Act
• Q5: 64.4% "for"  vs. 35.6% "against" - Redistricting
• Q6: 50.6% "for" vs. 49.4% "against" - Marriage Equality
• Q7: 51.3% "for" vs. 48.7% "against" - Gambling Expansion

The Maryland Board of Elections has just released the early vote totals (along with a handful of election day precinct results), and here's the current status of the major ballot questions (leaders highlighted in red):

• Question 4: Dream Act - 65.28% "for"  vs. 34.72% "against"
• Question 5: Redistricting - 66.98% "for" vs. 33.02% "against"
• Question 6: Marriage Equality - 53.5% "for" vs. 46.5% "against"
• Question 7: Gambling Expansion -  49.12% "for" vs. 50.88% "against"

• MoCo Question A: Disability Hiring - 82.05% "for" vs. 17.95% "against"
• Moco Question B: Police Effects Bargaining Repeal - 53.99% "for" vs. 46.01% "against"

• MoCo School Board At-Large: Phil Kauffman 78.32% vs. Morris Panner 21.27%
• MoCo School Board District 2: Rebecca Smondrowski 53.64% vs. Fred Evans 46.1%
 

Follow the returns online at the MD Board of Elections

We'll update this post later in the evening!

SCANNED DOC: Gambling Expansion Opponents Alert Dream Act Supporters to National Harbor Opposition to Question 4

UPDATE:  COMPTROLLER PETER FRANCHOT HIGHLIGHTS PRO-QUESTION 7 OPPOSITION TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY - Comptroller Peter Franchot's last Facebook update highlighted late-breaking evidence that supporters of gambling expansion (Question 7) are financing opposition to marriage equality (Question 6). Not surprisingly, Franchot sees this as another reason to "vote against" Question 7. He has been crusading against Question 7 for months. See below:

Unbelievable. Folks, this is who our state's Democratic machine has chosen to join forces with this year. Hoping that all Marylanders who truly support progressive Democratic values will take a stand tomorrow against discrimination -- and deliver a powerful statement against machine politics -- by voting AGAINST Question 7.

Maryland Juice was just at a Montgomery County rally for Dream Act supporters, where numerous Democratic politicians joined Dreamers and Question 4 advocates in Silver Spring. But interestingly enough, I was handed a flyer made by opponents of gambling expansion (Question 7), alerting Dream Act supporters that National Harbor was financing opposition to Question 4. See the flyer below, which quotes Maryland Juice and a Baltimore Sun article about the new revelations:
Question 7 vs. Question 4 Flyer

Below you can also see a few photos from the rally:

Maryland Juice Explains the Controversial November Ballot Questions: I Voted "For" Questions 4 & 6 and "Against" 5 & 7

PLUS: A Comment on MoCo Questions A & B

After writing about Maryland's numerous ballot question battles for several months, last Friday night I finally got in line to vote early at Montgomery County's Silver Spring polling location. Below I explain how I voted on a few of the most controversial ballot questions. But before we begin, I sorted the ballot questions into those that are my personal top priorities, and those that are of secondary interest.

CONTEXT FOR HOW I VOTED: Many voters seem to be deciding on the ballot questions based strictly on the direct policy questions laid out before them (eg: for or against more casinos in Maryland). But for me, I looked at the ballot questions with an eye toward the future of progressive politics in Maryland and how the state Democrats should choose to define themselves against the opposition. My explanations below are rooted in the belief that political institutions and parties should be constantly evolving creatures, and that right now the demography and rules of the game are changing in favor of Maryland's progressive grassroots.

But too many Democratic politicians are still voluntarily taking the safe and cynical path forward, rather than harnessing new opportunities to advance social justice and good evidence-driven policymaking. This should be no surprise in a state where the same Democratic legislative leaders have ruled in perpetuity for the last three decades. Occasionally they throw us a progressive bone, as many have been quick to point out that Senate President Mike Miller "allowed" marriage equality to pass. Apparently the Democratic base is supposed to set low expectations for what policies should be adopted in Maryland. But hardly any incumbent Democrats in Maryland are vulnerable against  Republicans, which means these low expectations and their resulting "compromises" are purely voluntary and self-defeating.

