JuiceBlender: Tiffany Alston May Sue to Stay in House, Heather Mizeur on 2014 Governor, Tea Party Urges MD Secession & More

Below Maryland Juice provides a quick round-up of more post-election angling and political tidbits, starting with more on the continuing saga of embattled Prince George's Democrat Tiffany Alston:

JUICE #1: FORMER DELEGATE TIFFANY ALSTON MAY SUE TO KEEP DELEGATE SEAT - Maryland Juice recently reported that the Prince George's Democratic Central Committee voted to replace Delegate Tiffany Alston's seat with former candidate Greg Hall. The switch came after a plea entered by Alston led to her suspension from the Maryland legislature. The Washington Post reports that Alston is not giving up and may sue to keep her seat. Additionally, it appears that she is ready to stage some sort of sit-in in Annapolis (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: She was convicted in June of stealing $800 from the Maryland General Assembly to pay an employee of her private law firm. But on Tuesday, attorneys for former delegate Tiffany T. Alston suggested that she was the one who had been robbed — of her seat.

After a court hearing, Alston’s attorneys said that the Prince George’s County Democrat is prepared to sue, if necessary, to continue serving in the House of Delegates. And even though she no longer has the keys to her old office in Annapolis, they said she may try to occupy it anyway—a move that could set up an awkward, if not tense, standoff in the halls of the State House.....

The Post's most recent coverage noted that Alston was at last check choosing "diplomacy over litigation," but we'll have to keep an eye on this story!

JUICE #2: DELEGATE HEATHER MIZEUR DISCUSSES 2014 GUBERNATORIAL RACE - The Washington Blade today carried an interview with Delegate Heather Mizeur about her interest in running for Governor of Maryland in 2014. Check out a few of her comments and explanations from the Blade (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON BLADE: Heather Mizeur, a lesbian member of the Maryland House of Delegates, said she’s seriously considering a run for governor in an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade this week.

“I’m taking a very serious look at it,” Mizeur said. “I can’t say for sure what 2014 is going to bring but … I know that I would make a good chief executive. I have good ideas for keeping Maryland moving forward....”

“Right now we’re taking stock of what happened in the last election,” she said. “It was incredible to see a big win with Tammy Baldwin being elected the first openly gay senator and Kyrsten Sinema making history in Congress. It really has inspired us to keep pushing forward. So, yes, I’m seriously considering running for governor because we need more diverse voices at that level of government....”

She added that she won’t get in the race unless she can be competitive financially.... When asked whether he had any thoughts about Mizeur’s potential gubernatorial campaign, O’Malley told the Blade on Tuesday, “Not really, I’m supporting Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown wholeheartedly for governor of Maryland....”

JUICE #3: TEA PARTY ACTIVISTS URGE MARYLAND TO SECEDE FROM USA - Maryland Juice has been alerting politicos to a new effort by Tea Party enthusiasts around the nation to launch petitions asking permission for their state to secede from the United States. WBFF (a rightwing Baltimore Fox News affiliate) reports that Maryland is now one of the states where the Tea Partiers are urging secession (excerpt below):

WBFF: Maryland is now one of the 49 states that have started online petitions to secede from the United States in response to the re-election of President Barack Obama.... If the petitions reach 25,000 signatures, they get an official response from the White House. Maryland has only around 1,700 signatures calling for secession, but the number is quickly growing.

You can check out the Maryland secession petition at the White House's online petition site (Hat tip: Maryland Reporter). Maryland Juice first found out about the secession effort after receiving a national Tea Party email blast highlighting a Louisiana secession petition. Since then, rightwing activists are launching petitions in every state. Check out an excerpt from the original Tea Party message below:

TEA PARTY: On Nov. 6, Americans voted to return Barack Obama to the White House; then on Nov. 7, some folks in Louisiana petitioned the White House to peaceably withdraw their state from the Union.... Join the Tea Party REVOLUTION! It’s time to double-down and fight harder! The petition reads....

“…Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and institute new Government…” 

JUICE #4: ANATOMY OF MARYLAND MARRIAGE EQUALITY VICTORY - The Washington Blade has a worthwhile post-election piece dissecting the victory for Maryland marriage equality (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON BLADE: ...One of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s staffers wrote on a napkin during lunch on Election Day that the referendum would pass with 53 percent support....

Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, was backstage with the governor, Rawlings-Blake and several other elected officials watching the results come in.... Levin and others remained hesitant to declare victory because Montgomery County had yet to report election results. (Question 6 passed in the county by a 65-35 percent margin.)

“Once we figured that out then I started breathing a little more deeply,” O’Malley says. “Then when the Montgomery County numbers came in and we were up to 51 [percent,] the night seemed to be coming into perspective....”

Election Day capped off a long and often tumultuous effort for Maryland’s same-sex marriage advocates that began in 1997 when three state lawmakers introduced the first bill that would have allowed nuptials for gays and lesbians.....

[Sen. Rich] Madaleno, who once again proposed to his husband Mark on stage at the Baltimore Soundstage after Question 6 passed, plans to have what he describes as their “renewal of vows” once they and their two children return from a family vacation at Walt Disney World in Florida in January....

That's just a teaser from The Blade's decently long article. Check out the full-length version.

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.....

HISTORY: Maryland Voters Approve Marriage Equality

Maryland Juice is pleased to announce that news outlets are calling marriage equality a victory in the Free State. Maryland residents did not let us down, and we just became one of the first states in the nation to approve marriage equality at the ballot box. The Maryland Board of Elections is currently reporting the following result (at 12:24 am), though there are still a number of precincts outstanding:

• QUESTION 6: 51.2% "for" vs. 48.8% "against"

If you got a problem with that, there's always Virginia!

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!

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!

Nike, PayPal & Catholics Support Maryland Marriage Equality in Homestretch // New TV Spot, Full-Page Newspaper Ad & More

We are heading into the home-stretch for Maryland's presidential election races, and marriage equality supporters are making their final appeals. Below you can see a series of closing arguments from the "vote for" Question 6 side, including support from big businesses, a new television ad, and a full-page message in The Baltimore Sun (see below):

JUICE #1: PAYPAL, NIKE, NORDSTROM & OTHER COMPANIES THINK MARRIAGE EQUALITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS - Marylanders for Marriage Equality announced a late-breaking coalition of businesses is endorsing a "vote for" Question 6:

PRESS RELEASE

Business Endorses Question 6

BALTIMORE - Support for Question 6, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, continues to gain widespread and diverse support as we approach Election Day. Today, Timonium-based PayPal, Calvert Investments in Bethesda, NIKE, Inc. and Nordstrom endorsed Question 6 in Maryland.
"We believe Question 6 is about fairness and equality under the law; it's good public policy and a smart business practice that enhances competitiveness," said Bennett Freeman, Senior Vice President, Sustainability Research and Policy of Calvert Investments. "As investors, we have long promoted the adoption of workplace policies that afford equal treatment of gay and lesbian employees, such as inclusive language in nondiscrimination policies, and equal benefits."

Nordstrom, eBay (PayPal), Nike, Inc., and Calvert Investments join more than 200 small businesses and organizations that have endorsed Question 6. Other business supporters include Engage LLC, Prescott Publishing, and Cook Ross, Inc.

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is a diverse coalition of labor, faith, and civil liberties groups working to protect marriage for gay and lesbian couples on the November ballot.

