A round-up of candidate endorsements, antics, and allegations on the eve of the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election in Harford County. We’ve included what we could find but, undoubtedly, we’ve missed many more during the course of this election. If you received an anonymous mailer, answered a suspicious robo-call, or have any other election anecdotes to report, please pass them along or list them in the comments below.
Happy voting. Here’s what some of the folks vying to represent you have been up to:
Harford County Executive Plans Rosedale Party
From Craig-Haddaway for Maryland:
ELECTION NIGHT PARTY DETAILS
Please join us on election night in celebration of the amazing work done on this campaign and to watch the results of the primary election. The party will begin at 8:00pm and be located at the Baltimore Headquarters of 6953 Golden Ring Road, Rosedale, MD.
A Mother’s Last Gifts
From Friends of Mary Ann Lisanti:
My Mom, like most Mothers will do anything for their children, well my Mom takes the cake. Even though she has been in a vigorous battle with lung cancer; over the past week she found the strength to attend my fundraiser, cast her absentee ballot and mail a letter to voter’s on my behalf, which sadly arrived only hours after her death.
Her acts of love mean so much to me that I wanted to share them with you.
Helton Slings Accusations at “The James Gang”
From Friends of Art Helton:
The ancient Greek playwright Euripides said, “One can judge a man by the company he keeps.” It’s true about people who want to be State Senators, too!
Extortionism
The Race Card
Votes Against You
Obstructionism
Financed from Far Away
Lives in Baltimore
Del. James Strikes Back at Helton; “Meet the Real Art Helton”
From Friends of Mary-Dulany James:
Some people just can’t take a hint.
Art Helton has made a career out of running for office. Time and time again voters have rejected Art’s ambition, but some people just can’t take a hint.
– 1982 Runs for State Senate and Loses
– 1990 Runs for County Council and Loses
– 1994 Runs for President of County Council and Loses
– 1998 Runs for County Executive and Loses
– 2002 Runs for State Senate and Loses
– 2010 Runs for State Senate and Loses
Helton Blames Vandalism on Del. James Supporters
From Friends of Art Helton:
“Another example of the malicious destruction of my campaign signs by my opponent’s supporters; not only distasteful…illegal. I believe that there is a higher power that will judge them.”
“Just got a call. Witness and photograph of theft of my large campaign sign at corner of Lewis Lane and US 40. I’ve lost several hundred signs.. What dirty tricks and illegal activity.”
Del. James Clarifies Facts; Refutes Mafia Connection…
From Friends of Mary-Dulany James:
Dear Friend,
We thought this would happen. My opponent has launched attack ads against me and my record.
While I have been working in the community for the past 16 years, Art Helton has been desperately trying to get re-elected-even though the voters have rejected him 6 times. Some people just can’t take a hint.
You can bet that we’re going to fight back, but we’re going to need your help.
Will you make a $25 donation to help us fight Art Helton’s lies?
My opponent is clearly threatened by my message of working hard, as an actual elected official, for the people of Harford County.
The REAL Facts About Mary-Dulany James
“Art Helton acts and attacks with total disregard of the truth and with malice.”
Art Helton is at it again, spreading untruths about his opponent, as he has in every election since 1982. This time, he’s turned his attention to Mary-Dulany James. Here’s the truth behind Art Helton’s reckless claims.
Harford County Education Association Endorses Democrat-Heavy Leadership
From the Harford County Education Association (HCEA):
All citizens of Harford County who value education need to vote in the upcoming primary election. The current leadership in the county council, delegation and board of education have failed our students, teachers and community. Below are the HCEA endorsements for the upcoming primary elections.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Barry Glassman
COUNTY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
James Thornton
HARFORD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
District A – Jansen Robinson
District B – Robert Frisch
District C – Joe Voskuhl
District E – Barney Michel
District F – Michael Hitchings
HARFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
District A – Dion Guthrie
District C – Gina Kazimir
District E – Duvowel Peaker
District F – Joseph Smith
Vote Team Liberty
From The Committee to Elect Gregory C. Johnson:
COUNTY COUNCIL
Mike Perrone Jr. (District A)
Eric W. Daxon (District C)
Dan Lambros (District E)
GOP CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Sharon Beam
Eric W. Daxon
Scott DeLong
Joe Fleckenstein
Christopher Brian Gannon
Greg Johnson
Carol MacCubbin
Patrick L. McGrady
Mark Novak
Mike Perrone Jr.
Ryan Patrick Pridgeon
Christina Trotta
Friends of Harford Talks to Candidates of Harford
From Friends of Harford:
On April 22, Friends of Harford invited all 27 candidates running for County Executive, County Council President, or County Council member (Districts A through F) in Harford County to reply to five questions related to land use and quality of life in our community. On May 12, we sent a reminder and provided them a suspense date, 26 May. No replies received after that date will be posted.
Many chose not to answer: some of them were unopposed in their primary; others, we can only guess why.
The link below will take you to a Friends of Harford page with tables containing the names of all 27 candidates for the offices above.
– All the candidates who replied to our questions have a link to their unedited reply in the right hand column.
– Also, the name of each candidate who identified a campaign web page is linked to that page regardless of whether they replied.
Please visit this page for candidate replies, or follow the link on our home page. We hope it is useful to you.
Campaign for Liberty Surveys a Few Candidates
From Harford Campaign for Liberty:
2014 County Council Surveys
ALL COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES, CHALLENGERS AND INCUMBENTS, RECEIVED A SURVEY VIA EMAIL. BELOW ARE THE ANSWERS RECEIVED, POSTED VERBATIM.
2014 RCC Liberty Pledge
THIS PAGE PROVIDES THE ANSWERS TO CANDIDATES’ SURVEYS FOR HARFORD COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE. THE CANDIDATES WHO ALSO TOOK THE LIBERTY PLEDGE WERE INVITED TO SUBMIT A SHORT BIO AND PICTURE TO BE INCLUDED FOR THE VOTERS TO REVIEW.
THESE CANDIDATES TOOK THE HARFORD COUNTY LIBERTY PLEDGE:
Mike Perrone, Patrick McGrady, Eric Daxon, Greg Johnson, Chris Gannon, Mike Simon, Joe Fleckenstein, Christina Trotta, Scott DeLong, Ryan Pridgeon, Mark Novak, Carol MacCubbin and Sharon Beam.
Fair Taxation Group Recommends all Incumbents…Including One Who Isn’t Seeking Re-election
From Marylanders for Fair Property Taxation:
We normally do not mix politics with our property tax and assessment issues, BUT we must make an exception this year. The choice of candidates for governor is an easy one. We contacted every candidate twice asking about their position regarding the flawed, failed property tax assessment and appeals system. In particular, we also asked each to respond to our questions to the legislative analyst’s that supported the Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) fight against our efforts to obtain worksheets posted on the Internet and to provide a task force study of the whole archaic flawed system. We asked valid questions such as “How do you explain the claim that SDAT has heard for several years in a row 112% to 117% of the number of appeals filed?” Only one candidate has ever responded to us – DAVID CRAIG. The Doug Gansler office returned our letter with an answer “You are not entitled to the information you seek”. This is public information about issues heard before committees from both houses of the General Assembly BUT we taxpayers, are not entitled to explanations??? What kind of dictatorship is Maryland running and what kind on governor would Gansler be?
David Craig has supported us fully for the full eight years he has served Harford County well as its County Executive. He has publicly supported our issues with written testimony before the numerous committees we have testified before and he has dispatched key staffers to publicly testify before these same committees. No other gubernatorial candidate can make that claim. They don’t even respond to us.
We urge you to consider the following and vote for David Craig. He has earned our vote and deserves yours???
· ONLY candidate, either side, with true, legitimate, governing experience. No other candidate has shared his burden.
· Only candidate with real budget setting experience and adherence.
· Only candidate to balance budgets repeatedly – for 8 years.
· Only candidate to actually reduce taxes, lower tax rates, and reduce tax cap while maintaining services.
· Only candidate with good school construction record.
· Only candidate with superior bond rating.
· Only candidate with an excellent record of retaining existing businesses and climate while growing new diverse business for the County.
· Only candidate with solid plan for elimination or at least reduction of personal income taxes.
· Only candidate with a proven record of closing loop holes in business taxation.
· Only candidate with proven record of strengthening environmental regulation equally with maximum effective return without killing business growth.
For our Harford County supporters we also urge your support of Barry Glassman, Rick Impallaria, Glen Glass, Mary Dulaney James, Nancy Jacobs, J. B. Jennings, Pat McDonough, Susan McComas, Wayne Norman, Kathy Szelgia, Dion Guthrie, Mary Ann Lisanti, Jim McMahan, Chad Shrodes, Richard Slutzky and Joseph Woods. They have all continuously supported us throughout the years.
Remember Nothing Happens Unless We Make It Happen!!!
Roy Whiteley, Founder
Del. Norman and Reilly Garner NRA, Farm Bureau, Right to Life Support
From Tiffany Stephens, Treasurer:
Wayne Norman & Teresa Reilly Receive Endorsements
Whiteford, MD – Wayne Norman and Teresa Reilly – candidates for State Senate and Delegate, District 35, respectively – have been endorsed by the following organizations in the Republican Primary on June 24:
– Maryland Farm Bureau
– Maryland Right to Life
– National Rifle Association
– Republican Club of Cecil County
“We are thrilled to be endorsed by such highly-respected organizations, representing key constituencies within Cecil and Harford Counties,” said Wayne Norman.
Teresa Reilly added, “I am very grateful that our conservative message of smaller government and traditional values is being well-received locally and statewide.”
District 35 consists of the northern portions of Harford and Cecil Counties. Teresa Reilly is a candidate for Delegate in District 35B, which is a sub-district of District 35.
For more information, go to VoteWayneNorman.org and TeresaReillyForDelegate.com.
Former House Republican Leader and Insurance Commissioner Redmer Endorses Seman
From Al Redmer:
Good afternoon.
I would like to respectfully request your consideration of my friend Dave Seman, in his candidacy for the House of Delegates in the 7th district.
Having served thirteen years in the House of Delegate, two years as the House Republican Leader, and as Insurance Commissioner under Governor Ehrlich, I have seen legislators from a unique vantage point.
During my almost twenty years of public service, I have seen effective legislators and those that are not so effective. I know first- hand the qualities and skills that are necessary for legislators to effectively represent their districts. I can assure you that Dave Seman possess those qualities and will be an effective, visible and hard-working representative.
I have known Dave for a long time. He is a terrific family man, active in his community and small business owner. As a Delegate, there won’t be a long learning curve for Dave. He not only knows the issues facing our district and state….he lives them every day.
Dave knows the effect of government over-regulation and taxes on our economy. He knows what actions are needed to stimulate our economy with jobs.
Most importantly, Dave has the right background and temperament to lead… not just vote!
It is not enough to go to Annapolis and complain about what the democrat monopoly does. It takes a special leader that can effectively influence the outcome of the debate. Dave Seman is that special leader.
As a resident of the 7th district. I hope that you will consider joining me in voting for Dave Seman for Delegate. We need him!
If you have any questions about Dave or why I’m supporting him, please ask.
Thanks for your consideration.
Al Redmer, Jr.
President
Redmer Insurance Group, LLC
Dagger Q&A With Candidates in Each Contested Primary Race
Harford County Council President – Democratic Candidates
Harford County Council President – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District A (Edgewood/Joppatowne) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District C (Bel Air) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District D (North Harford) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District E (Aberdeen/Churchville) – Democratic Candidates
Harford County Council District E (Aberdeen/Churchville) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District F (Havre de Grace) – Republican Candidates
Harford/Cecil County State Senate District 35 Republican Candidates
Harford/Cecil County State Delegate District 35B Republican Candidates
Harford County State Senate District 34 Democratic Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34A Republican Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34A Democratic Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34B Democratic Candidates
Harford County Sheriff Republican Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 7 Republican Candidates
Great job to the Dagger and Brian Goodman for all the election coverage. This article does a great job to sum things up. You left out just one thing that is Angry posters that flood any article related to the Sheriffs Office. Good Ole Marc Eaton, Monster, David A. Porter, Proud Liberal, Deputy Dog and hundreds of others. Give a Thumbs up if you are ready for the Sheriff’s Election to be over. Yeee Hawww
Is David’s party at the Rosedale Liars Club?
I got a flyer with Harris, Craig, and the Impallaria trio all on the same ticket, paid for by the notorious Impallaria himself. So I figure the party’s at Rick’s house! Top shelf, baby!
Thanks Dagger for the coverage. The article headline that caught my eye – HCEA endorses Democrat -Heavy ticket. When will Ryan B and the educator class wake up and realize the hand they are feeding is the one biting them – namely the Democrat party. Because of the “investments” (code for tax the pants off of the middle class) of the state Democrat party – there is no stomach by the majority of the voting public in Harford for tax increases. HC Board of Ed crying the blues – take it out on the Dems in Annapolis. When the state dumps pensions on the local governments – who gets to pay for that – some mystical money fairy – heck no. When gas and road toll taxes go up and we tax that rain that comes down – who pays for that – the magical toll and rain fairy – heck no. When New York State is more attractive to business than Maryland and jobs leave the state – who makes up the lost revenue – the Mike Miller, Tony Brown, Mike Bush revenue fairy. don’t think so. It’s the working families – us.
Respectfully, HCEA has a rigorous endorsement process which includes a questionnaire and interview with our government relations committee. To receive an endorsement candidates must both complete the questionnaire and participate in the interview. Every candidate was provided the opportunity to participate.
HCEA does not make endorsements based on party affiliation. Our endorsement is based solely on a candidate’s support for public education. HCEA will continue to reach out to members of all political parties in support of our public schools.
That is a load of manure
Ask the candidates.
Ryan the lion hearted,
Let the Bunchies translate the union Q&A for the public at large:
Support education = gimme da money.
There, that was easy because the teachers union doesn’t care if all the classrooms are filled with Honduran children watching the Spanish version of ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ all day long.
So when will you publish or distribute this rigorous Q&A?
Or is that an HCEA secret?
This has nothing to do with the article – just wanted to say thanks to Dagger for providing info on the candidates…….
Thomas J Wilson Candidate for Senate has been endorsed by multiple organizations.
Mr. Wilson has received the endorsement from the Free State Patriots. A Maryland based organization who’s purpose is to vet and recognize
candidate who best represent and will defend our founding principles as an elected public servant.
Mr. Wilson has received the endorsement of several second amendment groups both State and National.
Gun Rights Across America
1 Million Mom against gun control
Responsibly Armed
AmMoPAC
Rated a “AQ” candidate by the NRA, the highest rating a candidate can receive without a voting record.
Rated A+ Oath Keeper from FAO Maryland based.
Rated 100% by Maryland Pro Life Alliance.
Endorsed by prominent members of the business community.
Mr. Wilson has received a tremendous amount of endorsements from solid proactive groups because these groups know that Maryland needs a pro active Senator.
I am announcing that I am endorsing Sheriff Lionel Jesse Bane. I hope that by announcing this he will appoint me to the wardens position even though I am not qualified for it.
Chuck Less make sure you allow yourself enough time to crawl out from Lionel’s a#% to cast your vote for him
Congratulations and thanks to the Dagger for Harford’s most thorough coverage of the primary campaigns.
Whether a voter tends to support the positions of The Friends of Harford or not, I suspect he/she would have to agree that FOH constructed their survey questions in the most professional and unbiased manner. of any organization in the county.
Nobody else got the strange robo call with no authority lines bashing Theresa Reilly? Wonder who she pissed off.
And I listen to McDonough once in a while on 680 for laughs… The army of 300 Super Citizens who will be taking over Harford County polls today to tell us how to vote, that’s rich. . For Sparta, Pat!