Case in point -- when the President can endorse marriage equality without any notable impact on his swing-state chances, it means times have changed and a large chunk of Maryland Democrats are too stuck in "conventional wisdom" to see the new realities of public opinion in America. When Democrats in a liberal one-party state like Maryland sit on the sidelines (or oppose social justice) during the raging battle for Maryland's soul, it is time for a disruption. Unfortunately, that disruption is clearly not going to come from within the party. That's why it's up to us to force the Democrats to evolve -- not just on issues, but also about how they do business. In many ways, I see this as a generational battle. That's why I voted as follows:


MARYLAND JUICE'S TOP PRIORITIES: For Maryland Juice, Questions 4 and 6 boil down to whether Maryland politics will respect the personal dignity of others. You need not look further than what those opposing marriage equality and the Dream Act are saying about gay and lesbian families & immigrants to understand that you should not be siding with these folks. Just yesterday, a Frederick pastor blamed Hurricane Sandy on NYC Mayor Bloomberg's donation to Maryland's marriage equality campaign. Days before that, a Randallstown pastor stated that gay individuals and marriage equality backers were worthy of death. Meanwhile, a core of extremists organizing against the Dream Act see the battle in Maryland as their stand against the invasion of America. Enough said? If not, here's a little more explanation on each question:

• VOTE FOR QUESTION 6: Marriage Equality - For me this is primarily a battle for civil liberties and individual rights. If you believe, as I do, that people not harming others should be let alone, then you should consider voting for Question 6. And if you believe in separation of church & state, as I do, then you'll also just dismiss offhand any religious objection about marriage equality in Maryland. But if you also believe that we are currently in the midst of discrimination against LGBT families without a legitimate, articulable policy purpose, then you should definitely vote for Question 6. Because those circumstances -- which do exist in Maryland -- would make this a civil rights issue. Otherwise, we would be saying that the term "civil rights" applied only to things that happened during the 60's.  Instead, I think the civil rights movement is alive and well, and it stands for a principle -- not just one group of people. Dr. King obviously saw civil rights as a multi-issue struggle against war, poverty, and racial discrimination -- not just as the struggles of his own people. We dishonor that powerful message by allowing the intense multi-year struggle for legal recognition by LGBT families to be withheld the designation of a "civil rights" issue. And what the battle for these words and labels is really about at their core, is a normative struggle in the public cosnciousness. Indeed, those stuck in the past seek to control even the use of words (like "marriage" and "civil rights") to prevent them from lending legal definition and legitimacy to a group they don't like. A message from my generation: Get over it. Vote for Question 6.  

• VOTE FOR QUESTION 4: Dream Act - I am in principle against standing in the way of anyone who wants to go to school and obtain a higher education. I can think of no net positive benefit for Maryland by putting out of reach an affordable college education for someone that is already living here and paying taxes. Do you really need to hear more than that? Vote for Question 4.

TIER TWO PRIORITIES:

• VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7: Gambling Expansion -As mentioned in my notes about marriage equality above, I believe that individuals not harming others should be let alone. Indeed, Maryland Juice likes a good game of hold 'em poker and the occasional trip to Atlantic City with old friends from high school. But I still think Marylanders should not support the further creep of the gambling industry into our state. First, let's just be honest here. The Democratic Party around the nation is now a wholly corporate party. Like many other issues, liberals have thrown in the towel concerning special interest influence on our party. We accept that our side has to raise money to combat the other side. We look the other way when our side approves clear special interest legislation, and we do it because they do other good things that the Republicans oppose. But this situation is not ideal, and it is beginning to give me a stomach-ache. If the older generation was willing to tolerate and facilitate the corporate takeover of both major political parties, I hope my generation will spend every day fighting to burn down the House of Cash that the oldsters have built. Let's start by voting against Question 7. I know I am not the only Maryland Democrat to cringe in embarrassment when our Democratic leaders brought the legislature back for a special session, the sole purpose of which was to allow MGM to built a casino at National Harbor. We're all watching the barrage of ads about this issue, and we know they were not free. One can only conclude that Maryland residents were not subjected to this horrifying political freak-show without the aiding and abetting of numerous Democratic leaders. Not cool.  Even more, we as voters should not reward the casino industry for treating us like we're stupid. Do you remember their last few rounds of lies? First, we needed slots to save the Preakness; then we needed more slots for tots & schools stadiums; and now we need more slots and table games because of scary West Virginia. Blah, blah blah..... We get it, you want more Marylanders to spend money gambling, and you'll say whatever argument-du-jour fits your goals. But here's the reality: almost half of all casino revenues will come from repeat-Maryland customers who live within a 45 short drive of a casino. So we would be pulling money out of Maryland consumers' pockets to shore up the state budget, just because a small percentage of our dollars are going to West Virginia. Forget it: West Virginia can have our gambling money, because while they're protecting their slot barns, Maryland jobs are luring their young residents to move here!

• VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 5: Congressional Districts - Voting against Question 5 is completely a realpolitik analysis for me. If you vote against Question 5, then Maryland's Congressional Districts will have to be re-drawn -- by Democrats. This seems like a freebie, even though I've heard concern that "anything could happen" if the lines are redrawn. Anything can't happen -- the Democratic party leaders of Maryland have already demonstrated their ability to strong-arm a map through the process. And in reality, I don't like this map very much. Not because it wasn't drawn "independently" (whatever that means) -- but because I think Democrats could've achieved their goals while taking into account a few other considerations. For example, the map didn't do anything to increase chances of diversifying Maryland's Congressional delegation, and it artificially narrowed the potential candidate field in the 6th Congressional District. Moreover, the map was drawn to suit the wishes of politicians who advance neither the progressive agenda, nor the Montgomery County agenda (eg: Rep's Steny Hoyer & Dutch Ruppersberger). The map also destabilized the bases of MoCo favorites Chris Van Hollen & Donna Edwards. For all of those reasons, I voted against Question 5. But let me be very clear, that I am opposed to Maryland adopting independent redistricting for Congressional districts. I am in favor of fair outcomes, not a process which is on its surface fair but leads to bad outcomes. Please study the issue, because independent redistricting will lead to both a de-facto Republican gerrymander and could potentially harm racial representation. Maryland's residential segregation patterns will not easily lend themselves to drawing more "square" or blind districts. Not to mention, readers should keep in mind that independent line drawing for 8 out of 435 Congressional Districts is folly. It has got to be all or nothing. Believe me that many of those complaining about "gerrymandering" are shedding crocodile tears and have said nothing about the ridiculous GOP gerrymanders that have been sweeping through the South and eliminating Democratic seats in state after state. So Maryland Juice voted against Question 5 and wants to see a map re-drawn that factors in the interests of the party base. Moreover, a new map should not disadvantage Montgomery Democrats, and at a minimum would allow the party to stick John Delaney's house into CD6.

If you live in Montgomery County:

• VOTE FOR QUESTION A - Disability Hiring - Question A is common sense, as it would expand hiring opportunities for disabled individuals.

• VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE ON QUESTION B - Montgomery County Police Union Effects Bargaining Repeal - I'm not sure it makes sense for me to explain how I voted on this measure, as the matter seems to be confounding many people. The only thing I will say is this: I don't like the idea that my tax dollars can go to referenda lobbying. How much should the County be allowed to spend on this? Who decides? Do we get a say? Why stop at Question B, why not spend on the other issues? Would we be cool with Blaine Young spending money against the Dream Act in Frederick? Should the state legislature then spend money defending the laws it passed? I think County Executive Ike Leggett is setting a terrible precedent in Montgomery County by spending so many staff and monetary resources on referendum advocacy. Meanwhile, his personal campaign account was flush with funds at last check. Why didn't he just pay for this with his campaign account? I think Montgomery County residents should be very concerned about the fact that the government has been spending money on referenda advertising this cycle.

