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Election 2020

Md. Leaders React to AP Call That Biden Will Be 46th President

Former vice president Joe Biden with Benjamin T. Jealous, the Democratic nominee for governor, at a Democratic reception in Baltimore in 2018. File photo.

Top Maryland officials have released statements and messages in the wake of Saturday’s news that former vice president Joe Biden has been declared president-elect by the Associated Press. Here is a sampling:

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R), via Twitter:

“Congratulations to President-elect Biden. Everyone should want our president to succeed because we need our country to succeed. We have great challenges ahead of us as a country. Now more than ever, we need to come together as Americans.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D):

“The American people have spoken, and they have overwhelmingly chosen Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to lead our nation. Joe has spent decades working to ensure every American gets a fair shot, and he has not once forgotten where he’s from and who he’s fighting for. Joe will bring that passion to the White House and will work to unite us and create positive change while fighting back against the health and economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kamala has been an ardent voice for justice and equality in the United States Senate and prior, and I know she will continue standing for these unmovable principles as she takes on the role of Vice President.

“Our country faces enormous challenges, but by electing this historic ticket, the American people will have two seasoned leaders at the helm, able and prepared to do the hard work required to lead us forward. I am proud to have worked closely with both Joe in the White House and Kamala in the Senate on a range of issues over the last several years. Together, I am committed to repairing the damage of the past four years, turning the page on the politics of hate and division, working to address the urgent needs of the American people, and ensuring a more equal and inclusive America. We must never rest in our pursuit of a more perfect union.”

U.S. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R), via Facebook:

“Just like Hillary suggested to Joe Biden, President Trump should not concede until all legal votes are counted. Secret unobserved vote counting in the swing states means that we will have to wait until a court unravels what really went on. When that thorough investigation is over, and we know that only legal votes have been counted then we will know who the real winner is — and then and only then we need to move on.”

U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D):

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have now secured victories in enough states to surpass the 270 electoral votes required to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. All the votes must continue to be counted, but there is no longer any doubt as to the outcome. The nation is now looking to President Trump to begin the process of healing the divisions of this election season and ensuring a smooth and peaceful transfer of power by accepting the results and offering his concession.

“I congratulate President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris, and I look forward to working with them to advance a legislative agenda that addresses our most pressing challenges. The country is looking to Washington to lead an effort to provide COVID-19 relief and to lay the groundwork for our country to build back better from this pandemic and its economic effects. That work must begin even before President-Elect Biden’s inauguration, and I urge the Senate to reach agreement with the House this year and call on President Trump to sign bipartisan legislation when it reaches his desk.

“All Americans can be proud that we are making history with Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, who is breaking a major barrier by becoming the first woman and the first Black American and South Asian American to serve in the second-highest office of our land. I know that she will be an outstanding partner to President-Elect Biden in governing over the next four years, and surely millions of girls and young women in this country will be inspired by her election to engage themselves in public service and civic participation. I join in congratulating her on this historic victory.

“We have elected a new president, but this election has reminded us that our country is deeply divided. President-Elect Biden has made it clear that he will govern not as a Democratic president but as a president for all Americans.  Our House Majority will do the same, as we continue to focus on passing legislation that is broadly popular and enables everyone in this country to make it in America by rebuilding our infrastructure which will create good jobs and expanding access to education and skills training. I urge the Senate to be a partner in this endeavor and help restore faith among the American people that our democracy can deliver the results they seek and the better future they deserve.”

State Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-Prince George’s), co-chair of Marylanders for Biden:

“It’s not just that Joe represented the Eastern shore (he calls it Delaware!) or that he rode the train to work for decades through Maryland. Joe’s victory is good for Maryland because he knows us. Our diversity. Our values of hard work, faith, and family. And he’s ready to work with us — competently — to defeat the COVID virus, protect our health care, and put Marylanders back to work.”

U.S. Rep. Anthony G. Brown (D), via Twitter:

“Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on a hard fought, deserving and historic victory! The American people have spoken, democracy prevailed and it’s time to get to work We face immense challenges at home and abroad. Americans have voted for change and we will deliver.”

U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D), via Twitter:

“Congrats to President-elect Joe Biden & VP-elect Kamala Harris on this historic and record-breaking win. Voters casted their ballots in unprecedented numbers to move our country in a new direction with leaders who’ve made it clear that they are working for the people & our nation. There’s still much work ahead of us. I’m looking forward to working with a new administration that will fight to keep Americans safe during the COVID-19 crisis, to restore integrity in America’s leadership at home & abroad, and to renew confidence in our democracy.”

 

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Md. Leaders React to AP Call That Biden Will Be 46th President