this post replaces a version I published earlier this evening – this revision is not of the substance, but rather of the form
Will Jawando is a candidate for one of three delegate seats in Maryland’s District 20. Valerie Ervin wants us to vote for him as her model candidate:
- He’s ambitious. If you liked how Valerie Ervin quit mid-term to plot her path toward greater glory, you’d love how Jawando would be running for Congress from his first day as delegate.
- He’s unqualified: What connection is there between being White House staff and Maryland politics? Not much. Jawando has never done five minutes of work for our district and our community. He was born here. So what? So was Will Smith.
- He’s weak: Jawando would be nowhere without Ervin’s backing, meaning that if he is elected he will follow her to the ends of the earth. Jawando’s debt to Ervin will come at the expense of D20.
As if this weren’t enough, Jawando has begun badmouthing D20 delegation dean, Sheila Hixson (ahem) Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee (ahem) when he’s out door-knocking. He’s apparently telling folks that Hixson is over the hill and needs to pack it in. What’s dumb about this strategy?
- Jawando’s simply wrong. Hixson is totally with it. She’s vigorous, healthy, and eager to continue using her considerable political power on behalf of our district and our values.
- Hixson is going to win. Which means that if D20 voters somehow also put Jawando in office, he will have alienated the person he would most need to collaborate with to be even marginally effective in office. It’s practically Politics 101 not to go negative in a race for multiple seats – for very little upside, making enemies just ain’t worth it.
- Taking on one of the most powerful politicians in the state for no apparent reason is hardly recommended political behavior.
There are many attractive D20 candidates. Why choose Will?
©2014 Keith Berner
