William Campbell was the GOP candidate for Comptroller of Maryland in 2010. Campbell has 2 decades of Chief Financial Officer experience, including stints as CFO for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). He has decided to throw his name in the ring as a candidate for MD GOP Chair. Below are his answers to some of my questions about the direction of the State GOP and the issues facing the party.

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to run for the Maryland Republican Party Chairman?
William H. Campbell: The Maryland Republican Party is in a precarious position. We are outnumbered by a two to one ratio for voter registration by the Democrats, have been pummeled in the recent general election, and are split into several factions. These are perilous times for us. We need to reform our party in a manner that will unite us into a cohesive and competitive team. If we fail Maryland will continue its downward economic spiral.We will need a Chair that can unite the disparate factions, formulate a comprehensive plan for the next five years, and be an effective administrator of a volunteer organization. I believe that I am well qualified to fill that role.

MRN: How do you feel that the State Party performed during the 2010 election?
WHC: As I stated previously, we were pummeled. We lost every statewide contest by wide margins in spite of having excellent candidates. Andy Harris’ victory for the U.S. House of Representatives was an exception. Although we made gains in local elections this cannot take the sting out of the 2010 election results. We continue to be a marginal entity in Maryland politics.

MRN: How do you feel your experiences in the private sector help you for the role of State Party Chairman?
WHC: I am an excellent administrator, and I will be able to organize, plan and execute our rebuilding and prepare us for the 2012 election cycle. I have been the National President of the 18,000 member American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) twice, a volunteer member organization that has many similarities with the MDGOP. I transformed ASMC from an organization that was financially challenged into a well funded one with substantial financial reserves.

MRN: What are your thoughts on outgoing Chair Audrey Scott?
WHC: I like and respect Audrey, and believe that she did a great job under very trying circumstances.

MRN: What do you feel is the most important role of the GOP State Central Committee?
WHC: The MDGOP must provide the infrastructure and resources to train, develop, and support a full slate of highly qualified Republican candidates and win elections. We cannot continue to leave Democrats unopposed, or faced by inadequately funded Republican candidates.

MRN: What would be your top priority if selected as the next Chair of the State Central Committee?
WHC: My top priority will be to unify the various factions of our party into an effective and successful political movement. Party unity and cohesion are absolutely crucial for us to win the Offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, and control of the General Assembly.

MRN: What is your opinion on Rule 11s role in the 2010 election cycle?
WHC: I cannot think of any good reason to ever waive Rule 11. The recent instance where we did so was a disaster. It caused a deep wound that lingers still. Every Republican candidate should receive their nomination as a result of a competitive contest. This allows for complete vetting of both the candidates and their positions.

MRN: What do you think the Republican Party should do to make inroads/grow the party in traditionally heavily Democratic areas like Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, and Baltimore City?
WHC: We have to do a comprehensive outreach and education effort to reach unaffiliated voters, and soft Democrats in these three jurisdictions. We need an approach that highlights how responsible management of the State’s finances and economy will benefit them. Merely reciting our values and policy positions will not gain their attention and support. We must start immediately and be persistent.

We cannot be successful if we only visit these jurisdictions during the election cycle. This will be the most difficult task that we will undertake, but it is crucial to our future success. We will remain a minority, marginalized party if we do not move our voter registration toward parity with the Democrats.

MRN: As someone relatively new to the political scene, how do you plan to raise the funds necessary to keep the party operating?
WHC: Fund raising is always difficult, particularly between election cycles and when your party is not in power. That said, I have the ability to concentrate a significant amount of time to fundraising. In partnership with the State Central Committee, I would develop a comprehensive budget to determine what our financing needs will be, and use those annual figures to focus our fundraising campaign. I would make early courtesy calls on our traditional donors, and explore the use of social media to reach small donors and expand our donor base.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want to ensure the Central Committee members and general party members know about you and your campaign?
WHC: Although the MDGOP is in a difficult position, we have the opportunity to rebuild our party and have a successful and sustainable future. This will require us to harmonize the activities of the various MDGOP factions. We need a Chair to lead the effort, who is not viewed as an advocate for any faction, and who has the respect of all parties. I traveled across the State and received over 691,000 votes. I believe that I will have the support of all Maryland Republicans to be a successful MDGOP Chair.

I thank Mr. Campbell for his time and wish him luck in his bid for MD GOP Chair. If you’d like to learn more, check out his other interview at RedMaryland.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant.

Montgomery County GOP Chair Mark Uncapher recently announced a bid for Treasurer of the Maryland GOP. He sent me an email to me detailing the reasons he decided to run. I asked if he was willing to answer some of my questions in an email-based interview. What follows are his answers:

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to run for MD GOP Treasurer?
Mark Uncapher: I have been frustrated by the in-fighting among the State Party leadership during the past four years that has spilled in the press, including the contentious relationship for the Republican legislative leadership. While I had hoped that the party had finally “turned the corner” in the past year, I was disappointed by the failure of State Leadership to complete the necessary procedural steps that would have allowed us to designate a candidate for Attorney General.