Thanks for reading!
 - Juice

National Harbor Developers Paid $271,515 to Defeat Marriage Equality & Dream Act / PAYBACK: VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7

TIT FOR TAT: GAMBLING SUPPORTERS ARE URGING 
VOTES AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT

TIME TO DECLARE WAR ON GAMBLING INDUSTRY IN MARYLAND: Maryland Juice is declaring war on gambling expansion and urging all readers to "vote against" Question 7 on Tuesday, November 6. After it is defeated at the ballot box, let's also make sure the expansion bill dies in all future legislative sessions. 

I had already been planning on releasing a short voter guide about the ballot questions, and I will still do so tomorrow. But right now I am completely incensed by the latest callous shenanigans from those who are "for" Question 7. As far as they are concerned, nothing is more important than rolling out more casinos in Maryland -- nothing at all. Look at the latest voter guide that pro-gambling expansion forces are mailing out, including the insensitive/nativist-style image of a family running:

PETERSON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FINANCES OPPOSITION TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT: The developers of National Harbor, Peterson Development Company, are trying to bring a casino to Prince George's County, and yesterday they spent $271,515 to create a new group to promote gambling expansion (Question 7), and defeat marriage equality (Question 6) and the Dream Act: (Question 4). They registered a new front-group called "Republican Leaders Referendum Guide" -- one of seven groups registered to campaign on Question 7 (gambling expansion):

Peterson Development Company dropped $271,515 into this voter education effort, according to last-minute financial disclosures to the Board of Elections:

Milt Peterson - National Harbor Developer

SURPRISE: NEW PRO-GAMBLING GOP VOTER GUIDE EMERGES - Just minutes ago on Twitter, I stumbled across a new "Republican Voter Guide" that features former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and former MD GOP Party Chair Audrey Scott endorsing a "vote for" gambling expansion and a "vote against" marriage equality and the Dream Act:

Red Maryland blogger Brian Griffiths confirmed that the piece carries an authority line from the new Peterson-backed GOP group:

Note that we previously published a letter to voters from Steele and Scott (yes, the two of them again) telling voters to "vote for" gambling expansion. But that letter was paid for by a group called "FOR Maryland Jobs and Schools."

PRO-QUESTION 7 FINANCIERS DON'T CARE ABOUT MARYLAND: The ballot question contests in Maryland may come down to razor-thin margins, and any spending by outside groups against Questions 4 and 6 is a threat.

After purchasing an unprecedented special legislative session in Maryland, supporters of gambling expansion are now willing to throw the Dream Act & marriage equality under the bus as collateral damage. This is yet another piece of evidence that those financing the casino expansion push aren't motivated by the concerns of ordinary Marylanders. Just look at the backers of question 7, and you'll see lots of people who are well-known for caring about Maryland. Take magician David Copperfield, for example; or boxer Oscar De La Hoya; and if that's not convincing enough, how about the Washington Redskins, who are owned by the Romney-backing man of the people, Dan Snyder.

Indeed, for pro-Question 7 financiers, working with Democrats is purely a transactional experience and just "part of the job." But apparently Democrats in Maryland did not put any conditions on their support for casino expansion, and so the industry feels it can freely spend money against referenda that some have been working very hard to advance. Ish don't think so.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM TIME: FIREWALL MARYLAND FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS: After the November elections, it is clearly time for campaign finance reform in Maryland. The special interest spending we are currently witnessing is an embarrassment in a one-party state, but especially where the one-party is the Democratic Party. Not to mention, we should not forget that we have a serious problem when a pair of companies can purchase an unprecedented special session in Maryland, and use it to advance an issue that was the priority of only a small number of very powerful politicians. It's time for a #CleanSlate.