###
JUICE #2: FINAL TV APPEAL: "MARYLAND, IT'S TIME" - Marylanders for Marriage Equality is also making what it is calling its "final appeal" on television. Watch the spot below, which argues that "it's time" for marriage equality:



JUICE #3: CATHOLICS FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY BALTIMORE SUN AD - Last Monday, Maryland Juice reported on a full-page ad that appeared in The Baltimore Sun, which made a specious argument asking "Christians" to oppose civil rights. Now a group called Catholics for Marriage Equality is countering the effort with their own full-page ad in The Sun:

JUICE #4: MARRIAGE EQUALITY PHONEBANKERS NEEDED ON SATURDAY (AND BEYOND) - If you'd like to volunteer to support marriage equality in the closing days of the Maryland campaign, there is a large phonebank effort being organized at the Silver Spring office this Saturday. Details below:

Marylanders for Marriage Equality will be holding phone banks on Saturday, November 3 from 12:30-2:30pm as part of its get-out-the-vote effort. The phone banks will be held at MDFME's Silver Spring office located at 8720 Georgia Avenue, Suite 900. Elected officials are expected to stop by.

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

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

VIDEOS: Marriage Equality Advocates Air Two New TV Ads // Del. Todd Schuler & Teacher Explain "Vote For" Question 6

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is up with two new ads urging voters to "vote for" Question 6. The first ad features former Del. Todd Schuler (D8 Dem), while the 2nd ad focuses on a teacher's rebuttal to the misleading school-focused ads from civil rights opponents. Watch both ads below:

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

Marriage Equality Opponents on Air with False Scare Tactics About School Curriculum // WATCH THE AD & THE RESPONSE

Maryland Juice has received word from Marylanders for Marriage Equality that opponents are on the tv airwaves with tired false claims that expand civil rights will have an impact on school curriculum. Below you can watch the false advertising, followed by a response from backers of a "vote for" Question 6:


    Press Release
Marriage Opponents on Air with Old Ad
BALTIMORE - Yesterday, opponents of Question 6 began airing an ad with charges that have been debunked by independent analysts and by a leading opponent of same-sex marriage. The ad in question tries to scare the parents of public school children.

“Children learn values from their parents at home, and Question 6 doesn’t change that,” said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. “Parents, teachers, and local school districts determine the public school curriculum in Maryland. That, too will, never change. The ad is false and meant to scare voters."

Opponents of marriage equality have tried these scare tactics before. In 2009, the independent fact check site, PolitiFact, deemed the charge of “gay marriage” being taught in Massachusetts schools "false." The new ad up today by Question 6 opponents recycles this false claim.

Marc Mutty, the campaign manager for the effort to stop marriage equality in Maine in 2009, has admitted:

“One of the problems I have, I know we need to do what we need to do – not only slam people over the head with a two-by-four, but a two-by-four with nails sticking out of it. Unfortunately, I think it’s a lousy approach. But it’s the only thing we’ve got – it's the only way. That's the way campaigns work. And we use a lot of hyperbole. I think that’s always dangerous. We say things like, ‘Teachers will be forced to.’ Well, that’s not a completely accurate statement and we all know it isn’t.” 
The clip is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADqimp6QU2o

CLAIM: “Schools could teach that boys can marry boys.”

Question 6 provides gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to get a marriage license while protecting religious freedom. It is about fairness and equality under the law. It does not – nor could it - change education policy or impact school curricula.

CLAIM: “If Question 6 passes, same-sex marriage could be taught in local Maryland schools…”

In Maryland, a school’s curriculum is decided by local school districts. MD Edu. Code Ann. § 4-111 states that the "bylaws, basic policies, and guidelines established by the State Board, each county board, on the written recommendation of the county superintendent, shall: (1) Establish curriculum guides and courses of study for the schools under its jurisdiction.” Local school districts, parents, and teachers decide what is taught in the classroom, and no state law – including Question 6 – changes that.

The Baltimore Sun has repeatedly written about the scare tactics of Question 6 opponents.

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is the diverse coalition made up of 1199 SEIU of Maryland, NAACP Baltimore, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, the Human Rights Campaign working to protect marriage on the November ballot.

