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Political Notebook: More Endorsements as Primary Approaches

 

 Maryland Matters continues to publish endorsements of candidates in statewide and local races made by several organizations, as well as current and former elected officials. Check back next Thursday for announcements of new endorsements.

 

 

From the Metro Washington AFL-CIO The Metro Washington AFL-CIO made endorsements this week in primary races in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and Washington, D.C. In Montgomery County races: Brandy Brooks, Danielle Metiv and Chris Wilhelm earned endorsements in the county council at-large race. Jim McGee was endorsed in the District 1 council race, as was Ben Shnider in District 3, Nancy Navarro in District 4 and Tom Hucker in District 5. In Prince George’s County races: Gerron Levi and Karen Toles were endorsed in the county council at-large race. Tom Dernoga in District 1 was endorsed, as was Deni Tavaras in District 2, Tony Knotts in District 8 and Sidney Harris in District 9. In the board of education race, endorsements went to Joshua M. Thomas in District 2, Juwan Blocker in District 3, Pat Fletcher in District 6 and Arun Paracken in District 9. The Metro Council also endorsed Cynthia Collins (SEIU 400) for the Prince George’s Democratic Central Committee at-large seat. In the District races: Muriel Bowser was endorsed for mayor, Phil Mendelson for city council chairman and Karl Racine for attorney general. In the city council race, Anita Bonds for the at-large seat, Brianne Nadeau in Ward 1, Kenyon McDuffie in Ward 5 and Charles Allen in Ward 6. “With the Supreme Court ruling on Janus vs. AFSCME expected any day, political engagement by union voters is more important than ever,” said Metro Washington Council President Jackie Jeter in a statement. “These candidates have proven their commitment to the issues that affect the working men and women of our communities and deserve the full support of the local labor movement.” The Metro Council also endorses Initiative 77 in the District. If enacted, the initiative will gradually increase the minimum wage in the District to $15 hourly by 2020 and gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped employees so that they receive the same minimum wage directly from their employer as other employees by 2026.

From Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC  

Richard S. Madaleno has earned the endorsement of Pride to End Gun Violence, a national LGBTQ political organization focused on gun violence prevention. Others endorsed in Maryland races include George Zokle in the District 20 (Montgomery) House race, Kevin Mack in District 15 (Montgomery) House race and Dana Beyer in Senate District 18 (Montgomery). Pride Fund endorsed these candidates because they stand for the core principles of Pride Fund – advancing common-sense gun reform and LGBTQ equality. “If elected, Madaleno would be our nation’s first openly gay governor, an important step in the fight to increase LGBTQ representation on all fronts, especially in the state’s highest office,” said Jason Lindsay, Pride Fund executive director in a statement. “Pride Fund could not be more proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Madaleno, and we look forward to working together once he is elected to make Maryland a safer place to live everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.”

From 314 Action Montgomery County Council at-large candidate Danielle Meitiv received an endorsement from 314 Action. 314 Action was specifically created in July 2016 for scientists and STEM professionals looking for assistance running for office. “Danielle is a proven progressive thought leader who isn’t afraid to stand her ground and stand up for her beliefs,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, in a statement. “As a climate scientist, she will bring an evidence-based approach to governing that we need more than ever in the Trump era. 314 Action is proud to endorse Danielle for council-at-Large because we need more independent and analytical voices like hers in public office.” Meitiv has worked for NOAA, the Environmental Defense Fund and as an independently contracted scientist researching the impacts of air quality and ocean acidification on climate change.  From

Service Employees International Union Local 500 Leslie Milano, a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates from District 18 (Montgomery), has been endorsed by the Service Employees International Union Local 500. “If there was ever a time that Montgomery County needed an advocate for working people in Annapolis, it is now. That is why we endorsed Leslie Milano and why it is so vital that she is elected. As co-founder of a labor rights nonprofit, Leslie has devoted herself to fighting for working people and pushing corporations and employers to do better,” said Merle Cuttitta, president of SEIU Local 500. SEIU Local 500, the largest union local in Montgomery County, represents public school teachers, faculty members, child care providers and nonprofit employees in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.  Milano has been endorsed by former Gov. Parris N. Glendening, former Maryland Democratic Party Chair Terry Lierman, Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association and LiUNA. She has also received the candidate distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a leading gun violence prevention organization, as well as NARAL.

From Susan Lee, Marc Elrich, Heather Mizeur

Gabriel Acevero, a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 39 (Montgomery), earned an endorsement from state Sen. Susan Lee of District 16, at-large Councilmember Marc Elrich and former District 20 two-term state delegate and gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur. “I’ve worked with Gabriel on a number of progressive issues from protecting vulnerable communities to securing new resources to help close the achievement and opportunity gap.” said Lee, the first Asian-American woman elected to the state Senate. Elrich, who chairs the County’s Public Safety Committee, also threw his support behind Acevero. “Whether its advocating for a livable wage or workers’ rights, Gabe has been on the frontlines of the fight for social and economic justice,” Elrich said. “Gabe is fiercely dedicated to living his life with purpose. He’s driven, compassionate and fearless. He will make an exceptional legislator,” Mizeur said. Acevero also earned an endorsement from Progressive Maryland.

From Sen. James Brochin

Robbie Leonard, a state Senate candidate from District 42 (Baltimore City), earned an endorsement this week from Sen. James Brochin. Brochin is leaving the District 42 seat to run for Baltimore County executive. Brochin, in a letter to his constituents, wrote “our good work must continue.” He also said, “Robbie is committed to improving our public schools, protecting our environment, and will stand up for communities over big-money interests.” Leonard also received endorsements from TABCO, Maryland State Education Association, Progressive Maryland, Our Revolution, AFL-CIO, LiUNA, Food & Water Watch, the Central Baltimore County Democratic Club and the Baltimore County Progressive Democrats.

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Political Notebook: More Endorsements as Primary Approaches