MRN: How do you feel that the state party performed in the 2010 election cycle?
MU: We need to be honest with ourselves that Maryland Republicans did not perform as well as Republicans have done in other “Blue States” given the 2010 political environment. While we regained a House seat, the losses in the State Senate balanced by the gains in the House are essentially a push.

MRN: What are your thoughts on incumbent Treasurer Chris Rosenthal?
MU: Chris is a competent professional who unfortunately sees his “client” as being the immediate leadership of the party, rather than the Central Committee has a whole.

MRN: How do you feel your background will help qualify you for the position of MD GOP Treasurer?
MU: In addition to having held a variety of party offices, in both government and in the private sector, I have held a number of positions with financial management responsibility.

Over the course of my professional career, I have served in a variety of financial management positions in both the public and private sector. My past work includes:

Being responsible for providing staff review of New York City’s financial plan for the state’s Financial Control Board as Assistant Counsel to the New York State Comptroller,

Managing the technical accounting staff responsible for contractor financial reporting; compliance and financial audits for a $500 million entity, and

Serving as the principal staff member for Congressional oversight of the federal Inspectors General as Counsel to the House Subcommittee on Government Management.

MRN: What would be your top priority if selected as the next Treasurer of the State Central Committee?
MU: Increased transparency and better communication with Central Committee members.

MRN: What do you feel are the challenges that are facing the State Central Committee financially?
MU: We need too follow the example of more effective “Blue State” parties that win elections despite a challenging political environment. This includes developing and maintaining a base from like-minded supporters.

MRN: You mentioned that you “…found the financial reporting by the current Treasurer to be deficient at an especially critical time…” in your experience as a Montgomery County GOP Chair. Would you mind explaining that further?
MU: In July 2009 prior to a critical Executive Committee meeting Chris Cavey encouraged State Executive Committee members to contact Chris Rosenthal to learn more about the party’s financial position. Yet when I tried to do so, Chris Rosenthal effectively contradicted Chris Cavey. At a time when the party leadership needed unvarnished information about our finances, as an Executive Committee member, I could not get the specific detail requested from the Treasurer.

Yet just a few weeks later I learned that Chris Rosenthal was actively contemplating in the making a recommendation that the Maryland State Republican Party consider seek bankruptcy “protection.”

MRN: What do you feel is the most important visible role of the State Party Treasurer?
MRN: Do you have some specific ideas to improve upon the office of MD GOP Treasurer / to benefit the MD GOP’s finances?
MU: Combined response for #8 & #9: A successful political party requires a team effort. I look forward to working with the other committee members whose names have been circulated as running for the other offices. But we need more transparency and openness.

MRN: What’s the one thing you want to ensure Central Committee members know about your campaign / bid for Treasurer?
MU: I know that Conservatives and Republicans can win in a “Blue State” because I have been involved in multiple successful efforts to do it.

For example, from 1978 through 1990 I was a senior political operative for with the only person who has ever won four statewide elections in New York running on the Republican and Conservative Party lines. In 1993 and 1994 as Finance Chairman of the Brooklyn Republican Party, I was actively involved with the successful election of a Republican Mayor and Governor in New York.

I thank Chairman Uncapher for his time and I wish him luck in his bid for MD GOP Treasurer. He is a highly qualified candidate and again, I thank him.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant.

Sam Hale is the 25 year old founder of the conservative action group the Maryland Society of Patriots. Hale is a conservative activist who was heavily involved in Brian Murphy’s primary campaign for Governor of Maryland. I asked him if he’d be willing to answer some questions on the issues facing the Maryland GOP and his platform if elected Chair of the Maryland GOP. His answers are below:

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to run for Maryland Republican Party Chairman?
Sam Hale: Being involved in the Murphy Campaign, I have learned what a powerful position the MDGOP Chair is, and how important it is to have the right person in that position. The Maryland Society of Patriots has been closely monitoring the race since rumors of Audrey’s resignation started. After seeing our hopeful candidates drop out one by one, we decided it was the right thing to do to make sure our voice was heard. It is vital that Maryland have a strong GOP in order for it to remain a livable environment for freedom-loving Americans. If the GOP does not begin to embrace the conservative movement that swept Republicans into power across the country on November 2nd, it will inevitably fail. I am running to try to make sure that does not happen.

MRN: How do you feel that the State Party performed during the 2010 election-cycle?
SH: I was happy to see Andy Harris elected and disappointed but not surprised by the other results. My complete commentary is available at our blog here.

MRN: How do you feel your experiences, including those with founding the Maryland Society of Patriots, helps qualify you for the role of State Party Chairman?
SH: My role with the Maryland Society of Patriots has already given me a vast knowledge of grassroots activism and community organizing. I feel this is what the party needs to restore in order to be successful. MSOP has allowed me to gain an extensive knowledge of how to effectively spread a message within a neighborhood, town or county. I hope to not only bring this knowledge and enthusiasm to the GOP but also MSOP itself and every other conservative grassroots group in the state.

