Notes from the Blue

Next Tuesday, September 12, is Primary Day in the state of Maryland. I have always been a lifelong Democrat and look forward to seeing Democrats prevail around the country. Most polls are showing that the Senate and House are within reach of the Democrats and here in Maryland, next Tuesday's primary features a contest to choose a nominee for the United States Senate, to replace the retiring Paul Sarbanes.

The gubernatorial race is set, with Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley set to face off against incumbent Governor Bob Ehrlich. It is expected that the brief tenure of "Bobby Haircut" will come to an end with an O'Malley's victory in November. The Senate race will be more interesting with current Republican Lt. Governor Michael Steele prepared to face off against the winner of the primary next Tuesday.

The two main contenders for the Democratic nomination are former Congressman and NAACP President Kweise Mfume and Congressman Ben Cardin. Cardin is the choice of the democratic establishment here in the state, with Mfume running a "grass roots" campaign, as the anti-establishment candidate. I would like to see Mfume win, but it may not happen. Whoever the nominee is, I do believe that Steele will lose and the Maryland Senate seat will stay "blue."

At the state level, there are a number of interesting races to watch. Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, a former Governor and Baltimore mayor, is facing a stiff primary fight from two other Democrats. Schaefer's recent actions, including the ogling of a young intern, and now the bashing of his democratic opponents, may very well lead to the end of the Schaefer reign in Annapolis.

Yesterday I picked up some signs for my polling place for the primary. It was interesting to see which candidates were present and, whose signs were available for picking up. Some were shoved off to the side, or missing altogether, rather damning evidence that the party establishment may have made its choices. Tuesday holds to be a very interesting day here and around the country. Stay tuned!