Psychic Recompense

November 8, 2017 – Merry Electoral Boxing Day.

It is challenging to not succumb to the baser instincts and gloat in the face of the formerly hubris-filled yet now cowed Trumpists.  Of course, that would itself be a manifestation of hubris.  Not today irony, not today.

I will readily admit, earlier yesterday afternoon, I was wagering that Gillespie would somehow pull it off – by hook or (more likely) by crook – by half a percentage point.  Upon arriving back in my Wilde Lake Election 2017 HQ a few short hours later, the networks had already called it for Northam.  The 8.6% margin for the eventual winner was clearly above the prevailing polling trend line (sorry, Brothers and Sisters) which was showing something closer to a three-point spread.  Note: credit where credit is earned: Quinnipiac nailed it with their final pre-election poll, released on the 6^th, showing Northam +9.

May the name “Harris Wofford” be echoed across the land (see: 1991 U.S. Senate special election, see also: harbinger).

The (at minimum) 14 seat pick-up for the Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates is yet another (and probably far more ominous) sign for any Republican in a Congressional, state legislative, or other electoral district that is anything less than a safe GOP seat.    

Of course, hard work and a massive popular rejection of Trump Republicanism helped carry the day.  But looking to 2018, it will take more than that.  A Democratic Party that can produce, adhere to, and articulate a coherent and compelling set of principles will be essential if we wish to build upon yesterday’s victories.  This involves getting entirely past the 2016 battles and deciding the party of the people needs to focus more on engaging with…you guessed it…the people, and stopping with the internecine foolishness.  

In solidarity.

Direct Mail Call

Enjoy hearing about D12? Direct mail?  This post is for you...

Yes, a video clip!

Stay tuned, as more will follow.

Gisriel Gets…What Exactly?

A one-time lawmaker should be expected to know and follow the law.  That is a reasonable enough starting-point.

Meet Michael Gisriel, disbarred attorney, long-time lobbyist and (relatively) new resident of Maryland's 12^th State House of Delegates District.  A completely unremarkable fellow, except for the fact that he wants to be one of the three Delegates elected from the 12^th.  Pump your brakes, Mike.

You might have seen his signs around town…or received one of his direct mail pieces featuring what appear to be photographs of the candidate from the ‘90s.  His slogan is “Gisriel Gets It Done!”

So what has Mr. Gisriel gotten done lately?

“The respondent, Michael Gisriel, having been found in violation of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.15, 3.1, and 8.4, was disbarred.”*

“Gisriel’s conduct, which constituted violations of many of the Rules of Professional Conduct, exacerbated by his hubris in the handling of the $1,000 check, warrants disbarment.” (5 – 2 majority, filed on June 18, 2009)

Source: http://mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2009/3a08ag.pdf

*[Rule 1.1 (Competence), Rule 1.3 (Diligence), Rule 1.4 (Communication), Rule 1.15 (Safeguarding Property), Rule 3.1 (Meritorious Claims and Contentions) and Rule 8.4 (Misconduct)]

His direct mail piece, presented as a “Report from Annapolis!,” is further evidence that Mr. Gisriel has lost the plot.  Running as an uber-insider, especially when one is a non-incumbent, is rarely a sound idea. His listed accomplishments involve such action verbs as “attended…spoke…spoke….and met.”  These are typical hallmarks of success for a lobbyist…. at least good for billable hours.  (possible new slogan: “Gisriel Gets Paid in Full"?)

His January 15, 2014 campaign finance report shows a number of contributions from individuals and organizations outside of the 12^th District.  His is not a grass-roots campaign.  It barely even qualifies as Astroturf. 

The only upside to his highly improbable nomination and election would be the joy I would experience calling my local friends on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 to see who among them wants to run for his seat in 2018.

Welcome to the 12th, Mr. Gisriel.

Stay tuned, as more will follow.

A Clip Show

With the Maryland General Assembly's 2014 legislative session hours away from entering the history books, I would like to re-state my position regarding the House of Delegates: the term of office - at four years - is simply too long and it should be reduced to two years.

Arguments in favor of this particular reform can be found here

as well as here

and here.

That is all for today.  Still working on the Howard County Executive campaign analysis.  Hope to have that up later on this week.

Stay tuned, as more will follow.