I am a resident of Wicomico County and a part time Talbot resident. For the last eight years I have supported Delegate Johnny Mautz both as a candidate and as a member of the General Assembly.
In his current bid for the Maryland Senate (District 37) Johnny has given up his seat in the House and is now involved in the Republican primary election against the incumbent and his colleague, Senator Addie Eckardt. This was not an easy decision for him or one that he took lightly.
Out of their regard for both Delegate Mautz and Senator Eckardt many prominent Republicans including Congressman Andy Harris and Delegate Chris Adams have refrained from endorsing either candidate over the other. Their respectful position, however, has been compromised in Senator Eckardt’s recent mailing to potential primary voters, which features a dated picture of Senator Eckardt flanked by Congressman Harris and Delegate Adams displaying “Eckardt for Senate” shirts. The obvious implication being that both Harris and Adams are now endorsing her over Delegate Mautz in the July 19th primary election.
The slogan “Integrity Matters” has been bandied about in this campaign but in the real world facts matter. However, the facts of this matter reflect that the Harris/Adams picture is from an earlier election and is in no way connected with this current campaign. Also, true to their earlier commitment, Congressman Harris and Delegate Adams continue to withhold endorsing either Delegate Mautz or Senator Eckardt despite what appears in the Senator’s mailer.
The use of random pictures of other elected officials to misrepresent or imply endorsements is a classic political trick. This form of Annapolis style campaigning has mercifully not infected the Shore where issues and a candidate’s track record prevail over sleight of hand politics. Yes, integrity does matter and to the voters of the Shore it is much more than a hollow slogan.
Russell C. Dashiell, Jr.
Wicomico County
Linda Hamilton says
Shame on her.
Rev Julia Hart says
My feelings. There is no integrity in politics, in Government, in the Military-Industrial complex,Education-public or private, in Science, in Medicine, in any type of Research, in Religious Institutions/Denominations, Foreign Affairs, Private or Public relationships, Care of Earth and it’s resources… I am sure I left out many. As I say, “my feelings.”
I don’t know why God continues to put up with humanity. How far does Grace extend? Is there a limit? Must we continue to test it? I know it’s not too late to confess our failure, and amend our ways. As St Paul said, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Peace, really.
linda cassady says
shame on him going against addie. she shows up for not for profits event. he does not
Jerry McConnell says
Integrity? Andy ( hold my gun while I go through U S Capital security)?
Ha Any true Republican would not support any GOP nominee who supports an incompetent, dishonest, self-serving sexual predator. Who’s about to be indicted for treason.