This letter is directed to registered Independent voters in MD’s 1st District. Conventional wisdom has it that the MD 1st is gerrymandered to ensure that Republicans will win so that other MD Districts will remain Democratic. However, Independents can and should prove conventional wisdom wrong this coming November by electing Jesse Colvin. Here’s why.
Nineteen percent of registered voters in the MD 1st District are registered as Independent. If 2/3 of these voters cast their votes for Jesse Colvin, along with 10-15% of Republican voters, Andy Harris will be retired.
There are a number of reasons why Independents should strongly favor Colvin over Harris.
First, a common motivation for voters to register Independent is dissatisfaction with the extremes of the Republican and Democratic parties. Harris, an enthusiastic member of the Freedom Caucus, epitomizes the far right wing of the Republican party. Colvin is a centrist Democrat. He brings to this race his experience as an Army Ranger officer where he was taught to achieve results by leading individuals of all races, religions, and political persuasions.
Second, a major concern of Independents is the influence of corporate and special interest money on our elections. Incredibly, a cursory review of Federal Election Commission filings reveals that Harris receives large amounts of funding from outside the 1st District, outside of Maryland, and from corporate PACs. In 2018, Harris has taken over $360,000 from corporate PACs, whereas Colvin has taken $0. Over 70% of Colvin’s funding comes from Maryland residents, and over 70% of donations have been for under $100.
The most important message for Independents is that your votes can be decisive this November. I encourage you to vote. Help elect Jesse Colvin and bring a new generation of leadership to MD’s 1st District.
Warren Davis
Oxford
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