'M.O.M.' is the word for Maryland Democrats

June 02, 2010|By ANDREW SCHOTZ

By Ric Dugan/Staff Photographer,

HAGERSTOWN -- This year, Maryland Democrats have "M.O.M.," the party chair said Wednesday in Washington County.

Chairwoman Susan W. Turnbull said the party is well positioned in money, organization and message, the three parts of the M.O.M. acronym.

The Democratic Party in Maryland has more money than it's ever had going into an election, she said at Wednesday's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

Those factors, she said, will steer the party as it attempts to re-elect its main "MOM" - Gov. Martin O'Malley.

O'Malley's second in command, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, was the keynote speaker at this year's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, an annual celebration and rallying point for Democrats in counties across the state.

About 125 local Democrats attended Washington County's event at Hagerstown Elks Lodge #378 on Robinwood Drive.

Brown spoke of the accomplishments of the O'Malley administration in education, fiscal management and other areas.

But, "we can't do this alone. Elections matter," he said.

He urged Democrats at the local levels to work the phones, go door to door and make the best use of social networking.

At a time when public officials and institutions are not always held in high regard, "the power and prestige of individuals" still is effective, Brown said.

Brown also spoke at last year's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Washington County.

While introducing Brown, a friend and former Annapolis colleague, Del. John P. Donoghue attacked former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, a Republican, as someone who pledged not to raise taxes, yet increased numerous fees.

O'Malley defeated Ehrlich in the 2006 election.

Brown said he and O'Malley considered it "a great day" when Ehrlich decided to run again this year because they consider his record in office easy to beat.

Donoghue also praised Democrat Brien J. Poffenberger, who is running for the Subdistrict 2B delegate seat, saying he'd make a good member of the Annapolis team of Donoghue and Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington.

Patricia Heck, the Washington County Democratic Central Committee chairwoman, said the party should have candidates in every race in this year's elections.

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