Earlier this week, Annapolis media outlets reported that you and the other six Democratic members from Maryland’s House delegation will host a fundraiser on March 16 for First District congressional candidate, and former Montgomery County state delegate, Heather Mizeur. The news that seven incumbent members of Congress would band together in an effort to handpick the colleague of their choice, even as this preferred candidate is in the midst of a highly contested Democratic primary, was startling to me and to political observers throughout our sprawling district.
To state the obvious, I share the desire of you and your colleagues to rid the United States Congress, and Maryland’s First Congressional District, of the stain of Andy Harris’ abiding presence in both. His behavior has brought severe disrepute to a congressional seat that has been held through the years by effective and principled public servants like C. Rogers Morton, Wayne Gilchrest and Frank Kratovil.
Andy Harris has consistently embarrassed the State of Maryland with his erratic personal behavior. He has also weakened the foundations of our democratic system through his embrace of far-right extremism, support of the January 6, 2021 insurrection against the United States government, and hospitality to the elements of white nationalism that have infected our political discourse.
In fact, it was his response to the terrifying events of January 6 – when he sided with the mob that was committed to overthrowing our democracy over the law enforcement officers who fought so valiantly to defend it – that inspired me to declare my candidacy for office. Having served for two decades as a U.S. diplomat, negotiating peaceful resolutions to conflict while safeguarding our vital national interests in many of the world’s most dangerous places, I have seen firsthand how actions such as these have led to the degradation and destruction of once-vibrant democracies.
In short, I get it.
That said, I would respectfully suggest that your highly irregular decision to intervene in the politics of Maryland’s First Congressional District, for the purpose of putting a heavy thumb on the scales of a competitive Democratic primary campaign, will not lead to the defeat of Andy Harris. If anything, decisions like this will quite possibly have the opposite effect. I offer this point for three reasons.
First, Maryland’s First Congressional District is, as a matter of enduring history and culture, a center-right district of fiercely independent temperament. Each round of redistricting reshuffles the metropolitan, or “Western Shore” composition of the district; over the past 40 years, the First has been reshaped to incorporate communities from Curtis Bay and Brooklyn Park to Cobb Island and Lexington Park.
However, the nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore remain the permanent base and beating heart of this unique district. Even in the wake of growth, technology and globalization, the Shore largely remains a land of farmers, watermen, small communities, local business owners and families who appreciate its abundant open spaces and slower pace of life.
It is not the kind of place that needs or heeds the advice of Maryland’s Democratic political establishment when it comes down to Election Day. I would go so far as to say that, were Delegate Mizeur to win this primary and advance to the general, the fact that she was the handpicked candidate of the Washington insiders would prove a liability in a race where conservative Democrats, moderate Republicans and independents will be critical to victory.
Second, while the candidate you have handpicked has political talent and is a prodigious fundraiser, she simply will not defeat Andy Harris in a general election in the First Congressional District. Her political brand and record, forged over more than a decade as a state and local representative from Takoma Park, is frankly incompatible with that of the Eastern Shore and even the metropolitan communities of the new First District.
One Maryland publication articulated the prevalent concern about Del. Mizeur’s campaign, citing the concerns of many that “Mizeur is out of step with most of the 1st District electorate, and that she is a ‘Takoma Park liberal’ who just happens to have moved to the Eastern Shore with her wife to start an herb farm,” while acknowledging that “Mizeur is a progressive and once represented the lefty haven in the legislature and is doubtless to the left of most 1st District voters — and a little uncomfortably New Age-y to boot.”
As Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report noted:
If [Democrats] nominate Heather Mizeur, then it’d be possible for Republicans to paint her not only as pretty far on the party’s left, but also as a carpetbagger who has no business representing the Eastern Shore.
To this point, Delegate Mizeur has described herself thusly:
Though my mother proclaims that I exited the womb ready to run for political office, my parents also swear that I am an alien from another galaxy because I arrived with such strong convictions that seemed ingrained from some other place and time. If so, I’m fairly sure that I arrived in a very cool blue and orange personal spacecraft and that justice was the main virtue on my home planet. I am equally certain that my soul’s contract in this lifetime is to advance the consciousness of unconditional love while taking up the fiery sword of a social justice warrior.
I’ve lived for most of my life within the current boundaries of the First District. Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with the working people, small businesses and families of these special communities for the past year. They are less concerned with Del. Mizeur’s galaxy of origin, or the aesthetics of her spacecraft, than with their ability to simultaneously put food on the table, gas in the tank and money in their college and retirement savings accounts at a time when wages are stagnant, and costs are out of control.
Even if the people of the First District were inclined to overlook such unconventional rhetoric, I believe they would be far less sanguine about Del. Mizeur’s record in the Maryland General Assembly. Where, among other things, she voted in lockstep with the rest of the Montgomery County delegation to raise gasoline, alcohol, individual income, business income and even computer services taxes. As someone who understands the urgency of ending Andy Harris’ career in public life, I believe it would be a catastrophic mistake and missed opportunity to nominate, as our standard-bearer, a candidate who has voted repeatedly to take money out of the pockets of consumers who are struggling simply to get by.
The Russian genocide within Ukraine will have profound geopolitical, humanitarian, national security and domestic economic consequences, which will be felt for decades to come. It is also a tragic and stark reminder that these are serious times that, accordingly, demand a renewed seriousness of purpose from the Congress of the United States.
In spite of our momentary political differences, I am deeply proud of the leadership that you and our fellow Democratic representatives have demonstrated on the national stage. At a time when American resolve is being tested, both externally and internally, you and your colleagues have risen to the occasion and have done right by our state. I would respectfully suggest that your next colleague from the First District must come to office with a complementary approach – one that blends a due spirit of humility, a willingness to listen and learn, and a true appreciation of what is truly at stake.
Finally, I was struck by the fact that the location of this exclusive fundraiser was not, and evidently will not be disclosed to the public. Instead, according to news accounts, “donors will be told where the reception is after RSVP’ing that they plan to go.”
Put bluntly, Leader Hoyer, this is a very bad look.
At a time when folks are understandably angry at the corrosive influence of corporate contributions and dark money over our political system, and feel as if our leaders operate at the behest of their large donors and not of those who they were elected to serve, it is simply inappropriate for duly elected members of Congress to raise money for their anointed candidate behind a curtain of secrecy.
The residents of your respective districts, as well as those of the First District, have every right to know who is writing checks to Delegate Mizeur’s campaign, the interests they represent, and the basis of their support for her campaign. To that end, I would encourage you and your colleagues to disclose where this event will be held and to invite members of the press to attend should they wish to do so.
In closing, Leader Hoyer, I would like to reiterate my gratitude for your service and that of your colleagues. Furthermore, I recognize that my assessment of the First District race is less than objective, colored as it is by a hard-fought campaign. The people of the First District will have a choice this summer between two accomplished candidates with distinctly different approaches to politics and public service, but who share a desire to restore honor and integrity to a seat that has been tarnished by Andy Harris. I would simply ask that, for the reasons cited above, you and your colleagues consider canceling this ill-advised fundraiser and simply allow the people of the First Congressional District to make the right choice for their communities, our state and the country.
David Harden is a candidate for Congress First District of Maryland
David Tull says
An honest look at a Socialist, great article for truth justice and the American way.
Frank Carollo says
Right on, Dave! Heather may have some fine personal attributes, but she is not electable in this District. The first order of business is to get Andy Harris out of office, and she is not the one to do it. This attempt at old-fashioned backroom politics to have the “machine” hand-pick a candidate and support that candidacy with secret fundraising is completely out of touch with the tenor of our times as well as the temperament of the District… certainly it won’t fly on the Eastern Shore. Anything like this that would hamper the eventual candidate’s ability to beat Andy must be strenuously avoided, whether it’s Dave Harden or anyone else. Bottom line: Andy must go!
Joan Young says
Could you not just campaign on your own qualifications rather than impugning others? Carroll County where you reside is not exactly close to the eastern shore in the opinion of many. Too bad the eastern shore can’t just have a district composed solely of eastern shore counties. I would never vote for Andy Harris, but would hope to see a positive Democratic race among the many candidates.
Christina Mills says
David Harden deserves the opportunity to be heard by the constituents of the First District before a major fundraiser is held for another candidate.
It would be beneficial for local voters to have a chance to know the candidates running on the Eastern Shore before it is decided by another group.
Let’s be united to have a “democratic” primary and determine the best candidate to represent our unique area of Maryland, a candidate who may be able to represent us effectively at a very challenging time.
Rebecca Ellison says
Agree with Christina Mills … ‘beneficial for local voters to have a chance to know the candidates … before it is decided by another group’.
Getting rid of Andy Harris is a given … now let’s carefully and deliberately enjoy learning about and comparing the replacement possibilities. Surely there is already someone on the Eastern Shore who is qualified to represent the Eastern Shore.
Jennifer Jumalon says
You must be fearful of Andy Harris. We our all entitled to are opinion, but you sir are out of control in your attacks of Andy Harris. Although Steny Hoyer should mind his own business. He represents the 5th District. He is nothing but a good old boy, who is 83 years old and has been a politician for over 40 years. He’s known as Nancy Pelosi’s wing man. It’s time for Hoyer to get out of politics. He has ruined The State of Maryland. The Demorats won’t be satisfied till they have this State completed controlled by them. They certainly don’t represent me. All they care about is Power and more Power. It’s a sad day for America🇺🇸🥲
Jim Franke says
He sounds like a Republican who registered as a Democrat just to screw up the election. – which has been done before in the 1st District.
Ira Ungar says
Harden is the right candidate, but this is too long, and mentions economic issues before cultural, which is a mistake, because cultural issues are now key to Dems winning back white working class and rural. When he does bring up cultural stuff, he’s great, but he needs to lead with it. His ask should come earlier too, and it seems too much to ask to cancel. Perhaps Dem house leaders could plan something else that includes him.
His first mention of citizens’ concerns are to “put food on the table, gas in the tank and money in their college and retirement savings accounts at a time when wages are stagnant, and costs are out of control.”
But this is perfect:
“At a time when folks are understandably angry at the corrosive influence of corporate contributions and dark money over our political system, and feel as if our leaders operate at the behest of their large donors and not of those who they were elected to serve, it is simply inappropriate for duly elected members of Congress to raise money for their anointed candidate behind a curtain of secrecy.”
“The residents of your respective districts, as well as those of the First District, have every right to know who is writing checks to Delegate Mizeur’s campaign, the interests they represent, and the basis of their support for her campaign.”
Bob Bashore says
Dave is absolutely correct. Nearly anyone who takes the time to get to know who Dave is realizes he is the absolute best potential leader to represent the 1st District. Through his diplomatic service to the country, his passionate and brilliant ideas to finally truly represent the 1st in years, and his real connection to all voters in the district (not just far left), he DESERVES to be given an even chance before the voters. Shame on Steny for this unfair interference that reaks of backroom politics! Do a fundraiser for the eventual winner of the primary. Not incumbents fundraising for a primary candidate…. which is a way of robbing the voters of choice…..a choice that actually has, by far, the best chance of defeating the embarrassing Andy Harris.
Robert Harden says
As a resident and voter on the Shore, I contend any out of step progressive Democrat Candidate resembling or representing the Western Shore style of living will not win! America first is the spirit of the Shore. DC progressives are at a disadvantage! David Harden is not such a progressive!
Stephen Corbin says
It has been said repeatedly that all politics are local. That is why Heather Mizeur is absolutely the wrong candidate for Democrats to put up for election to the First District seat. The First District is a quirky place with a lot of independent thinkers who do not view themselves as terribly progressive. But, they do tend to have a lot of common sense and a healthy distrust of politics as usual. Andy Harris has a terrible record and we can not give him the chance to continue his incompetency. Harris needs to face an opponent who reflects the values and traditions of the Eastern Shore.
Heiko Heisermann says
The whole point of democracy is that elected representatives should REPRESENT the people who elected them. So we need (1) a candidate who CAN win, and (2) a person who takes thier job seriously – to represent what the voters fo their area need and want.
Dave Hardin is the one to support in this Democratic primary!
L. C. Prause says
We are two Marylanders who do not want Heather Mazeur representing the First District. Ugh! Yuck!
Please do not pick her as your official Democratic candidate.
Have you looked at the credentials and experience of Dave Harden? Impressive! He would represent our interests much better.
Please consider him and do not push for H. Mazeur.
Please!
Robert Begor says
Thank you Mr. Hardin for your extremely knowledgeable, well considered and written letter. While I might take issue with a point here or there, I agree – it is extremely important we coalesce behind the best apppraoch available to provide an improved representation in the First District than that presently provided.
Robert Begor
Mary Stanley says
That Senator Hoyer plans to hold a secret fund raiser for high rollers to benefit Heather M does not sit well with me. Let the primary voters decide without the kind of political trickery that has become prevalent in our divided nation. If Hoyer was being fair, he wouldn’t make it secret, would he? Dave Harden is a man of intelligence, integrity, energy and valuable experience, who has a heart to serve us as a Congressman. He will make us proud because he can beat A Harris who definitely did not make us proud.
Iris Rivera says
Leader Hoyer has always been a capitalist. It bothers me he is the leader of the Democratic Party because he really does not represent us
Susan Anne Olsen says
Dave Harden’s open letter of March 14 in the Spy only underscores how well Heather Mizeur can represent the Eastern Shore in Congress. While Harden picks a fight over who was born and raised in which jurisdiction, it is Mizeur, not Harden, who has dedicated her adult life to fighting for health care for uninsured children, working for paid sick leave and pushing for a $15 minimum wage.
While Harden was born in the First District and spent his formative years in Carroll County, he spent his adult life overseas as a foreign diplomat. He has impressive experience in remote conflict situations, but no legislative experience at home. Mizeur, on the other hand, has spent the last 25 years engaged in our bread and butter issues.