MRN: What are your thoughts on outgoing Chair Audrey Scott?
SH: Audrey Scott has been a successful fundraiser and has fulfilled her role as chairman. Several of her decisions, however, alienated a sizable part of the Republican base and allowed the most passionate wing of the party to become detached. Her focus on incumbency protection and decision to over-ride rule 11 stifled debate and new ideas and made conservatives feel like they were not on the same side as the GOP.

While Audrey’s brief chairmanship has several measurable successes. It did not translate into election results. If the Maryland Republican Party hopes to overcome the incredible obstacles in front of us, we need to not only build on Audrey’s successes but also take the party in a new direction. That direction needs to be to the right, toward traditional Republican principles.

MRN: What do you feel is the most important role of the GOP State Central Committee?
SH: The most important role and responsibility of everyone from the RNC to the central committees is to win elections. The MDGOP needs to figure out how to win elections and move the party forward. While fundraising is important, it is simply a tool to achieve the ultimate goal. When we judge the state central committee we need to judge it on how many Republicans have been elected in proportion to the rest of the country.

MRN: What would be your top priority if selected as the next Chair of the State Central Committee?
SH: My top priority will be installing a Republican grassroots network across Maryland. I believe my biggest contribution to the party will be my ability to involve and relate to the increasing number of conservative grassroots groups in Maryland that are not currently working with the GOP. This will allow the party to continue to work to grow its enthusiasm, base and register new Republicans even in off election years. In order to be competitive in Maryland again we must change the political landscape against us. We cannot rely on the media to spread our ideas, we must begin to use the grassroots that already exist to make our elections winnable.

This is not achievable simply by reaching out. The party must gain the trust of the tea party and commit to their values. Electing a conservative chairman, like myself, will send that message.

MRN: As a younger Republican, what do you feel that the party can do to reach out to younger voters?
SH: The party needs to set a clear ideological separation from the democrats and present meaningful contrast. History has proven that the ideas of the left have consistently failed and are failing now. Our young people are well educated and generally intelligent for the most part. We need to enable the young Republicans to say “This is wrong, this is why, and this is how we fix it.” Let’s present a clear choice and let them make the decision. My 20 year old sister recently wrote a brilliant blog on the problems with welfare reform and the hypocrisy of the left’s ideology (marylandpatriots.org). She is a product of the public school system, but was presented a clear choice between right and left. Clearly, she made the right one.

MRN: What is your opinion on Rule 11 and its role in the 2010 election cycle?
SH: I am a former Murphy staffer. I felt if was ridiculous. Not only was it a clear violation of the rules but a completely unnecessary procedure that alienated the entire conservative grassroots network. I think it played a significant role in the margin of Ehrlich’s defeat.

MRN: What do you think the Republican Party should do to help make inroads / grow the party in traditionally heavily Democratic areas like Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City?
SH: I was inspired that Brian Murphy received more votes in Montgomery County than in any other in the September primaries. I was even more inspired that Jim Rutledge won Montgomery County in the Senate primary. Despite party opposition (toward Murphy) and a very liberal county central committee, two conservatives made significant inroads in the county. The reason being the incredible grassroots networks both campaigns installed in the region.

The conservative message is a winner. We are right and they are wrong. We need to enable our people to present clear contrast with the left and install a grassroots network to spread the message. The ideas are an easy sell, we just need to get the word out. The media will not help us. Fundraising will only go so far. The only way to make inroads in these incredibly entrenched areas is to involve, empower and focus the grassroots conservative network in Maryland.

MRN: As someone relatively new to the political scene in terms of organizing / running campaigns, how do you plan to raise the funds necessary to keep the party operating?
SH: I feel we (MSOP) have been very successful in our previous ventures with the Maryland Society of Patriots, what we were able to accomplish with the Murphy/Rutledge campaigns and our work with AFP. I believe this was possible because we are eager to learn, energetic, passionate and innovative. I hope to bring this energy to all aspects of the party, including fundraising. I plan on learning from Audrey, surrounding myself with the state’s most adept fundraisers and using that knowledge to continue and build on our recent successes.

Electing a conservative chairman will also dramatically increase the overall number of donors to the party. There are thousands of people in this state, who only donate directly to candidates because they do not trust the party to support the right candidates. Grassroots enthusiasm does not only apply to campaign activities and people are eager to donate money to a cause they believe can make a positive impact.

I believe I will not only be able to effectively fundraise but am capable of expanding our current efforts.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want to ensure that Central Committee members and general party members know about you and your campaign?
SH: There are thousands of people across Maryland who want to work for the MDGOP but will not support it in its current state. We need to take advantage of the nation’s conservative upheaval while it is still at full swing.

I will be able to bring in all aspects of this movement quickly if elected. I firmly believe the GOP can have the message and the grassroots support to become competitive again in Maryland. The structure and message, however, need to be changed.

I thank Mr. Hale for his time to answer my questions and wish him luck in his bid for MD GOP Party Chair. Again, I welcome any candidate for MD GOP Chair who is willing to answer my questions.

Cross-posted from Old Line Elephant

Mike P. Estève is a Loyola College student, the current Maryland Federation of College Republican Chair, and an active candidate for MD GOP State Party Chair. He’s 20 years old and highly motivated. I asked him if he was willing to answer a few of my questions on the issues facing the party and his goals if selected as Chairman.

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to run for Maryland Republican Party Chairman?
Mike P. Estève: Over the last three weeks, I was working on putting a slate together for MD GOP leadership and quickly observed that many of the viable chairman candidates were uncomfortable associating themselves with the state party in such an official capacity. It was evident that most people recognized that, with the imminent redistricting, things are only going to get harder before they get better – no one wants to be in charge during such a time. At this point, I recognized the need for an infusion of energy and enthusiasm – we need Marylanders focusing on this race as the MD GOP Chairman will hold the greatest responsibility for Republicans’ fate in Maryland over the next four years. One thing is for certain: the window of opportunity for Maryland Republicans to hope for future victories is closing quickly. The next Chair will determine the fate of the Party. As such, I consulted with numerous friends and supporters who expressed great enthusiasm for a younger, energized candidacy, and announced last Thursday.

MRN: How do you feel that the State Party performed during the 2010 election cycle?
MPE: The Party line is that we picked up forty seats when counting the localities and counties. In my book, that’s window-dressing on a house that’s missing a roof. We lost the governor’s race by fourteen points, as well as two senate seats, including Alex Mooney’s which was a safe GOP seat. I congratulate the winners and acknowledge the successes, but, overall, the election was an embarrassment.

MRN: How do you feel your experiences in the Maryland Federation of College Republicans helps qualify you for the role of State Party Chairman?
MPE: Before my involvement in the MFCR last year, we had five active chapters. Since then, we have doubled that number and increased statewide membership to well over a thousand students. Over the last seven months, we had College Republicans active in campaigns at every level of government across the state contributing in every capacity from literature droppers and receptionists to campaign managers and county coordinators. I was very proud of our chapter chairs who deserve the credit for our tremendous growth and involvement in the election. That is the type of energy, growth and management that we need for a turnaround of the MD GOP.

MRN: What are your thoughts on outgoing Chair Audrey Scott?
MPE: I have nothing but sincere respect and admiration for the Chairman. She came into a mess of a Party that was deeply in debt and highly factionalized. She united the Party, dug us out of debt, established a fulltime fundraising and political staff, raised seven victory centers statewide, and left us in the black when it was all said and done. As far as I’m concerned, she met all of her campaign promises and did a phenomenal job. She was just the right Chair at the right time. Now that chapter has come to a close and the Party has different needs. I believe the Chairman recognizes this, which is why she is not pursuing reelection.

MRN: What do you feel is the most important role of the GOP State Central Committee?
MPE: Grow the Party. We cannot win elections statewide if we don’t experiment and try new ways to share our message and build as an organization. Every county is different, but regardless of whether a particular county’s most active Republican body is its Central Committee or Republican Club(s), we need to build the Party from the ground up. CCs and RCs need to be out every weekend door-knocking at consistent GOP voters’ doors, getting them activated. In the last election cycle, I saw a number of brand new activists, literally recruited by a door-knocker to attend a club meeting, become a Central Committee member within six months. We must be growing the Party at all times. Every new member of a Club and every vacancy filled in a Central Committee is another warm body making phone calls or door-knocking in two to four years.

MRN: What would be your top priority if selected as the next Chair of the State Central Committee?
MPE: Fundraise. Fundraise. Fundraise.

MRN: As a 20 year old Republican, what do you feel that the party can do to reach out to younger voters?
MPE: Make them feel welcomed and useful. Our young members are often the most thoughtful, hardworking, and creative. We have to understand that not all young people are the same. Some will sit on a couch their whole youth and play videogames. Others will run for State Party Chairman. We need to recognize that those who do want to get involved are the ones who will work the hardest. The advantage to being young is that you are often too little worn, bitter, and disgruntled, to recognize the impossibility of the task ahead. The disadvantage the Democrats in Maryland have is that their slow attrition rate makes Party promotion (and even the need) for youth activists almost negligible. For the Republicans, this is hardly the case. We must capitalize on our smaller size and more abundant opportunities to involve and engage the youth.

MRN: What is your opinion on Rule 11 and its role in the 2010 election cycle?
MPE: I would allow for a Rule 11 only if extreme circumstances called for it, and only if the State Central Committee voted in majority approval. The problem with Rule 11 in 2010 was that the state leadership signed onto it prior to consulting with the State Central Committee, which should never have occurred. central committee had no say in the matter, which should never occur.

MRN: What do you think the Republican Party should do to help make inroads / grow the party in traditionally heavily Democratic areas like Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City?
MPE: Our major defeats in PG, Montgomery, and Baltimore City showed us two things. First, we know that predominantly minority counties will not cross party lines unless they are strongly motivated to do so. Second, we know that running a minority candidate of our own isn’t the right type of motivation (based on the returns we saw from Michael Steele’s 2006 race) – they need a Democrat to be persuaded. If we are serious about making inroads in these counties, we would have to have a split-ticket gubernatorial slate, preferably with at least one minority candidate, and a very popular Democrat from one of those regions – fortunately, there are a number of tolerable Democrats who could be suitable for such a ticket. As MD GOP Chair, however, I would have to say it would be next to impossible to convince a number of Maryland conservatives of the merits of such a ticket.

MRN: As someone relatively new to the political scene, how do you plan to raise the funds necessary to keep the party operating?
MPE: Three things on fundraising: 1. Over the last year, the State Party has rightly expanded and shallowed their donor base. In other words, rather than being dependant on fifty donors for ten-thousand dollar donations, we’re moving in the direction of receiving fifty dollar donations from ten-thousand donors. This creates a much more stable and reliable donor base and that is precisely the direction in which I want to take our State Party – more in the direction of grassroots fundraising.

2. It is not unhistorical that the State Party appoints fundraising directors to reach out to a broader donor base. I have spoken with numerous such potential fundraising directors over the last two weeks, and it is clear that we have the opportunity to tap into previously uninterested donor sources given our traditional flagship candidate is no longer in the limelight. Potential supporters, particularly wealthier gun owners, who stand to lose many of their rights under another four years of the O’Malley regime, and worse yet, under an additional eight years of an O’Malley successor, are far more willing to support the Party knowing what they stand to preserve. This is the type of outreach we must conduct.

3. For every successful business, institution, and campaign in the world, there are numerous failed ones. Just in the realm of politics, candidates run and parties form with little chance of success, yet manage to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. When it comes to major donors, individuals don’t contribute their money strictly on the mathematical basis of seeing a return in dividends, but because they believe in the cause. What I offer that no other candidate offers is a fundamental change in belief that this State Party can be successful and can close the chapter of the last ten years. We can rebuild and reform to be more competitive in this state, and stand on the values of our Party. What I offer is faith in the organization and a clear vision forward – that’s what donors want when considering contributing to the cause: vision, direction, and faith.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want to ensure that Central Committee members and general party members know about you and your campaign?
MPE: I am not running to make a point or to divide the Party. If we could measure the Maryland Republican Party’s historical cut-throat, backstabbing in blood, this state would be scarlet red from end to end. I am running because I believe in the Party and I believe in the cause of Republican success in Maryland. I may very well be the only one young enough to remain optimistic about our chances. That being said, I have spoken with Mary Kane, and she and I have agreed that Party unity is crucial as we move forward, and, regardless of who wins, we would work together as a Party to restore balance and accountability to Maryland government.

I thank Mr. Estève for his willingness to participate and look forward to hearing what the other potential candidates have to say on the issues.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant.

In 2012, US Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) will be 80 years old. Lugar has been serving in the US Senate since his first election in 1976, spanning the Presidencies of Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, and now Obama. So far, Lugar is on track to run for reelection, but I honestly believe that the people of Indiana can do better. Lugar supports the DREAM Act which would legitimize a number of illegal immigrants and supported all of Obama’s Supreme Court nominees. This in and of itself should have conservatives questioning the long-serving Senator. In 2012, an opportunity arises to select a better fit, a better candidate who will not serve as Senator for Life. Since Mike Pence is looking at a bid for Governor or President, I say that the man for the job is Marlin Stutzman.

Who is Stutzman? Stutzman is a fourth generation farmer. At 26, he was elected to the State House of Representatives and was the youngest member until 2006. In 2008, Stutzman was elected to the State Senate. During his tenure he received strong ratings from conservative groups including Indiana’s Right to Life, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Advance America, and the National Rifle Association. In 2010, Stutzman ran for the open US Senate seat. In the GOP primary, Stutzman was up against much better known candidates including former US Senator Dan Coats and Congressman John Hostettler. Early polling showed Stutzman in a low position, but he ran a strong campaign earning endorsements from Jim DeMint, Erick Erickson, Mike Huckabee, and American Conservative Union chairman David Keene. Stutzman ended in 2nd place with nearly 29% of the vote. Coats won with 39%.

When an opening arose in Indiana’s 3rd Congressional district due to the resignation of the incumbent, Stutzman was selected as the nominee. He will soon be sworn in as a member of Congress, winning the open seat for both the special election and the general election with 62% of the vote. He ran on a platform of limited government and opposition to Obama’s agenda; if he fulfills his campaign promises and seriously pushes for conservative values in Congress, he will prove himself quickly to conservative voters who had previously supported him. 29% of Republican voters wanted him as their Senator in 2010 – with a term in Congress under his belt, that number can only grow.

I know it’s early to call on Stutzman to announce; I know it’s going to take some doing to get him to challenge a sitting US Senator, but Lugar has been in office for too long and the Republican Party needs more, younger candidates to take their place. I hope Stutzman considers and I hope you will join me in encouraging him to do so.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

President George W. Bush recently released his memoirs. Inside this tome is a new view of the administration as seen from the perspective of the former President. What’s also included are revelations about his relationship with certain members of Congress. According to the former President, in 2006 then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) came to him and urged the President to “bring some troops home from Iraq.” He said if he did not, that it would cost the GOP control of Congress. Bush, being a man of conviction (no matter what you may think of those convictions), said no. Thus far, Senator McConnell has yet to flatly deny Bush’s account of their conversation. If true, and with McConnell’s lack of denial it probably is, then Mitch McConnell does not deserve to be involved in Republican US Senate Leadership and, frankly, no longer deserves the title of US Senator.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not tools to be used for political gain. The lives of Iraqis, Afghans, Americans, and our allies are not to be used for political purposes. War efforts and plans should be based on solid strategy from trained military advisors, not based on what’s politically expedient. That’s part of what lost the Vietnam War. War strategy shall not be based on whether or not it will help the incumbent party to win elections. Mitch McConnell’s attempt to do just that is shameful and not befitting a person in his position.

That said – I call upon our newly elected Republican US Senators and those incumbents who care about our troops to call for McConnell’s resignation as Senate Minority Leader. I call upon them to seek new leadership, be it from the likes of Minority Whip Jon Kyl or from an outsider like US Senator Tom Coburn, I care very little – but McConnell can no longer be trusted and does not deserve his post.

In 2014, I hope the voters of Kentucky do not forget that their Senior Senator was ready to throw our troops under the bus for the potential political gains. He did not do it for their best interests or the best interests of this nation, but for his own best interests and the best interests of the power he hoped to wield. It’s disgraceful. I hope US Senator-elect Rand Paul (R-KY) remembers what little help McConnell was in his bid. I hope he remembers this revelation. I hope he endorses and strongly supports a primary opponent to Mitch McConnell. My suggestion? Incumbent Commissioner of Argiculture Richie Farmer or Former Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence, but I’m sure there are Kentucky residents who know of solid, Republicans who support our conservative principles and won’t put personal power over our national security.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

In 2012, Joe Lieberman will be up for reelection. Lieberman is currently an independent and has toyed with running as an Independent, Democrat, or Republican for US Senate. Frankly, besides his view on the War on Terrorism and his endorsement of McCain in 2008, Lieberman’s platform does not fit in with the mainstream Republican Party. Reportedly Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy is considering a bid and if Lieberman remains independent, the Republicans will need a solid candidate to challenge the two of them. In a 3-way race, anything can be possible. I suggest we draft former Irish Ambassador and 2010 gubernatorial nominee Tom Foley.

Tom Foley has an MBA from Harvard Business and has extensive private sector experience as a business owner and investor. From August 2003 to March 2004, President Bush had Foley serve in Iraq as the Director of Private Sector Development for the Coalition Provisional Authority, overseeing most of Iraq’s 192 state-owned enterprises and helping to grow the Iraqi economy. In June 2004, the Department of Defense awarded Foley with a Distinguished Public Service Award. Foley then went on to serve as US Ambassador to Ireland from 2006 to 2009.

In 2010, Foley decided to run for Governor of Connecticut. Post-primary polling showed Foley behind for quite a while – but his great campaign closed the gap in the final weeks of the campaign with some firms showing him ahead. During his bid for Governor, Foley proposed privatization of certain government run health care facilities, freeze hiring, and ran against Obamacare attacking these government mandates. On election day, Foley lost the general election by a 0.5% margin; he lost by 6,100 votes of the over 1.2 million votes cast in Connecticut. Foley received more votes in his bid for Governor in 2010 than Lamont (D) and Schlesinger (R) received combined in their bid for US Senate against Lieberman in 2006.

In 2012, Foley may find his opportunity to serve the people of Connecticut. With the potential of a 3-way race for US Senate and with his personal wealth, Foley could readily raise the funds to be competitive. While self-funding is not a requirement for a candidate and can fail at times (Linda McMahon, Meg Whitman), with Foley’s recent close statewide campaign, business acumen, and pro-growth platform, I think he can be competitive against Lieberman, Murphy, or both.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

Ivan Shutinya is a 29 year old lawyer running for Baltimore County Orphans Court Judge. Shutinya graduated magna cum laude from St. Mary’s College and in 2006, received a service award from the University of Maryland Law School as he graduated. While in college, he specifically studied family law – providing him with a good background for the role. Due to the economy, he was laid off last fall and decided to run full time for Judge of the Orphan’s Court. Shutinya’s goal is to eventually be the first disabled member of the Supreme Court because what I haven’t told you about Mr. Shutinya is that he suffers from cerebral palsy, and was specifically diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia. Despite all these challenges, the wheel-chair bound Shutinya achieved so much in his life already. I contacted Shutinya, who was willing to answer some of my questions in an email-based interview. His answers are below.

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to run for Orphans Court?
Ivan J. Shutinya: I decided to run for Orphans Court for several reasons. I have always dreamed of being a judge, As an attorney with knowledge of estates and trusts, elder law, and the judicial process I am qualified for the position. I was laid off, a while ago and have had a hard time finding a job. This was a good time to run, as I would not have to leave my job to pursue the position. Also, I want to work and serve my community. As a person with a permanent disability I am legally entitled to receive money from the state if I so choose. I have declined to take that money, as I do not want the taxpayers supporting me. I want to earn a living. That money is earmarked for those incapable of working. I am qualified and capable of working.

MRN: The Orphans Court is not a very well understood role for many voters. How do you reach out to ensure that voters know about you and the position?
IJS: I have a very limited budget, but I have tried to speak at every event that I have been invited to attend. I also have two websites that discuss me and my campaign for Orphans Court. I have given interviews to anyone willing to interview me. I’ve been e-mailing and calling friends and family asking them to get the word out. I try to talk to as many people as possible. A real low-budget grassroots effort.

MRN: What do you feel is the most important characteristic of a potential member of the Orphans Court?
IJS: The most important characteristic for a member of the Orphans Court, or any court for that matter is total impartiality. A judge must be able to hear evidence, and apply the law without allowing his/her personal views or political ideology to influence the outcome of the case.

MRN: What do you feel makes you a uniquely qualified candidate for Orphans Court?
IJS: In addition to the qualifications I have already mentioned I have severe Cerebral Palsy. When a litigant comes before the court often times they feel vulnerable. I am physically vulnerable every day of my life, I will bring a unique sensitivity and perspective to the bench. Also, my disability has forced me to work harder than the average person in order to achieve my goals. Whether personal[Learning to walk] or professional[becoming a member of the Maryland Bar] If elected, I pledge to be the hardest worker to ever sit on the bench

MRN: What Judge living or deceased would you say is your role model?
IJS: I don’t really have one Judge that I consider a definitive role model above all others. There are many I respect a lot. To name some: Judge Richard Posner, Judge Guido Calabresi, Chief Justices. Rehnquist and Warren. Justices O’Connor and Marshall.

MRN: What is your opinion on the three, Democratic incumbent judges?
IJS: The sitting Judges are good people, I have a lot of respect for them. They have been classy and respectful of me during the campaign. I believe I am the best candidate, because I combine legal experience, with unique life experience.

MRN: This year, Maryland voters will get to decide on whether or not to hold a Constitutional Convention. Would you vote in favor of holding a Convention?
IJS: I am very torn on this issue. On one hand, I believe we, as a state should always be reviewing our laws to ensure they are fair and reflective of current society. On the other hand times are tough right now,and it could turn out to be an expensive event, and there is no guarantee that voters would approve of the new Constitution. I’m undecided, but leaning toward yes, as I’m inclined to favor review of the law.

MRN: What is the one thing you want to ensure that potential voters know about your candidacy?
IJS: I am a very qualified attorney, with a disability, who is eager to contribute and serve my community.

Shutinya already had my vote. He’s a solid candidate who will bring a great perspective to the court. Please consider voting for him on November 2nd or tomorrow during early voting. He’ll be a great, non-partisan, and fair judge and his inspirational story makes him a hero already to me.

Cross-posted from Old Line Elephant

Attorney General Doug Gansler (D) is one thing – a politician. He is currently using the post of Attorney General to enforce his political views on the people of Maryland. In March, I wrote an article on the topic after he, by decree, changed the status of same-sex marriages performed outside of Maryland. This is not his job, it’s that of the legislature and shows an arrogance that disgusts me. In 4 years, he will be running for Governor and I wish he could be defeated now. Sadly, the Republicans do not have a candidate to face him – he’s going unopposed this year. I plan to be writing in Jim Rutledge and I ask you to do so too.

Rutledge was a US Senate candidate who lost in the primary by a close margin to Eric Wargotz. Here’s a quick summary of his background: 24 years experience practicing law working in variety of experiences in small business law, criminal defense, felony prosecution in a District Attorney’s office, business litigation, civil rights litigation, and health care litigation; and stands firm as a strict constructionist when it comes to Constitutional interpretation. I interviewed Rutledge back during the primary season and he displayed a firm understanding of the issues, the Constitution, and conservative principles. In addition to that – he supports term limits, strong supporter of the Constitutional right to bear arms, and referred to the Constitution as a “…beautiful cage created by our founders…” to reign in our government. I like that in an Attorney General.

Now, Rutledge isn’t running – he’s not even an official write-in candidate. But, Rutledge is a) qualified for the job as a Lawyer in good standing who lives in Maryland and b) is a conservative Republican who understands the Constitutional limits of the job. The same can not be said for the incumbent. As a State’s Attorney, he was reprimanded for his conduct in 2003 and spent a great deal of taxpayer money on show trials. As Attorney General, Gansler displayed an arrogance of character by acting like he can write the law.

A while ago, I suggested Rutledge run for Attorney General – but the man proved himself to be an excellent US Senate candidate. In 4 years, I hope he considers a run for AG – but until then, I plan to write him in. I hope you consider it too. With no Republican alternative – we need to unite and write-in one candidate. It will send a message to Gansler that while he ran unopposed, he is not universally accepted. I early voted today and wrote him in – I ask that you consider doing the same.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

Baltimore County District 6 is currently represented by a rather conservative Democrat, Joe Bartenfelder. Bartenfelder decided to instead of run for reelection – run for County Executive. What happened was that fellow County Councilman Kevin Kamenetz decided to plaster the TV with nasty, negative advertising against Bartenfelder…and it worked. Since then, Bartenfelder has been seen with Republicans in the County and has endorsed without actually endorsing Ken Holt for County Executive. On the Democratic side is Cathy Bevins, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith’s Constituent Services Coordinator from 2003 to 2010. She only recently moved to the district from which she’s running and tells you nothing about her thoughts on the issues on her website. On the Republican side, we have Ryan Nawrocki, a former Ehrlich spokesman and current LifeBridge Health spokesperson who previously worked for Delegates Joe Boteler and John Cluster in Annapolis. To contrast, Nawrocki has a slick website which provides a number of great details on the issues. Nawrocki is the right candidate and Nawrocki can win.

I interviewed Nawrocki in early October and he gave some great answers to my questions. Specifically, Nawrocki has pledged to propose the following within his first couple months on the County Council:

. Enactment of term limits on County Councilmen;. Enactment of an immediate moratorium on the constant yield, which is the dirty little secret in property tax assessments. The State sets the assessment of property values, and current Council members use this fact as a convenient excuse as to why it cannot change the property tax problems in the County. However, the value of my home, which was purchased 3 years ago, has dropped by approximately $40,000, yet my property tax rate goes up each year

. Along with the moratorium on the constant yield, offer a charter amendment to cap the future use of the constant yield at 2%. The purpose of the charter amendment is to safeguard taxpayers from any future effort to increase the constant yield because any amendment to the charter will need a referendum vote from the voters; and

. Offer a bill to eliminate the golden parachute pension and other perks provided to Council members.

Nawrocki provides clear ideas and options to help the County. Pension reform has been a big issue that Kevin Kamenetz lied about during the primary – the pension reform he pushed did not apply to sitting incumbents. What does Nawrocki say about that?

Is eliminating the Council pensions significant enough? I have never understood how an individual, who works 45 days per year under the County Charter, could walk away with 100% of his or her salary after serving 20 years. That amounts to a handful of years of work for the average worker in Baltimore County pulling a 40 to 60 hour per week job. I believe that Councilmen are no better than those who go to work in an investment firm, a retail shop, a manufacturing facility, or any other countless private industry occupations. Councilmen can participate in a defined contribution plan like the rest of us. I believe that a 401(k) plan, if good enough for the hard working families in the County, should be good enough for its public servants…When Councilman Kamenetz introduced his version of pension reform, it was not the only one on the table. Councilman Bartenfelder also had a proposal, but unfortunately, it died for lack of a second. Councilman Kamenetz’s bill only affected incoming Council members but did nothing to those individuals serving presently on the Council. Moreover and unlike Councilman Bartenfelder’s bill, the Kamenetz bill still allowed Council members to collect their pension, as well as collecting other County pensions for which he may have qualified along the way. For example, County Executive Jim Smith will walk away from County government with over $150,000 as a result of 3 separate pensions: County Council, County Executive, and Circuit Court Judge. The Circuit Court pension is a State pension, but the other two should have offset each other.

Nawrocki is all over the district stumping, campaigning, meeting voters – in a sense, doing all the right things a candidate should be doing.

As mentioned previously, the incumbent is a conservative Democrat who commonly sees abour 30% opposition to his candidacy. Nawrocki will automatically receive those votes – then combine the additional energized Republicans and those who voted for Bartenfelder because they liked the conservative incumbent, and this becomes a winnable race. As with the previous races I’ve profiled – this is an open seat and therefore, anything can happen. Nawrocki’s got the right platform, in the right year, in the right district. He can win. He will win and he will be a great voice for the future of the Republican Party in Maryland.

This is the fourth in a series of articles spotlighting races in Baltimore County. All politics are local – let us not forget the important local races. Check out my previous articles on Ken Holt for County Executive, David Marks for County Council District 5, and Richard Reinhardt for Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant