The Debate On Debates
The debate over debates has begun -- and Maryland voters could wind up seeing a lot more of their gubernatorial hopefuls than four years ago.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) wrote last week to his Democratic challenger, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, proposing "a series" of debates in the two months leading up to the November election.
It's unclear how long a series Ehrlich had in mind. But the O'Malley camp responded with a suggestion for five debates between the mayor and governor and another two between their running mates, Del. Anthony G. Brown (D-Prince George's) and Ehrlich's disabilities secretary, Kristen Cox.
"We would also hope that the governor would agree to participate in several forums with the mayor," said a letter from O'Malley's campaign manager, Josh White, to Ehrlich's campaign manager, Bo Harmon.
Ehrlich spokeswoman Shareese DeLeaver said today that her campaign "will certainly look at what he's proposing" and that she expects the candidates' senior aides to negotiate a schedule.
En route to his 2002 election, Ehrlich debated then-Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) debated only once, and their running mates never squared off in a televised event.
But this cycle, both candidates have an incentive for stage time with the other. O'Malley is the challenger, and debates give gubernatorial challengers a chance to look gubernatorial. Ehrlich, meanwhile, is trailing in the polls, and debates give a candidate who is behind a chance to shake up the race.
"These debates should be substantive and conversational , giving voters a chance to go beyond sound bites and learn about how we intend to confront the challenges this state faces," Ehrlich wrote in his letter to O'Malley. "We owe the voters frequent, meaningful debates in a number of venues across the state."
"Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown look forward to comparing Bob Ehrlich's record of standing with George Bush and the narrow special interests against their vision of fighting for Maryland families," O'Malley spokesman Hari Sevugan said today, offering what seemed a likely preview of his boss's rhetoric once the candidates take stage.
By John Wagner |
July 24, 2006; 3:26 PM ET
| Category:
Governor
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Posted by: citizen L | July 24, 2006 4:31 PM
Because it's the most recent one we've got.
Posted by: Phyllis Jordan | July 24, 2006 4:52 PM
Phyllis,
Who did you vote for the last gubernatorial election? Ehrlich or Townsend?
Posted by: Norman | July 24, 2006 10:41 PM
Ike Leggett and Steve Silverman: It will be an interesting reality show to see two guys from Baltimore advocate their visions for the next four years. However, we must be the change we want to see in Montgomery County. So far you have avoided me, believing it is better to settle a question without debate while I've thought it is better to debate a question than settle it. The two of you have shown me you have not had the discomfort of much thought to marry the comfort of your opinions. Ike, you've harkened me back to Spinoza's, "Ignorantia non est argumentum."Steve, you've led me to recall de Montaigne's, "He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak." We are about to see change soon. You can run, but you won't be able to hide much longer.
Posted by: Robin Ficker Independent for Montgomery County Executive | July 24, 2006 11:23 PM
No mention of how their one debate went Phyllis? I was there and remember it quite well. Ehrlich and his parents/family were booed and very loudly. Mfume had to ask everyone to show some respect. Will Martin's people do the same thing? Im not surprised your left this off though.
Posted by: Bryan | July 25, 2006 7:44 AM
Unfortunately for Ehrlich this is not 2002. O'Malley's people will show him respect and then show him the door.
Bryan and Norman, you guys sound stupid trying to engage Ms. Jordan.
Posted by: James | July 25, 2006 8:23 AM
Sorry guys, I live in D.C.--don't vote in Maryland elections.
Posted by: Phyllis Jordan | July 25, 2006 9:43 AM
This blog fails to mention two of the four candidate on the ballot in the general election for Maryland governor. Typical of the Washington Post's poor coverage of Maryland politics, Mr. Wagner seems to be supporting Mr. Ehrlich's and Mr. O'Malley's attempt to exclude Populist and Green candidates from debates. If you think the debates should include all the candidates on the ballot in the general election, please let Mr. Wagner and the Washington Post know about it.
Sincerely,
Chris Driscoll, Populist Nominee for Maryland Governor
Posted by: Chris Driscoll, Populist Nominee for Maryland Governor | September 2, 2006 1:48 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
"Ehrlich, meanwhile, is trailing in the polls . . ."
Why are you citing a poll from over a month ago?