Given the significant boost Representative Andy Harris received with the addition of mostly Republican communities into the newly expanded 1st Congressional district, it is a bit surprising that three Democratic candidates have come forward to challenge him in the November election.
The Spy has been closely following two of these candidates, Wendy Rosen from Cockeysville and John LaFerla of Chestertown, at party forums throughout the district. They also have contributed to our “Ask the Candidates” articles over the last few weeks with mostly thoughtful and serious responses, and we are grateful to both campaigns for doing so. Sadly, the third candidate, Kim Letke, did not respond to our requests to participate.
Not surprisingly, both Ms. Rosen and Dr. LaFerla are in agreement on most, if not all, policy issues. Both candidates emerge as generally moderate, showing strong support for the Obama Administration’s Affordable Health Care Act, deficit reduction plans, Iran and Afghanistan, while also firmly in line with Democratic party positions on reproductive rights and same sex marriages. Whatever differences exist, they are not significant enough to highlight here.
They also share the fact that they are both political novices. While it is honorable and inspiring that Ms. Rosen and Dr. LaFerla have entered this race, despite limited resources or battle tested campaign organizations, they both face a steep, and at times painful, learning curve that inevitably handicaps both campaigns as they look to a fall election against Dr. Harris.
The only significant difference seems to rest on style. Dr. LaFerla, perhaps showing his years of consulting with patients, seems mild-mannered in tone, while Ms. Rosen displays a feistiness and passion that has served her well in the world of business. Both styles have positives and negatives in light of Dr. Harris’ own political weaknesses and strengths.
Where we believe Dr. LaFerla may have an advantage is with his experience related to national health care. As the oral arguments made this week at the Supreme Court on “Obamacare” made clear, there remains profound differences in this country on the methods and legal strategies needed to manage health care costs. A candidate that matches, or even exceeds, Dr. Harris’ own experience in the health field is a compelling reason to support Dr. LaFerla next Tuesday.
Regardless who wins the Democratic nomination, the road remains an uphill one for the victor of Tuesday’s election. Dr. Harris, no matter how misguided and extreme his political agenda might seem, remains a well-financed incumbent capable of an aggressive and well-executed campaign. We hope the successful candidate will continue to rapidly assimilate to the world of politics so that the fall election is a competitive one.
CARLA MASSONI says
Thank you for covering the primary and for your “Ask the Candidates” forum. I agree with your sentiments and wish we had a “seasoned” candidate to take on Harris. I will however vote for Ms. Rosen. Her positions on jobs, small business, arts advocacy, her support of essential healthcare issues, and the very “feistiness and passion” you cite will stand her in good stead should she win the nomination. Best wishes to all the candidates and my thanks for your willingness to serve the 1st Congressional District.
Jim says
I tell my right-wing friends I am glad they live in Maryland, because their vote for president will not matter.
I am afraid that the tables are turned on me here in the First District.
If I see evidence that it WILL matter, I will be more enthusiastic in my support of Dr. LaFerla. He’s a good guy.
As of now, it looks like we are taking one for the team, nationally.
On a positive note, Doctor Congressman Harris will continue to serve as a bad example.
Norm Dulak says
As long as Congressman Harris remains in office, I will have no representative for my views. I will support whichever Democrat is selected to oppose Harris, and hope for the best. If our system is to endure, we cannot have individuals representing us who dig in their heals, and take pledges assuring that they will not be able to govern. Successful government demands reasonable give and take (i.e., compromise) for the common good, and we do not have that now.