Reject Special Interest Ownership of Maryland Politics:

VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7

New Democratic-Aligned Group Urges "Vote For All" MD Ballot Questions // SCANNED DOC: "Forward Maryland" Sample Ballot

A new group called "Forward Maryland" formed a few days ago and is urging voters to "vote for" all of the state's ballot questions. The new political committee is printing and distributing the voter guide below, which encourages Marylanders to support issues ranging from marriage equality and the Dream Act to gambling expansion and the new Congressional Districts. The effort appears to be designed to encourage the Democratic base to stick together on all of the ballot questions (see below):
Forward Maryland Voter Guide

WHO IS FORWARD MARYLAND: Public filings indicate that Forward Maryland's treasurer is Isaac Salazar, a former communications director for the Maryland Democratic Party, while the Chair of the committee is Sheila Irene Hill. The sole disclosed financier is a W. Hackerman, who dropped a large $100,000 onto the effort a few days ago. See the filing documents below.

Maryland Juice presumes that "W. Hackerman" is prominent Baltimore real-estate developer Willard Hackerman, who is currently working on redeveloping the 1st Mariner Arena and convention center areas in the city. Notably, Hackerman also donated $50,000 to the "vote for" Question 6 campaign for marriage equality last September.
Forward Maryland Campaign Finance Report
Very interesting sample ballot activity this year!

U.S. Senate Candidate Rob Sobhani Releases Sample Ballot: Yes to Obama & Sobhani, No to Dream Act & Marriage Equality

Maryland Juice recently interviewed U.S. Senate candidate Rob Sobhani, an independent challenger to Democratic incumbent Ben Cardin. We asked Sobhani to explain his views on the various ballot questions facing Maryland voters this November. His answers at the time were vague, to say the least, and he was even undecided on hot-button issues like the Dream Act (Question 4).

ROB SOBHANI'S VIEWS REVEALED: But now, a Maryland Juice reader has forwarded us scans of a voter guide that Sobhani's campaign team is handing out at the polls. Rob Sobhani is encouraging voters to support his campaign for Senate, and also to support Barack Obama's re-election. But it appears that Sobhani is also telling voters to "vote against" all of the ballot questions, including marriage equality (Question 6) and the Dream Act (Question 4). See the sample ballot below:

Rob Sobhani's Sample Ballot

DREAM ACT UPDATE: Advocates Launch TV Ad with Obama // PLUS: New Support From MoCo Schools Chief & NAACP Head

Below Maryland Juice has a few quick updates on the battle to defend the Dream Act. We begin with a new television ad that backers of a "Vote For Question 4" are airing, featuring President Barack Obama:

PRESS RELEASE
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent,  NAACP President Endorse Question 4, Maryland DREAM Act
With less than a week before the November 6 election, supporters of the Maryland DREAM Act released two new endorsements today from prominent leaders in the state—the Superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools, Joshua P. Starr, and the President and CEO of the NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous.

Yesterday, Educating Maryland Kids also issued a press release announcing new support for Question 4 from Montgomery County's Superintendent of schools and the head of the NAACP
In a written statement, Joshua P. Starr, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools, said:

"The Maryland DREAM Act is not about politics: it’s about our future and the future of our students. The Act would simply allow hard-working students who have been in our system for years to pursue the dream of post-secondary education and receive in-state tuition rates. A college education is often the key to unlocking opportunity and all students—regardless of where they were born or their parents were born—deserve the chance to have a bright future and be a productive member of society. I fully support the Maryland DREAM Act.”

And in a video PSA, NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous spoke as a civil rights leader and proud Marylander about why voters should vote for Question 4 and support the Maryland DREAM Act as a matter of fairness and equal opportunity for all hard-working students.  See the video here: http://educatingmarylandkids.org/the-naacp-supports-the-maryland-dream-act/.

Members of the Educating Maryland Kids coalition are canvassing and phonebanking in this final 6 days before the election, reaching tens of thousands of Maryland voters.  There will also be a rally and canvass on Sunday, November 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Freedom Academy sponsored by The Intersection, which is mobilizing Baltimore City high school students and teachers around the Maryland DREAM Act.

