MD: Two-Party Politics Are a Joke, and the Joke is on the American People

From the Maryland Libertarian Party:

President James Madison said each generation should bear the burden of its own wars, not foist their expense off on future generations. Since Barack Obama became president, he and the Congress have been responsible for one-third of the current national debt. Record spending for entitlements, war, bailouts to banks, businesses and states have paved the way for future unfunded liabilities of up to $100 trillion. . . . Madison warned us of the need for each generation to pay its own way. If he could have envisioned the burden we are heaping on the backs of future generations, he would be appalled by the corrupt and morally decrepit actions of elected leaders at all levels of government. I know I am.

MD: Libertarian and Green Parties Fight for Recognition

From The Republic:

The Maryland State Board of Elections will take another look at signatures that were deemed invalid in a drive by the Libertarian Party and Green Party to have their candidates recognized on state ballots, an attorney for the board said Friday.

The parties' candidates for governor failed to get 1 percent of the vote last November. That meant both needed to submit 10,000 signatures of registered voters in order to be recognized as political parties on future Maryland ballots. Late last month, the board notified the parties that they were thousands of signatures short, after close to 9,000 from each were invalidated.

The signature count has been complicated by a ruling issued by the state's highest court about two weeks after the board began its signature count. The Court of Appeals ruled March 22 that illegible handwriting could not be a reason to disqualify a signature.

MD: Democrats Get a Taste of the Political Fringe

From a letter to the editor of the Baltimore Sun:

The classification of the Harford County Democrats as a "fringe" party would be funny if the thought wasn't so sad ("Harford Democrats termed fringe party, shut out of redistricting," Feb. 16). Councilman Richard Slutzky's argument that letting Democrats into the redistricting committee would be as unfathomable as (gasp!) letting in the Green Party has no doubt rubbed a sore spot with the Dems. Let me send a brief letter from the fringe to a party that has no idea what the fringe really is.

As the state chairman of the Green Party, I am well aware of how the law is turned against those (Greens, Libertarians, the Constitution Party) trying to make better policy through the electoral process. I find it hard to sympathize with the Harford Democrats' plight (the irony that they themselves implemented this legal exclusion aside). All Maryland Democrats maintain the legal status of their party and candidates without a lengthy, expensive petition process — the Green Party cannot. Democrats are entitled to a state-funded primary election to promote their candidates — Greens are not. When was the last time a debate organizer — many using public resources to promote their events — had to decide whether the Democrat would be invited or not? Greens, when we can qualify for the ballot, almost never are.

Perhaps the exclusively-Republican redistricting committee will further gerrymander the Harford Democrats into oblivion. They can then feel firsthand how restrictive ballot access laws make it impossible for a minor party to keep up with their opponents' unfettered organizing, leaving them incapable of preventing further legal restrictions. The cycle of abuse then continues. Maybe, just maybe, this brief escapade will give Maryland Democrats a glance at what it's really like on the fringe, and how the law puts us there.

Brian Bittner, Baltimore

MD: Police Assault Activist Gathering Signatures for Green Party

From the Baltimore Sun:

A Green Party operative gathering signatures at Ellicott City's Charles E. Miller branch library to keep the group on Maryland's 2012 election ballot was pepper-sprayed and arrested by Howard County police, who charged him with trespassing and resisting arrest.

That much about the Dec. 18 incident is not in dispute, but practically everything else is, highlighting a sore subject in Maryland, and especially in Howard County — the difficulty in mounting a successful petition drive. Problems finding acceptable places to troll for signatures and Maryland's strict signature validation standards present daunting hurdles, and Maryland Green Party Chairman Brian Bittner says he's worried.

"What are we supposed to do? Where are we to turn to take part in democracy?" he asked. "We're certainly unsettled by it."

MD: Third Party Candidates Demand Open Debates, Accuse Organizers of Electioneering

From the Baltimore Sun:

The three minor party candidates for governor are accusing WJZ-TV and the Baltimore Jewish Council, sponsors of a debate Monday between Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley and Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., of "electioneering," by excluding them.

Green Party candidate Maria Allwine, Libertarian Party candidate Susan Gaztanaga and Constitution Party candidate Eric Knowles have written several letters this week to the television station, demanding to be part of what could be the only gubernatorial debate this year.

MD: Green Party Candidate for Senate Killed by SUV Driver in Traffic Accident

From ENS:

The Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland has died after being hit by an SUV while riding her bike in Prince George's County early Sunday morning. Maryland State Police say Natasha Pettigrew, 30, died at Prince George's Hospital Center at 10:30 on Monday night.

MD: 23 Candidates from 5 Parties Seek to Unseat Sitting Senator

From City Biz List:

Despite the odds, there are 23 people running for Maryland's U.S. Senate seat this fall, including candidates from the Constitution Party, the Green Party and the Libertarian Party, as well as Republicans and Democrats.

MD: Conservative Congress Endorses Libertarian

From Muir Boda at the Examiner:

Maryland:  The Libertarian Party's Congressional candidate for the 1st District of Maryland, Dr. Richard Davis, has been endoresed by the Conservative Congress as "True Conservative Candidate". On their page listing Maryland candidates, it is interesting to see Dr. Davis receiving the endorsement over Andy Harris and other Republicans in the 1st District.

MD: Republican Crashes Green Party in Gubernatorial Race

From the Baltimore Sun political blog:

To Maria Allwine supporters, Corrogan Vaughn is nothing more than a Green Party crasher. Allwine has run four times as a Green candidate, winning 17 percent of the vote in the 2007 Baltimore City Council president race. Vaughn was, until Tuesday, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Each filed paperwork just hours before the deadline to run as the Green Party candidate for governor.

The party has 8,000 Maryland members, mostly in Baltimore City and Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel and Frederick counties, said co-chairman Brian Bittner. It's up to party leaders to choose whose name will appear on the November ballot. (The September primary election is reserved for Democrats and Republicans.) They'll do so at a meeting July 18.

MD: Constitution Party Candidate for CD-6 Michael Reed

From Cumberland-Times News:

My name is Michael Reed, and I am seeking the nomination of the Constitution Party to be their candidate to run for the United States House of Representatives 6th Congressional District of Maryland.

Why the Constitution Party?

The Constitution Party’s goal is “to restore America to its biblical foundations and to limit the federal government to its constitutional boundaries.” It is one of the unfortunate byproducts of this democratic republic that only two parties seem available to the public. However, neither the Republican Party nor the Democratic Party has truly represented the people that so desperately need leadership. Servant-leaders are noticeably lacking in both the executive and legislative branches of government.

In his official announcement of candidacy for president dated Nov. 13, 1979, Ronald Reagan stated that the “citizens of this great nation want leadership, yes, but not a ‘man on a white horse’ demanding obedience to his commands. ... a leader who will unleash their (the people’s) great strength and remove the roadblocks government has put in their way.”

The incumbent

I am running against Roscoe Bartlett, not out of any animosity, but out of respect. I respect that he has served the district for almost 20 years.  Respect that he has, for the most part, represented our district with a similar ideology.

However, if I may borrow a military term, I believe it is time for the voters of our district to provide Congressman Bartlett with an “honorable discharge” of service. He has become a member of the political establishment for nearly 20 years.  He has become a professional politician.

MD: Libertarian Party to Run at least 15 Candidates this November, Historic High

From the Maryland Libertarian Party:

The Maryland Libertarian Party now has 15 candidates nominated for the November 2010 elections, including candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, 7 of the 8 US House races, 5 for the Maryland House of Delegates, 1 for Wicomico County Council, and 1 for Cecil County Board of Education.

This is the most candidates the party has ever run. And it may be the most ever run by a non-establishment party in Maryland in over 30 years.

MD: Examiner Profiles Constitution Party Candidate for Congress

From Louis Ciotola at the Examiner:

There is a brand new candidate from the Constitution Party of Maryland running for the 6th District’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His name is Michael Reed and what he has to say in his blog announcing his candidacy illustrates well the principles of the Constitution Party and demonstrates the uphill battle faced by minor parties.

MD: Examiner Profiles Minor Party Candidates

From Louis Ciotola at the Examiner:

Of the minor parties, the Libertarian Party of Maryland is by far fielding the most candidates for prominent state and federal offices, covering the governorship, lieutenant governorship, and representatives for the first three districts. The Constitution Party has thus far selected only a candidate for 3rd district while the Green Party remains limited to a candidate in the 4th district.

Besides the sole Green Party candidate, it is interesting to note that all of the other minor party candidates for Maryland’s higher state and federal offices are positioned well to the right on the political spectrum. Even the independently running candidate in the 1st district, Jack Wilson, is, according to his website, a Tea Party activist.

MD: Greens Organizing from the Bottom Up

From the Maryland Gazette:

Seeking to capitalize on an anti-incumbent mood and the general appeal of environmental policies, the Green Party nominated its first candidate for county executive this week. On Tuesday, the party unanimously nominated Mike Shay, a south county environmental activist, for Anne Arundel's top political post. His application will be forwarded to the Maryland Green Party and included in the nominations made to the State Board of Elections by Aug. 2. Shay, 59, said his candidacy is an effort to give voters "real choices" and make sure there is a dialogue on creating sustainable communities and protecting the environment. In 2006, he ran as a Democrat for delegate in District 33B, losing to Del. Bob Costa, R-Deale.

MD: Voters Hope for Third Party and Independent Alternatives in Race for Governor

From a letter to the editor of the Baltimore Sun:

Well once again it is time for the citizens of Maryland to elect a governor. I wonder who the choices are. I remember in last election there were other parties that ran for this position. The Green Party and Ed Boyd, the Populist Party and Christopher A. Driscoll. However I do not remember hearing a lot about them or seeing much media coverage on them or on their platforms. I do kind of remember there was some debate sponsored by the media. However only certain candidates were invited to attend.

I would only hope this year all candidates are given a chance by the media, newspapers and TV to all have the same opportunity to address the public. I find it difficult to realize that my only two choices are going to be former Gov. Bob Ehrlich or Gov. Martin O'Malley. I do not remember anything that Mr. Ehrlich did for me as a citizen of Maryland. The only thing I can remember Mr. O'Malley doing is making sure that I could not smoke a cigarette in a bar while enjoying a beer . . .

So hopefully I will have more than two options in the next governor's race. If I don't, I can only guess that there is some higher authority or force working that that determines our choices. With these two, I guess I will just not have to vote.

According to Politics, as of today, the only declared third party or indy candidate for governor in Maryland is Libertarian Susan Gaztanaga.

MD: Dissatisfied Voters Will Continue to Declare their Independence

From the Capital Hometown Annapolis:

Only 42 percent of those polled view the GOP favorably, compared to 41 percent for the Democrats - in essence, a tie . . .  With this kind of widespread dissatisfaction, is it any surprise that voters are shunning party politics? Independents have increased from 28 percent of the voters in 2000 to 32 percent in 2007. In some states, like New Hampshire and Massachusetts, voters who call themselves independent outnumber those who claim affiliation to a party. Although this would seem to be promising for such groups as the Tea Party movement and the Green Party, it reflects a growing distaste for the whole idea of political association. Voters are just looking for sanctuary from the nasty world of politics. We suspect that the ranks of uncommitted voters will grow and that this will continue to play a significant role in elections.

MD: Independent to Run for 1st CD

From Delmarva Now:

Jack Wilson, Sr., a semi-retired small businessman, Navy Veteran, and former union steam fitter, has announced that he will run as an independent in the race for Maryland's 1st Congressional district seat.  Wilson said his goals are to help balance the federal budget, repeal the health care overhaul legislation, and to generally reduce government involvement in the lives of the American people.

MD: Libertarians Pledge "Six to Zero in Eight"

From the MDLP:

On Saturday, March 13, 2010 the Maryland Libertarian Party held its annual state convention. The Libertarian Party’s Candidate for Governor, Susan Gaztañaga, began to outline some key issues and the platform of her campaign. Two issues that she has brought are the Sales Tax and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Six to Zero in Eight”, Gaztañaga pledges: “We need to eliminate our State Sales Tax and boost the economy of Maryland.” The plan would reduce the sales tax rate to zero in eight years.

The Maryland Libertarian Party strongly opposes the draconian tax policy of Governor Martin O’Malley, who raised the Sales Tax in an economic downturn. Businesses on the Eastern Shore of Maryland would directly benefit from this proposal by the Gaztañaga Campaign, as they would be on equal footing with Delaware businesses, which currently do not have a sales tax.

MD: Green party to Hold Organizing Workshops

From a press release published at IPR:

With all of the talk about a popular revolt, we have to make sure that it’s not just the right-wing that’s active.  We have to make sure people understand that the world is not just divided into Democrats and Republicans.  The Green Party is the real choice but only you can make it happen!  With the state elections coming up in November, the Maryland Green Party is running a Campaign School Saturday January 30 10:00-5:00 1323 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, Maryland

Come learn all the key skills you need to run for office, manage a campaign or just help out.
Workshops include:
-Green Party Values
-Fundraising
-Interacting with the Media
-Creating a Campaign Finance Entity
-Dealing with the Board of Elections
-Finding Volunteer Help
-Using Time Effectively
-Forums and Debates
For more information e-mail marylandgreens@gmail.com or call 443-449-4159 or

Virtual Budget Cutting: Video Game Allows Users to Play Governor

Maryland Libertarians relay word on a video game developed by the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute that allows users to attempt to balance the state's budget:

A nonprofit is giving Maryland residents the chance to play at being governor by trimming a virtual budget.  The Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute has produced a video game that allows visitors to its Web site to try balancing Maryland's budget.  The institute identifies itself as a small, nonpartisan, public policy think tank that focuses on state finances and programs. It has produced written reports and presentations to community and advocacy groups for half a century, director Neil Bergsman said.  Bergsman said that the group's mission is to increase civic literacy and to help people consider the investments the state is making with their tax dollars. He added that the group's traditional methods weren't reaching enough people.

You can try your hand at the game at the Institute's website.  They write:

Take your turn at balancing the budget. You be the Governor. You choose what to cut, what to add, and what revenue changes to make.