If you want to know why the Maryland and Delaware legislatures abandoned the Southern Legislative Conference for the Eastern Regional Conference, read this insightful article by Jason Zengerle in The New Republic on how the shift of Southern state legislatures to Republican control has affected black representation and political influence in throughout the South.
All posts by David Lublin
Hawaii Senate Primary
A real barn burner in Hawaii’s Senate primary! Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who was trounced in his primary, appointed Sen. Brian Schatz to a US Senate vacancy. However, Sen. Daniel Inouye reiterated shortly before his death that he wished to see Rep. Colleen Hanabusa succeed him and she challenged Schatz. President Obama endorsed Schatz for reelection.
Schatz now leads by 1635 votes with all results counted. However, two precincts with about 8000 registered voters in Hawaii County will vote late by mail due to the storms that hit Hawaii. But only 38.4% of registered voters cast ballots statewide. If turnout remains the same in these two precincts as statewide, that leaves just 3072 ballots.
Hanabusa would need to gain nearly 77% of these 3072 votes to win. It seems certain, however, that both camps will make a press for heavy turnout in these two precincts. Assuming all 8000 voted. Hanabusa would require 60% of ballots to tie Schatz. Still a tall order, as on the island of Hawaii, Schatz now leads 48.8% to 47.8%–similar to his statewide lead.
I don’t know these two precincts–they may radically different from other Hawaii precincts–but it looks as if it is Sen. Schatz’s nomination to lose at this point.
Gas Tax No Silver Bullet
The Washington Post recently printed an editorial stressing the vital necessity of completing a contract to buy more cars for Metro, explaining that their purchase is vital to prevent massive overcrowding in 2020 and beyond. Yet, they also express concern that the cost may be beyond Maryland’s means:
The 220 new rail cars, with the infrastructure to support them, will cost nearly $1.5 billion over six years, on top of existing funding commitments for modernizing the system from Metro’s main local benefactors: the District, Virginia and Maryland. A particular question mark is Maryland, which, despite new gas tax revenue, looks to have over-promised for the above-ground Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the Red Line in Baltimore and an array of highway projects.
But despite these real cost issues, the Post has been pressing heavily for these exact transportation projects despite also editorializing about the high cost (see here, here, and here). And, as they point out, the recent hike in the gas tax in not nearly enough.
Gaining the full benefit from our past investments in public transit requires regular maintenance expenditures. Maintenance is not sexy compared to a new project. Lack of funding has forced Metro to defer substantial maintenance–a chicken coming home to roost in a variety of ways obvious to riders (see Washington Post articles here, here, here, and here).
Beyond maintenance, Metro also needs to invest in adding cars to maximize the investment costs already sunk and keep it an attractive option. Additionally, Metro also constantly faces the costs associated with upgrading technology–the switch from Farecards to SmartTrip will likely soon be followed methods that allow consumers to pay using their phone.
As Democratic Delegate Nominee Marc Korman (D-16) has emphasized in his campaign, Metro needs a dedicated funding source. We need to fund investment in Metro infrastructure maintenance and upgrades on a constant basis–not only when a crisis creates public demand to fix it.
Similarly, Maryland needs to plan how it’s going to fund planned projects on a long-term basis. Beyond finding the money to build them, Maryland needs ongoing funding sources for the Purple Line and the (Baltimore) Red Line light rail projects.
Gov. Martin O’Malley and the General Assembly took the first bite in taking the politically courageous step of raising the gas tax–an unpopular but necessary and pro-environment step to address our State’s transportation needs. However, as the Post points out, it’s not enough. More serious global transportation budgeting is needed. It would force Maryland’s government to weigh its choices and thus make more intelligent ones.
Addressing transportation needs is critical to Maryland’s economic future. We need to plan for expenditures in a cohesive manner and also for the revenue stream not just to build but to maintain them. How our leaders plan to do this strikes me as a good question to ask candidates in this political season.
