A politically savvy friend here in Anne Arundel County asked me last week if Heather Mizeur had a chance to beat Rep. Andy Harris in the upcoming 1st District Congressional race. I hemmed and hawed.
About this column, I have no hesitation.
We both understood that a redistricting configuration more favorable to Mizeur, overruled by the court, would have provided a more likely road to victory for the energetic Democratic candidate against Harris, a right-wing extremist. Such an advantageously redistricted 1st would possibly have spelled the end of Harris’ ineffective career in the House of Representatives.
Mizeur, a former state delegate, is intelligent, astute, determined and competent. The district needs her common sense and listening skills. She would serve in a way that would reflect responsibly on a district that for too long has tolerated and re-elected six times a person who has accomplished little and continues to support the past president’s insane denial of the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.
The conventional wisdom that Harris cannot lose in the 1st District is only as true as the current election. He has accomplished little for a district yearning for respected leadership.
Mizeur would offer a large dosage of bipartisanship, a willingness to collaborate with her Republican colleagues. Her lack of doctrinaire stridency would invite conversation and compromise. Her instinctive impulse would be to support programs beneficial to the Shore and the district in contrast to Dr. No.
I ask that non-MAGA Republicans, Independents and Democrats turn out and elect a person who knows well the needs of the Eastern Shore and is poised to represent it (as well as parts of Harford, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County) in a fashion that would re-enfranchise thousands of citizens who consider Harris a Republican nut job.
Instead of a congressperson who believes that his conservative supporters will continue to tolerate his political positions and outlandish behavior. Mizeur would serve with a heart and a brain. She would be sufficiently independent to ignore the absurd—and never carry a gun into the U.S. Capitol, nor declare a legitimate election a sham.
Opponents portray Mizeur as a progressive unsuited for the conservative 1st District. Hogwash! She is a level-headed candidate who owns a farm outside Chestertown, supports veterans’ programs and understands complicated health care matters.
As our nation confronts inflation and attacks on our democracy, the 1st needs and deserves a representative in Congress who will imbue her position with passion and persistence. She will behave honorably, studying difficult issues with a thoughtful perspective, not an extreme point of view. She would leave no constituent unrepresented. She would not commend the actions of an anti-Semitic and autocratic leader in Hungary.
My benchmark in judging Harris is former Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, a Vietnam veteran, environmentalist and good person. Harris defeated Gilchrest in a primary in 2009, successfully claiming that Gilchrist was not Republican enough. Hogwash, again! First District Republicans accepted this political sorcery. Gilchrist had the audacity in the minds of many GOPers to oppose the invasion of Iraq by President George W. Bush.
Just imagine. Gilchrist was guilty of principle over party.
Though a New Jersey native, Gilchrist loves the Eastern Shore, settling in Kent County. In retirement, he ran an environmental program on the Sassafras River under the auspices of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.
Back to the race. I urge 1st District voters to allow Harris, an anesthesiologist, to return full-time to his medical practice. Heather Mizeur would be a reliable, sensible advocate for the Shore and the rest of the sprawling district. She would be an effective advocate for the Shore.
Incumbency can be unhealthy. Dr. Harris has inflicted sufficient pain and discomfort. Mizeur will breathe new life into the 1st Congressional District.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. After 44 years in Easton, Howard and his wife, Liz, moved in November 2020 to Annapolis, where they live with Toby, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who has no regal bearing, just a mellow, enticing disposition.
Jay Shotel says
I totally agree. Our current representative has done nothing for the Eastern Shore in his multiple terms in office. We need someone who can gain respect with congressional leadership and make our presence known to the rest of our state and the country.
David Lloyd says
Right on!!! Dr. NO needs to be retired!! The First District needs someone who will take our interests to heart and act thereon rather than continuing his Dr. NO behavior. Please. Get out and vote!!!
Suzanne Williams says
A chance is overdue! Mizeur has my vote for all the reasons you listed. Thank you.
Tom Malone says
Right on Howard!
Wendy Roth says
Amen to all Mr. Freedlander’s insights. I moved to Talbot County a few years ago for its scenic beauty and proximity to relatives in DC. It was a huge disappointment subsequently to learn that our District had such a stunningly inferior representative in Congress. However, I lived in Northern Virginia for many years and watched that region change its political tone. Political perspectives – and demographics – CAN change. That can happen here during the upcoming mid-terms IF everyone who realizes we need an intelligent, energetic, and rational Representative casts their vote.
Al DiCenso says
It’s time to get rid of do-nothing Trump-kissing Harris, period.
Frank Carollo says
Amen, brother! From your lips to 1st District voters.
Michael Davis says
Mr. Howard, You are too kind in characterizing Andy Harris. He is worse than you describe. Unfortunately, his district is designed so he can be disloyal to the United States, disloyal to the truth, disloyal to everything good, and still can be elected. Like many of his like-minded Republicans I wish he’d move to Russia.
Francine De Sanctis says
Well said and very timely. MR. Freelander. If only voters can take a step outside their preconceived ideas as to who the Eastern Shore is made up of, they could see that Mazeur is the ONLY choice. We must move ahead and be a part of the world as it is and not ignore science and sound reasoning.
Jeff Staley says
Howard, Well said! I have enjoyed my interactions with Heather and we look forward to her filling the void of participation and leadership created by Andy Harris.
Martha Suss says
I concur…wholeheartedly….I hope Mizeur wins for all of us in district 1…we deserve dignified and thoughtful representation. PLEASE everyone VOTE!