###

Progressive Maryland Issues 2012 Voter Guide // INTERESTING: No Endorsement for Democrat John Delaney in District 6

This morning Progressive Maryland issued its voter guide for the 2012 election cycle. In past years, the group has been strongly aligned with labor union and progressive groups, with an issue focus on "working families" priorities. Their website states:

PROGRESSIVE MARYLAND: Progressive Maryland is a grassroots, nonprofit organization of more than 20,000 members and supporters and over 50 affiliated religious, community, and labor organizations.  Through research, public education, and direct political action in Annapolis, Washington and communities statewide, we strive to improve the lives of working families in our state. 

BALLOT QUESTION ENDORSEMENTS: Progressive Maryland is urging its members to "Vote For" the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality (Question 6). The group is also weighing in on Montgomery County's Question B, and is urging voters to "Vote Against" repealing "effects bargaining" rights for police union members.

CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS: The most interesting part of the Progressive Maryland voter guide (in my opinion) is the section on Congressional endorsements. The group has endorsed U.S. Senator Ben Cardin for re-election, and also urges members to support four out of eight Democratic candidates for Congress:

• DISTRICT 2: Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger
• DISTRICT 3: Rep. John Sarbanes
• DISTRICT 4: Rep. Donna Edwards
• DISTRICT 7: Rep. Elijah Cummings

NO ENDORSEMENT FOR JOHN DELANEY: Notably, Progressive Maryland did not make endorsements in half of Maryland's Congressional contests. That list includes Rep. Chris Van Hollen (District 8) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (District 5). But according to Progressive Maryland's website, only candidates who completed endorsement surveys were eligible for support (see below):

PROGRESSIVE MARYLAND: Progressive Maryland has required that all candidates seeking our endorsement for the 2012 primary and general elections fill out our questionnaire, published with links below as a service to our members and all citizens of Maryland. Scroll down to find out how prospective candidates who would represent you would vote on important progressive issues and reforms.

After the primary, questionnaires will be solicited from the winners of the Republican primary, any Democratic primary winners that have not already submitted questionnaires, and from third party candidates in order to make endorsements for the General Election scheduled for November 6, 2012.

Progressive Maryland's list of completed candidate surveys does not include any response from Rep. Steny Hoyer or Rep. Chris Van Hollen. So we can surmise that both candidates may not have returned responses. It is also not too surprising that Progressive Maryland is not weighing in on the District 1 race against Tea Party Rep. Andy Harris, given that Democrat John LaFerla only recently entered the General Election contest as a write-in campaign.

But Progressive Maryland does have survey responses from Democrat John Delaney, and the 6th Congressional District candidate still did not receive an endorsement. Given the high-profile nature of that race, it is hard to imagine that this was not a thought-out decision. See the voter guide below:
Progressive Maryland 2012 Voter Guide

Dream Act Lawnsigns Now Available // Pick-Up "Vote for" Question 4 Signs at CASA de Maryland Juice (Takoma Park)

Educating Maryland Kids is now distributing lawnsigns urging a "vote for" Question 4 (aka the Dream Act). Maryland Juice has a few dozen of these signs available for pick-up at my house (on the border of Takoma Park and Silver Spring). The signs below are free of charge if you are able to come get them. Email david@marylandjuice.com for the address.

Jewish Community Relations Council Urges "Vote For" Dream Act, Marriage Equality & Expanded Hiring for Disabled Workers

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) is urging Maryland voters to "vote for" the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality (Question 6). Additionally, they are urging Montgomery County voters to "vote for" Question A, which would expand hiring opportunities for disabled individuals. The piece below, by JCRC leaders Ron Halber and Harvey Reiter, appeared yesterday in Washington Jewish Week (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON JEWISH WEEK: The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington is urging our community to vote for the Dream Act, Marriage Equality and the proposed charter amendment to Expand County Hiring for People with Physical, Cognitive Disabilities.... As Jews we are called on to act - for ourselves, our fellow Jews, our neighbors and the whole world....

Our own history is a reminder of how education has benefited not only the Jewish immigrant community, but all of society. The Maryland Dream Act extends eligibility for in-state tuition rates at communitycolleges to young people who grew up in Maryland..... To support this law, vote "yes" on Question 4.

It is with great respect for all religious traditional perspectives that the JCRC urges the community to vote in support of marriage equality.... No rabbi whose denomination bars sanctifying same-sex marriage would be required to officiate at such a marriage.... The JCRC encourages you to vote for Question 6.

Way down the ballot, past the statewide questions, under "Montgomery County," the proposed charter amendment to expand county "Hiring Individuals with Disabilities" would allow the county government to give qualified individuals with disabilities the same hiring preference for county government jobs that is now accorded to veterans.... Vote for "Question A, Charter amendment by act of County Council Merit System-Hiring Individuals with Disabilities".

Read the full JCRC endorsement at Washington  Jewish Week.

SAMPLE BALLOT: MoCo Hispanic Democratic Endorsements // Club Urges Vote For Dream Act, Marriage Equality & Question B

Montgomery County's Hispanic Democratic Club is mailing the sample ballot below to all registered Hispanic Dems in the county. Notably, the group has chosen to endorse the incumbents in the school board races, but chose Fred Evans over Rebecca Smondrowski for the District 2 open seat. The Hispanic Dems also endorsed a "vote for" the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality (Question 6). The group made no recommendation on gambling or redistricting but endorsed a "vote for" Question B, which would repeal police "effects bargaining" rights. See below:
MoCo Hispanic Democratic Club 2012 Sample Ballot

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:

POLL RESULTS: Dream Act With Big Lead In New Poll // PLUS: Without Sobhani In Senate Race Cardin Beats Bongino Easily

Below Maryland Juice highlights two new polls, plus a television ad from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.

JUICE #1: WASHINGTON POST POLL HAS DREAM ACT WITH HUGE LEAD - The Washington Post released more poll results today, and this time they are showing the Dream Act (Question 4) with a large lead (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Maryland voters broadly support a measure that would allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, according to a new Washington Post poll. A referendum on the law appears as Question 4 on the November ballot. The poll finds 59 percent of likely voters back the plan; 35 percent are opposed....

In Maryland, the poll finds fully three-quarters of Democrats and 58 percent of independent voters supporting the measure.... White voters divide roughly evenly on the subject, while non-whites favor it by a huge margin — 75 to 19 percent. More than seven in 10 voters with postgraduate degrees say they would vote yes, including a majority who say they feel strongly about it.

JUICE #2: NEW POLL SHOWS RESULTS IF ONLY CARDIN & BONGINO WERE RUNNING FOR SENATE - The Takoma Park Patch flagged new poll results today in Maryland's U.S. Senate race (Hat tip: Howard Gorrell). They note that pollsters did not include independent candidate Rob Sobhani in their survey. While that makes the results more of a curiosity than anything else, I think it is worth noting that incumbent Democrat Ben Cardin would still be crushing GOP nominee Dan Bongino right now:

TAKOMA PARK PATCH: We have a new poll for the state of Maryland from YouGov which shows, not surprisingly, Barack Obama and Ben Cardin ahead in their respective races.

PRESIDENT - MARYLAND (YouGov) 
Barack Obama (D-inc) 58% 
Mitt Romney (R) 37% 

US SENATE - MARYLAND (YouGov) 
Ben Cardin (D-inc) 54% 
Dan Bongino (R) 30%

You can see more detailed results from the survey by YouGov below:
YouGov U.S. Senate Poll: Ben Cardin vs. Dan Bongino
JUICE #3: NEW TELEVISION AD FROM SENATOR BEN CARDIN - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin is out with a new tv ad in his race against Rob Sobhani and Dan Bongino. The spot features former World War II fighter pilot Maurice “Mo” Mallinoff who lives in Silver Spring, and it is airing in the Baltimore and DC markets. Watch below:

ENDORSEMENTS: Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) Release 2012 Apple Ballot Recommendations