Dreamers Confront Rep. Steve King
The Washington Post has caught this video capturing Dreamers confronting Rep. King with the reality of his beliefs. He tells a young woman raised in the country–a graduate of Arizona State University–that she understands English well and then asks if she is a drug smuggler. A young man points out to Rep. King that the first soldier to die in Iraq was undocumented who replies that “he lied to get into the military.” Can you feel the empathy? But more to the point, they have a real exchange about the issue.
Uber Activist
I received the following communication from Uber, which is fighting efforts by the Maryland PSC like taxis. They’ve even created a hashtag: #MDNeedsUber.
Dear David,
We need your help! The Maryland Public Service Commission is about to make a decision that could threaten the Uber you know and love, and we have one shot to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The PSC wants to classify Uber as a traditional transportation company, imposing antiquated regulations on our modern service. The PSC’s attempt to regulate Uber as a “common carrier” – a fancy way of saying transportation company – is like the FAA trying to regulate Orbitz, an online travel booking platform, as an airline, simply because the company books flights out of BWI.
The proposed order, the first of its kind in any state, will limit transportation choice for consumers and economic opportunity for our partner drivers, resulting in fewer entrepreneurs and jobs. Read more about why the PSC’s proposal doesn’t make sense on our blog.
Since all UberBLACK and UberSUV partner drivers are already screened and licensed by the PSC, what is the PSC trying to achieve? Uber already represents an additional layer of safety and security over hiring a traditional limo. Public safety is our #1 priority.
We consistently hear from drivers that the best part about partnering with Uber is the flexibility we provide: drivers have complete control over their businesses and schedules. The PSC’s proposed order would mean that Uber’s partner drivers can no longer own and operate independent companies; it would eliminate opportunities for residents to start their own businesses, make a living, and contribute to the economy.
Call, email or tweet the Commissioners and tell them to stand up for more choice and greater opportunity, not limited competition or special interests. With your support, we’re confident that the PSC will carefully consider the implications of their decision on residents and visitors of Maryland.
- W. Kevin Hughes, (410) 767-8073
- Lawrence Brenner, (410) 767-8017
- Anne E. Hoskins, (410) 767-8072
- Kelly Speakes-Backman, (410) 767-8072
- Harold D. Williams, (410) 767-8116
Thanks for your support and Uber on,
Team Uber Maryland
Serious Geek Alert
Google is celebrating John Venn’s 180th birthday with its logo today. If you miss Venn diagrams, this one is for you.
MCDCC Metrics
The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) has undergone major change since the 2010 Democratic primary in the wake of discontent by government employee unions–SEIU, FOP and the Firefighters–coordinated with the Montgomery County Young Democrats (MCYD), as detailed in a series of earlier posts.
How can we measure the success of MCDCC in the future?
1. Fundraising
New MCDCC Chair Kevin Walling has promised a “comprehensive finance plan.” Of course, the proof is not in the planning but in the dollars raised. I look forward to comparing the financial success of MCDCC next year compared to past years.
2. Precinct Organization
Similarly, promises have been made to revamp the precinct organization and make it more inclusive. Next year, MCDCC should compare both the number of vacancies then and now as well as the diversity of the precinct organization.
3. Field Organization
MCDCC Chair Kevin Walling also campaigned for the position with the ambitious promise of developing a “strong field plan” beyond the precinct organization. He has three months before this year’s general election to organize–not a lot of time but this will be a great test of how nimble the new MCDCC is. MCDCC should measure how many field hours it organizes beyond those contributed by precinct officials this year and 2016.
4. Policymaking
One of the trickiest areas that MCDCC faces is taking positions on issues. Many new members have expressed interest in MCDCC going beyond the already controversial ballot measures endorsement process to take positions on other issues as a means of motivating greater participation and out of a belief that the party organization should lead.
Questions: On what issues will MDCCC take positions? Will it develop a formal process or just do it on the fly? How will it deal with the conflict between elected officials and outside supporters? Last time, the precinct officials solidly supported the position of the officials on the sample ballot. Will the Central Committee overrule the views of the broader organization?
Goodbye to Tell Me More
Like many people, I listen to the radio while I’m driving. I often flip over to WAMU 88.5 and check out the program. Tell Me More, a program focused on issues particularly of concern to minorities, especially African Americans, and women.
Though I was not necessarily part of the target demographic for Tell Me More, I found myself catching the program frequently and enjoying it. Its excellent host, Michel Martin, never shied away from questioning guests from all points of view or nuances around many of today’s complex social questions. She combines her probing mind with a deep respect for all opinions.
Although Tell Me More met its targets for getting picked up by stations around the country, it had a relatively small audience. Like Talk of the Nation, it was a victim of NPR’s budget cuts needed to staunch the network’s budget deficit and aired its final show on Friday.
Fortunately, Michel Martin will remain with the network with a focus on bringing similar issues to NPR. Like many, however, I will miss this particular high-quality platform and join the many others who have already expressed regret at the end–for now–of Tell Me More.
Hoyer Receives Democracy Award
From IFES (the International Foundation for Electoral Systems):
Congressman Steny Hoyer, a member of the IFES Board of Directors, is the U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 5th congressional district. Representative Hoyer, the current Democratic Whip, has been a member of the House Democratic leadership since 2002 and is a widely-respected voice on foreign policy and international affairs. As the former chair and current ranking Democrat on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission), he has consistently championed human rights, individual freedom and democracy around the world. Congressman Hoyer was a critical figure in the 2002 passage of the Help America Vote Act, guiding this comprehensive election reform legislation through the House of Representatives. Congressman Hoyer also played an important role in the passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a historic piece of civil rights legislation that helped millions of Americans with disabilities enter the work force. He has a long history of working to promote and protect individual liberty and democratic rights.
“IFES continues to play an important role promoting democracy and human rights around the world, and I am humbled to be receiving this year’s Manatt Award. As a former Chair of the Helsinki Commission and a member of the House Democratic Leadership, I have been proud to stand up for America’s role as a beacon of freedom and representative government. As people across the world take risks to shed the light of democracy into the darkest corners of oppressive regimes, they must know that the Congress of the United States stands in solidarity with them as they struggle to win a voice for the voiceless and turn hope into action,” said Representative Hoyer.
“From his support for the Help America Vote Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act to his consistent advocacy for freedom and democracy, Representative Hoyer has made a critical impact on a number of issues that are important to IFES’ work around world,” said IFES Board of Directors Chair Peter G. Kelly. He added, “Steny has been my friend for many years. What you see from him is what you get, and that is a great deal. We are honored to not only have him on our board of directors, but to award him with the 2014 Democracy Award.”
Sen Jerry Moran (R-KS) is the co-recipient of this award from this nonpartisan organization.
Torres Defends O’Malley in WaPo
CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres wrote a letter to the editor of the Washington Post defending Gov. O’Malley’s actions on undocumented children:
The July 28 editorial “Mr. O’Malley’s rhetoric — and reality” implied that Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) needs to do more to confront the immigrant crisis at the border, relying, in part, on a quote from me. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The governor has used his national profile at the most critical moment to refocus the conversation appropriately. This is a crisis of children fleeing unthinkable situations, kids that deserve our support. Mr. O’Malley was the first nationally prominent Democrat to challenge the White House’s attempt to roll back due-process protections for children, and, thanks in part to his leadership, many congressional leaders and prominent state representatives now agree.
Maryland has had the largest per-capita placement of unaccompanied minors by the federal government, with 2,205 sponsored children this year, according to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Maryland has jurisdictions that are solidly progressive, solidly right-wing and in the middle. Those that are solidly progressive are most amenable to addressing this crisis in a humane fashion. We believe, like the governor, that these are the locations where children should be housed before they are hopefully united with family members or placed in foster care. This is not, as The Post implied, political expediency.