Given the significant boost Representative Andy Harris received with the addition of mostly Republican communities into the newly expanded 1st Congressional district, it is a bit surprising that three Democratic candidates have come forward to challenge him in the November election.
The Spy has been closely following two of these candidates, Wendy Rosen from Cockeysville and John LaFerla of Chestertown, at party forums throughout the district. They also have contributed to our “Ask the Candidates” articles over the last few weeks with mostly thoughtful and serious responses, and we are grateful to both campaigns for doing so. Sadly, the third candidate, Kim Letke, did not respond to our requests to participate.
Not surprisingly, both Ms. Rosen and Dr. LaFerla are in agreement on most, if not all, policy issues. Both candidates emerge as generally moderate, showing strong support for the Obama Administration’s Affordable Health Care Act, deficit reduction plans, Iran and Afghanistan, while also firmly in line with Democratic party positions on reproductive rights and same sex marriages. Whatever differences exist, they are not significant enough to highlight here.
They also share the fact that they are both political novices. While it is honorable and inspiring that Ms. Rosen and Dr. LaFerla have entered this race, despite limited resources or battle tested campaign organizations, they both face a steep, and at times painful, learning curve that inevitably handicaps both campaigns as they look to a fall election against Dr. Harris.
The only significant difference seems to rest on style. Dr. LaFerla, perhaps showing his years of consulting with patients, seems mild-mannered in tone, while Ms. Rosen displays a feistiness and passion that has served her well in the world of business. Both styles have positives and negatives in light of Dr. Harris’ own political weaknesses and strengths.
Where we believe Dr. LaFerla may have an advantage is with his experience related to national health care. As the oral arguments made this week at the Supreme Court on “Obamacare” made clear, there remains profound differences in this country on the methods and legal strategies needed to manage health care costs. A candidate that matches, or even exceeds, Dr. Harris’ own experience in the health field is a compelling reason to support Dr. LaFerla next Tuesday.
Regardless who wins the Democratic nomination, the road remains an uphill one for the victor of Tuesday’s election. Dr. Harris, no matter how misguided and extreme his political agenda might seem, remains a well-financed incumbent capable of an aggressive and well-executed campaign. We hope the successful candidate will continue to rapidly assimilate to the world of politics so that the fall election is a competitive one.
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