For years, Montgomery County's teachers union (MCEA) has organized a sample ballot to be distributed at polling locations on election day. This year is no different, and below you can see what recommendations the teachers will be handing out on their "apple ballot." Note that earlier this week, Maryland Juice published a purple "school bus" ballot from MoCo's public school employees union SEIU. The apple ballot and school bus ballot differ on two matters: the District 2 Board of Education race and gambling. SEIU backs Rebecca Smondrowski in District 2 and also came out "for" Question 7 (gambling expansion). In contrast, the teachers are backing Fred Evans in District 2 and made no recommendation on gambling. Note: voters throughout Montgomery County can vote in all of the Board of Education races.
Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) 2012 Apple Ballot

TV SPOTS: Dream Act & Marriage Equality Advocates Launch Ads Urging "VOTE FOR" Questions 4 & 6 // WATCH ONLINE

Maryland Juice has received videos and press statements announcing new television spots promoting the Dream Act and Marriage Equality. Marylanders for Marriage Equality has a new ad airing, and Educating Maryland Kids is up with million dollar ad buy featuring three new tv spots. The marriage equality ad (Question 6) features NAACP Chair Julian Bond, while the Dream Act ads (Question 4) feature dreamers, Republicans, and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (watch below):

VOTE FOR QUESTION 6 (MARRIAGE EQUALITY) TV AD:

VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #1:

 
VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #2:



VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #3:

Democrats Ask Prosecutor to Investigate Campaign Finance Violations by Anti-Dream Act Group "Help Save Maryland"

Earlier this month, Maryland Juice posted an anti-Dream Act radio ad from the rightwing anti-immigrant group Help Save Maryland. But it turns out that the organization has not filed as a ballot issue committee with the State Board of Elections. The Maryland Democratic Party is now calling for a state prosecutor to investigate potential campaign finance violations and more (see below):

PRESS RELEASE

Anti-Maryland DREAM Act Organization, Help Save Maryland, 
Accused of Serious Campaign Finance Violations

ANNAPOLIS (October 15, 2012) - The Maryland Democratic Party submitted a formal letter today to Deputy State Prosecutor Thomas McDonough requesting an inquiry into serious campaign finance violations committed by Help Save Maryland, an organization working against the Maryland DREAM Act. Neither Help Save Maryland nor its Executive Director Brad Botwin has registered with the State Board of Elections as a ballot issue committee, making a recent radio advertisement run by Help Save Maryland in breach of the law.

Help Save Maryland sponsored and paid for radio advertisements that were broadcast on 101.9 LITE FM in Baltimore starting on October 1, 2012. The group has purchased time to run the advertisements twice a day Monday through Friday during the weeks of October 1 and October 15.

The ad uses emotionally charged and factually distorted language about “illegal aliens” clearly intended to gin up opposition to the Maryland DREAM Act as it faces ballot referendum. The ad urges voters to “learn the facts” about Question 4 by visiting www.helpsavemaryland.org where visitors are presented with a number of wildly inaccurate falsehoods masquerading as facts. According to the State Board of Elections Summary Guide, this type of ad requires the formation of a ballot committee first. In fact, no ballot issue committee has registered with the State Board to promote the defeat of Question 4.

“Help Save Maryland is breaking the law. Marylanders deserve to know who is funding a group that is peddling lies and grossly misrepresenting the facts to influence the outcome of a ballot measure of critical importance to our state,” said David Sloan, Executive Director of the Maryland Democratic Party. “I also find it ironic that for all of Help Save Maryland’s bluster about ‘the rule of law,’ they can’t follow simple election laws designed to inform the public about who is funding efforts to persuade voters on political issues.”

Sloan also mentioned that a formal request to the IRS for an investigation into Help Save Maryland’s violations of their 501(c)3 status is in the works.

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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.

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LISTEN ONLINE: Anti-Immigrant Group Produces Radio Ad Opposing Dream Act // Help Save Maryland Spins Question 4

Help Save Maryland, one of the more active nativist groups in the Free State is up with a new radio ad attacking the Dream Act. Listen to their spot below: