Posted on behalf of Betsy Johnson, Maryland Chapter Political Chair
What an election! 2 of our 3 endorsed candidates won really tough races with lots of money sloshing around against them. Chris Van Hollen won big and will go on to win the General - but, of course, he will need our help there too. Jamie Raskin squeaked by David Trone (who spent $12 million of his own money to buy this election). What could be sweeter than to have grassroots and hard work defeat big money? Having canvassed for Jamie every weekend for months, I can say that it was very energizing to be working with so many other people who were so dedicated to Jamie. The Sierra Club got a shout out from Jamie in his victory speech. I’m sorry that we couldn’t make it 3 for 3 with Joseline Pena-Melnyk suffering a loss to Anthony Brown in District 4. But she ran a great race and we’re proud to have endorsed her. Thankfully, she’ll still be fighting for our issues in Annapolis!
We had about 25 Sierra Club volunteers distribute our endorsement cards at the polls both during early voting and on primary day. The cards, listing our federal endorsements, were well received by a number of voters - I heard positive things from our volunteers on how voters appreciated the information - and I know we turned a number of votes with them.
We always knew coming into this race that we would lose one good voice in the Congress. And we are sorry to have to say goodbye to Donna Edwards. I know she has a number of supporters in the Sierra Club who are very disappointed in the Senate result. And you have my sympathy. It’s hard to see someone as talented as Donna removed from the action. But, I hope we can all be united around Chris Van Hollen for the general. He will be running against Kathy Szeliga currently a state delegate with a lifetime score of 19% on the MD-LCV scorecard. She voted against us on fracking and on climate change among other things. I don’t think there could be a more clearcut choice.
If you would like to be added to our political forum listserve - which is a discussion listserve that doesn’t have a whole lot of traffic but receives periodic posts on election information and activities please let me know via email (betsy.johnson@mdsierra.org) and I’ll add you. You must be a Sierra Club member to be on the MD political forum listserve.
So - now it’s time to celebrate our wins, mourn our losses and get on with our lives.
I’m so proud of Sierra Club’s role in the election!