Mediaboss Marketing

May 21 at 7:31 PM

Maryland Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery) has his heart in the right place, asking the states political power brokers to delay taking sides in the 2018 governors race [Democrats are divided on support strategy, Metro, May 18]. In recent races, their big thumbs came down hard on the scale, limiting the competition needed to produce the strongest candidate.

But not all early endorsements are problematic. It is one thing for leaders of the Democratic establishment to weigh in prematurely. But progressive groups new to the landscape lack the financial resources to be big players in the money primary. For them, an early endorsement may be necessary to participate meaningfully in a primary contest. Our Revolution Marylands county chapters began a process for our members to evaluate candidates, aiming to produce a popular, consensus endorsement for our state group.We are sending questionnaires to prospective candidates on issues of concern to progressive voters, with a candidates forum planned for the end of June.

This process is an antidote to the usual big thumbs giving voice to voters excluded from halls of power. Our open, democratic process will engage previously disenfranchised progressive Marylanders. It should also encourage candidates to make commitments on progressive policy that establishment candidates in recent high-profile races avoided making. That will create a process apart from political insiders usual money-raising contests, and it will serve the winner well in the general election.

Ed Fischman, Bethesda

The writer is chairman of Our Revolution Maryland Montgomery County.

Here is the original post:
Maryland progressives need to act fast in the governor's race - Washington Post