The Maryland Governor’s RACE Matters
— NotYals
Today I read that another man has thrown his name into the pool of candidates seeking to be Maryland’s next top official. Interestingly, Mike Rosenbaum, a local business leader and Harvard Business School graduate has never held political office at any level. Although he has worked for a President of the United States the same as John King, another former White House guy who has also announced his decision to seek the office of Governor. But again, neither of these men has ever held a public office that required an election. I guess the real question is whether or not that’s a necessary requirement? Ehhh, who am I to say. After the most recent national election I found myself wandering “will the Maryland Governor’s race matter.”
One thing that we can know for sure will matter is money. I’m guessing any serious candidate will have to raise at least $10 to $12 million. Granted there are also some very smart and well-connected names entering the race. Individuals who’s rolodexes are impressive enough to make the average candidate turn tricks. There’s Wes Moore, former head of the Robin Hood Foundation in New York who has the charisma and personal polish most desired in Democratic circles, but he’s a black man and that still means something. And so is former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, who lost in the Democrat Primary seven years ago to a virgin political candidate named Ben Jealous. Whatever your politics are you should know that the Governor’s Race Matters. I’m not going there yet, but I will, just give me moment. I think it’s important to mention that race will play a role in this election. (It always has and it always will) But I’m ever mindful that politics is always local, because it is the people who will have the final say.
With that said, I’m continually befuddled that Maryland continues to conceal a hidden truth about its state-wide politics. Often cast as a very progressive state in most conversations one would have to look close to realize that something about that rhetoric doesn’t add up. Yeah, it sounds good and looks good on paper, but the Governor for the past 7 years is not progressive. I mean, progressive states should elect progressive governors, or am I missing something? And do I need to mention the constant fight for stronger police reform legislation in a progressive state? Like really…. we’re still fighting for everyone to agree that people should not be mishandled, criminalized, unfairly treated, or murdered just because of their skin color or zip code?
[As a preacher this is an excellent moment to pause and take up an offering. If you have were too busy to call your elected officials in support of Police Reform Legislation then take a moment and send a cash donation to Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. They are a constant and credible voice on these issues and should be supported.]
But, as I was saying, progressive leaders who lead both the house and senate chambers seem to acquiesce to the whims of their donors and corporate interests as they take positions to defend the status quo. But they too will emerge in the coming months and wave the progressive banner on the campaign trail hoping most of you will forget their deeds while tucked in the back rooms of Annapolis. Too many of them are progressive on the stump, but not so much after the vote. During the campaign they like many of the candidates will tell of their support of issues impacting race and equity. They’ll brag about their marches with Black Lives Matter and disdain for the Conservative Right. But they don’t mean it. They’ve shown you already. Believe them the first time.
In 2021 in the face of surmounting evidence of continuing widespread racism in our society both Baltimore and Prince George’s County Delegations still had to fight through a wall of inequity and complicit bias during the General Assembly to defend “progressive” ideas, which often die a slow death. And truth be told, some of them were fighting those within their own delegation ranks. With that said, the names of folk entering this upcoming Governor’s race should be thoroughly vetted and engaged by every community if there is any chance that we might see signs of hope yet unborn.
Again, there are some names that we already know like Tom Perez, Doug Gansler, Congressman Anthony Brown, and Rushern Baker that have either declared their intent or sent strong smoke signals. All are said to be facing an uphill battle if they want to beat the current State Comptroller. Many politico’s feel that he’s going to be a very strong candidate and as a result very hard to beat. For the record, I’m not one of those persons. I don’t suspect he will be that strong, especially should the black voter in Maryland be reminded (and they should) of his decision to NOT support the African American Democratic nominee, Ben Jealous. The Comptroller stated that he wanted “to remain neutral in that race.” But since this is my blog and I get to write what I believe to be the obvious truth. I am convinced that “what had happened was” two white men got together
Rutherford behind Hogan
and made a decision to support one another. In so doing, two other black men suffered. Yes TWO. By cutting a gentlemen’s deal to stay out of one race, I’m convinced that the Governor promised to stay out of another race when he decided to run. But that would also have some jacked up consequences for the brother in the back. It meant that the Governor would be unable to throw his support behind the African American Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford were he to decide to seek the office. Ultimately, Rutherford chose not to run, but really what choice did he have –others made that decision for him and he didn’t have a say so. But he’s a Howard University Grad so I’m sure he has to much respect for himself to say that, but I’ll say it for him.
The Democratic Party I thought would have handled that situation much different, but I was wrong and maybe someone else will have the courage to say something about that. Maybe the Democratic Party will use this as an opportunity to hold him accountable for using his privilege to essentially tell them to go to hell. But I seriously doubt that they will, which should be the first indication to the black voter that things are changing that much. Again, some folk have short memories and may forget, but I want. Now I’ll get back to work that’s enough political speak for one day. (But I’ll probably have more to say in the coming weeks 🙂
(I am not working for any specific candidate or campaign this is just a blog post where I get to say what I’m thinking. The views expressed are mine and NOT Y’ALS.)
