I was way off on my projection, except for pointing out that Shonn Greene is overrated, but the Ravens win has me in a great mood.
Are you ready for some primary voting results? My heart goes out to all the candidates, who are probably very anxious today. I hope that when it is all done, the name plaque that you fought for was worth it, and that you kept your integrity as you crossed the finish line. If you win, good on ya. If you lose, I hope you don't fade back into obscurity. Howard County is a great place to live because people care about how it is run and the direction it is headed. While the "Columbia Pioneers" group frustrates me, I respect their right to be heard and express a viewpoint different than my own.
After today, Democrats are going to be talking to one another about "Healing this party," but I'm not sure that all of these wounds will heal. This has been a bitter primary, and, if you don't mind me saying so, I think it has shown cracks in the wall of the Democrat establishment here in HoCo. One of your incumbent Councilmembers, who drafted and voted on legislation supported by your County Executive, was challenged by a candidate supported by a former County Executive and current State Delegate. I can't say that it shows inroads for Republicans to run in Columbia, but if I'm a Democrat in Howard County, I don't know how much I will be listening to party leadership on just about anything. I'll be looking out for me.
LINKS:
In a deep blue state, the party primaries end up deciding most of the state elections. That's disappointing to me. Not because I'm a Republican, but because a primary is normally a contest between who is "Blue" enough. Extremes are rewarded. It moves us further left. (And can you tell me that not ONE HoCo Delegate candidate ran with a Direct Shipping plank? Hopefully that will change after today).
Speaking of one-party rule, State Senator Ulysses Currie would like public defenders to represent him in his federal corruption trial. Looks like he's not finished using government resources for personal gain.
The Baltimore Rape Reporting Saga continues, as reports increase 20% in response to the policy shift. This is all the more sad when you figure that those 20% would have been turned away a few months ago.
Alan Klein says "every statistical sign I see is positive" when discussing his primary challenge of Mary Kay Sigaty. This was at a picnic for Liz Bobo, where Ben Cardin announced that he is a "Liz Bobo fan." Ben Cardin seems to be a fan of everybody.
Also in that piece, Mark Jascewsky discusses the GOP effort to establish a precinct structure to help candidates in future elections (and maybe lend a hand for the last two months of this one). Mark has clearly put a lot of thought and work into this, and I think it is terrific. This is the kind of smart organization that a political party is supposed to offer its candidates. Not sound and fury.
Larry also writes about the Dem's "Confidence in Zee." Said otherwise, "Ken Ulman's Grudge Against Greg Fox." Larry says a lot by writing little here. An event for Dr. Beams was held in a "huge" model home...but attended by 40 people. In response to those that would say Dr. Beams can't win (particularly on a platform of issues that have nothing to do with the Council), she responds "If we get the unaffiliated voters, we're golden. We're going to take District 5 for the Democrats." Could you please listen to yourself? You're not going to be getting independent voters so long as you are treating District 5 like King of the Hill. Are you going to plant a big blue "D" flag in West Friendship? I'm pretty sure independent voters base their vote on the issues, and unfortunately for Dr. Beams, that is her weak spot. All that said, I did hear that Dr. Beams is incredibly popular in Olney.
HowChow reviews Red Pearl's Dim Sum, which I hope is better than their Sino-American food.
Tell Your Neighbors has a bunch of posts about events you should be attending.
Sarah has some bison burgers from MOM's.
Wordbones notes that our new corporate neighbor will be named after eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes. More accurately, it will just be taking back on the mantle of a previous generation. I thought it would have been nice to get "Rouse" back into it, but I think everyone has worn out that poor man's name over the past two years.
Columbia 2.0 has some very strong words about the primary election for all you Dems.
The obligatory plea: If you are reading my website, it probably means you care about local politics. That interest means nothing if you don't vote. My favorite political fable comes from a little-known TV show called "The Simpsons." Bart, a young protagonist with spiky hair, is running for class president. He has the support of just about all of his classmates and looks ready to cruise into electoral victory. However, on election day, both he and his supporters are so confident that none of them vote, and he loses by two votes. The only two votes that are cast. You never know when an election is going to come down to a handful of votes. The "interested parties" have their voice amplified when the average voter stays at home. Get out and vote!