###

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.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY: New "Vote For 6" Radio Ad with Obama // PLUS: Rockville Councilmember Attacked for Lawnsigns

JUICE #1: NEW RADIO AD FEATURES OBAMA: Today Marylanders for Marriage Equality has released a new radio ad featuring President Barack Obama's endorsement of marriage equality earlier this year. Listen to the new spot below:



JUICE #2: CRAZY ANTI-MARIAGE TRUCK AD: A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us the image below of a crazy anti-marriage equality truck ad. See the image below and accompanying explanation:

READER: Saw this on I-270 this morning. The side said "Shame on America."

JUICE #3: LIMITED SUPPLY OF FREE "VOTE FOR 6" LAWNSIGNS: Thanks to a generous donor, Marylanders for Marriage Equality is now offering free "Vote for Question 6" lawnsigns to the first 1,000 people who request them. You can pick up signs from Marylanders for Marriage Equality offices in Silver Spring, Baltimore, Cumberland and Frederick.

[ CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A LAWNSIGN ]

JUICE #4: ROCKVILLE COUNCILMEMBER TOM MOORE UNDER SEIGE FOR PRO-MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAWNSIGNS: Last week, Maryland Juice reported that Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore decided to print city-specific lawnsigns urging a "vote for" Question 6. Note: You can pick-up signs at his house 11 Forest Ave in Rockville starting next Monday, October 29. In any case, Moore's effort is now under attack from the opponents. See the update below:

TOM MOORE: This is not particularly a news item, but I thought you might enjoy it.   I'm not concerned that it will amount to anything, but man -- no good deed goes unpunished. Debra Daniel, for your reference, is Rockville's City Attorney.

On Oct 24, 2012, at 11:07 AM, xxxxx <xxxx@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Ms. Daniel,

Once again, I find it necessary to question the recent  action of Councilmember Tom Moore. During Monday’s Council meeting, Mr. Moore displayed the image shown below. He announced that yard signs are available, and can be picked up at his house. It is my opinion he conflated the Council’s position on Question 5 with his personal position on Question 6.

The sign Mr. Moore displayed, and will distribute, gives the impression that the City, through the Mayor and Council, has taken a position on this issue. Who does Mr. Moore think he is, that he can speak for all of Rockville? Mr. Moore doesn’t seem to understand that as an elected official, when he uses such language as “Rockville Votes For”, he is representing our City, and goes far beyond expressing his personal views.

I am hereby requesting that Mr. Moore be told he cannot distribute or display the sign. The City did not approve this, does not take a position on the issue and Mr. Moore is not entitled to speak for all of Rockville.

I would like a timely response to my request, and what action, will be taken. If you feel that, as the City Attorney, you cannot respond directly to me, then I ask you direct your answer through the City Manager or the Mayor. If it is the decision of the City Attorney, City Manager or City Council that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Moore’s language, I would like an explanation as to why.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

http://r4em.moores.org/

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

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger Announces Support for Marriage Equality (Question 6) at Debate // How Now Elijah Cummings?

Maryland Juice was recently trolling the news and noticed that Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger appears to have endorsed marriage equality (Question 6). WBAL recently covered a candidates debate between the 2nd Congressional District's Democratic incumbent and his GOP challenger State Senator Nancy Jacobs. They captured the noteworthy comments below on the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality:

WBAL: "What that amnesty, or whatever you want to call it, gives them the ability to education themselves. I want them to get educated and be made legal because we need their tax money to help with the deficit and our country. That's who we are as Americans," Ruppersberger said.

Ruppersberger pointed to his long deliberation about gay marriage as evidence that he doesn't toe the party line.

"I prayed about it. I did whatever I thought I needed to do, and in the end, I decided -- a very tough decision for me -- to come out in favor of it because I worried about discrimination," Ruppersberger said.

Notably, Ruppersberger was listed as undecided on marriage equality as recently as last July. This would make Rep. Elijah Cummings the only Democrat in Maryland who is running for U.S. House or Senate who has not endorsed a "vote for" Question 6.

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: