From Citybizlist via Maryland Reporter – Did Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown run such a flawless Rose Garden campaign that his victory in Maryland’s June 24 Democratic gubernatorial primary was inevitable?
Or did his chief rival, Attorney General Doug Gansler, lose the election with an ineffective campaign that badly missed the mark?
As is usually the case, a combination of factors from both camps contributed to the outcome.
Neither candidate proved a sensation with voters. The only spark came from the third Democrat, the ultra-liberal Heather Mizeur.
Her clarity and sharp focus on issues appealing to younger voters helped her top the 20 percent barrier. It was more than enough to cost Gansler any hope of catching Brown.
The lieutenant governor ran a bland, “the world is great” campaign that trumpeted Gov. Martin O’Malley’s progressive achievements while adding the tagline, “but we can do better.”
Brown’s staff effectively wrapped him in a tight cocoon, denying the media unfettered access for fear Brown might have an ” ‘Hispanish’ moment” (remember that flub by gubernatorial contender Kathleen Kennedy Townsend?).
Read more at Citybizlist
Gansler can now get what he and his wife call a ‘real job’ (I thought being the MD Attorney General WAS a real job). I hope Brown presents a better message between now and November, so he isn’t drowned out by cranky Ehrlich friends still whining about losing to O’Malley.