Incumbent Reps Wynn (D) And Gilchrest (R) Defeated In Maryland Primary
Besides the high-profile presidential primaries tonight, Maryland was also home to two highly-contested Congressional primaries, pitting moderate incumbents against intra-party challengers.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Al Wynn was facing a rematch against attorney and social activist Donna Edwards, who only lost to Wynn by three points in an anti-war challenge in 2006. With 39% reporting, Edwards is way ahead of Wynn at 59%-36%.
On the Republican side, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, who has turned against the Iraq War and now votes with the Democrats, was up against two opponents: State Sen. Andy Harris, who has the backing of former Gov. Bob Ehrlich, and state Sen. E.J. Pipkin, the 2004 nominee for U.S. Senate. With 38% reporting, Gilchrest is also in trouble — Harris has 42%, Gilchrest 33%, and Pipkin 22%.
We'll keep you posted on these races as more results come in.
Late Update: With 51% reporting, the Associated Press has projected Donna Edwards the winner over Al Wynn — and apparently by a landslide. In Gilchrest's district, Harris leads 41%-35% with 74% of precincts in. No projection has yet been made, but it's not looking good for the incumbent here.
Late Late Update: Harris has been projected the winner over Gilchrest.
I find it interesting that in MD-1, the total number of D votes (where, I assume, it hasnt been a high profile race) is similar to the total number of R votes. Likely driven by the presidential primary, but still, I would say, potentially good news for the general. Can you say 7-to-1 reps in MD?
February 12, 2008 11:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I live next door to Donna Edwards' district (in Steny Hoyer's) and I've been out campaigning for Obama with a lot of Edwards people. I'm very excited to see her get rid of that DINO Wynn. Unfortunately, with his position in leadership and the warchest he has available, we never be free of Hoyer until quits of his own accord.
February 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just say no to DINOs.
February 13, 2008 12:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
I would guess the majority of Gilchrest voters will go Democratic over the knuckledragger Harris.
See the second half of:
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/12625
February 13, 2008 12:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama vs. McCain on the Environment. The results might surprise you...
http://greenpieceblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/obama-vs-mccain-on-environment.html
February 13, 2008 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey crumbrye, I think you are lost. This thread is about Donna Edwards and Gilchrist.
BTW the results did not surprise me.
February 13, 2008 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
crumbrye,
You might want to take a look at the Grist's factsheet on McCain:
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/10/01/mccain_factsheet/
Or this article in the Nation: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/passingthrough/?pid=283389
For one, his vote agains the energy bill wasn't because it "included huge tax giveaways to oil companies". His reasons were that "it would raise gas prices in Arizona, it mandated too much ethanol use, and it contained too-generous tax incentives for people who buy alternative-fuel vehicles."
It's clear that McCain is triangulating on these issues, trying to come across as a moderate when he's really just a shameless panderer.
February 13, 2008 1:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wynn out? The OpenLeft folks must be freaking out.
...as well they should
February 13, 2008 1:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Edwards was the people powered candidate.
It sends a message that the people are paying attention and its not going to be business as usual, one by one.
February 13, 2008 3:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
All I can say is that the American Taliban and outside money was at work in the MD 1st. The suggestion by Gregg Gordon that that vote will go to Kertovil is probably true.
These faith based agenda types, who believe in creationism, that the world was created in 6 days, are not the solution. I guess Harris will pray that the Chesapeake Bay will clean itself up in a day, that oil reserves globally will replenish in a day, that the club for growth and Jesus are buddies.
I'm disgusted. Harris added a new level of incivility to the race. I'm not at all inclined to support him. And frankly almost left the GOP in 92 to go independent with Perot but stayed GOP to support Gilchrest.
So neanderthal Harris won, good for him, congratulations. But that is not going to get me to plant a single damn sign for you, allow one on my lawn, and I damn sure won't pretend that a contribution from me will effect the special interests that Harris represents.
The real headline should be, after 500K in the last election, the Club for growth spent 1000K. And the supporters of Gilcrest forced to choose, voted for reality based policies.
1.5 million spent on a congressional seat against an incumbant with an excellent record on environment and energy.
Disgusting.
There is nothing that Harris can say to inspire me, Kervotil looks like a better choice.
Harris is a vote for Club for Growth, Enron, and Ken Lay. Big Oil versus Wayne..
Disgusted
February 13, 2008 7:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wooo hoo! Go Donna!!
February 13, 2008 7:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Very disappointing news about Gilchrest. He is a strong, principled man who did great things for the Eastern Shore.
Oh well...thank you Club for Growth for your excellent work contributing to the marginalization of your party. You are truly the Code Pink of the Right. Keep this up and I may send you a check.
February 13, 2008 8:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Go Donna! Hello Baron Hill (IN-09)? Are you listening?
February 13, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is great news for MD-4!
February 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Who is the DEM running against Harris? What is web-site? My wallet is feeling all fat and stuff . . .
February 13, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's great news about Edwards!
February 13, 2008 11:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
To Richard http://frankkratovil.com/
The first thing he needs is Google ad placement help. You can bet the Club for Growth paid for the Wayne was a liberal site and that ad placement which is down the day after the election.
http://www.waynechanged.com/
If Democrats did get behind Frank and asked the question, what does 1.5 million from the club for growth, Enron and Ken Lay, and Harris have in common?
Well let me tell you folks it's not Jesus.
You can bet on a blow back vote and kratovil is possible as Harris is known as a sleaze, tie him to his club for growth cronies and go on the offensive, point out the "1.5 million spent on dirt already" and I think he could win.
February 13, 2008 8:29 PM | Reply | Permalink