By now, you have probably heard about the charge involving
Brian Bailey’s connection with an amateurish website that attacked Rebecca Dongarra.
Understanding that there is a much larger world beyond
running for, or holding, public office…and having witnessed a fair amount of
campaign-related foolishness over the years…I was still shocked and saddened
when I read this article:
While I was aware of the existence of bad blood between
Bailey and Dongarra, I chalked that up to the emotions that churn up from a
hard fought campaign…raw bitterness from the internecine struggles in SW
Baltimore County, specifically County Council District One (where they ran
against each other in 2010).
In 2013, I met with both of them for the first time,
separately of course, as I was trying to sort out which candidate(s) I would
support in Maryland’s HD 12. At that
point, I knew (all things being equal and in the interest of geographic balance)
that I wanted to endorse at least one candidate who resides in Baltimore County…
perhaps two, depending on how the field shaped up.
I met with Brian first.
I would like to believe that I have a fairly well developed bullshit
detector and he came across as sincerely civic-minded and focused on working
for the public good.
I recall that I told Rebecca during our introductory coffee/rap
session that I decided to support Brian.
I reasoned that transparency trumped whatever awkwardness ensued…and even
then it was only a minor conversational speed-bump in what was otherwise a
pleasant discussion that was focused on various public policy matters and her
vision of governance.
While I found Rebecca to be intelligent and personable, I
thought Brian’s progressive outlook, in addition to his blue-collar background, history of community activism, relevant public policy experience, and
ability to overcome some serious health issues made for a more compelling
candidacy.
Combine that with my support for Dr. Terri Hill and Dr.
Clarence Lam (both of whom I endorsed after Bailey) and I thought, “That would
be one heck of a slate.”
Fast forward to Monday.
While I don’t know all of the facts, it doesn’t look good
for Mr. Bailey. If the statement from
the news article is accurate, it appears as though Brian has taken
responsibility for a violation of some sort.
This blog has taken a firm stand against the ridiculous
candidacy of disbarred attorney Michael Gisriel, and he deserves it. The legal proceedings that culminated in the
disbarment of Mr. Gisriel are a matter of public record. That case has long been settled whereas the
controversy involving Mr. Bailey seems to be fluid, ongoing. That is a distinction based on the legal realities of both matters. In
terms of ethics, there appear to be
similarities at least as far as carelessness and/or bad judgment are concerned. Perhaps a staffer did something monumentally
stupid and Brian took the hit? I don't know.
Meanwhile, the political
consequences cannot be ignored. Bearing
in mind all likely voter turnout
models…and using the admittedly more amorphous, short-hand measure of relative
placement in the two counties as opposed to the more meaningful diagnostic of
actual vote projections…Brian’s candidacy depends on a strong showing in
Baltimore County (first place or an extremely close second) and probably third
place in Howard County…or a virtual tie for third where any deficits against Nick
Stewart, Eric Ebersole and/or Dongarra would be covered by a positive margin in
his home county.
This might have been a long-shot anyway, given the
fundraising advantages enjoyed by the other candidates, but I believed there
was a path for Mr. Bailey…perhaps slim and broken in places, but a path nonetheless
to third place and a nomination. I
marked up my sample ballot with a big X next to Brian’s name just a couple of
days ago.
But here we stand. I believe that Lam and Hill are well-positioned to finish in the top three. What follows next is a rather evenly divided field...with Stewart’s healthy coffers and the backing of
Delegate Malone, with Ebersole running an energetic campaign with the support
of many respected progressive organizations, and with Dongarra having a decent
amount of resources and a fairly well-defined constituency.
I am increasingly
concerned that the self-funded, TV-ad running Gisriel will somehow slip into
third place.
I think Brian is a talented individual who has a bright
career ahead of him. I hope he continues
to be an active community leader. Based
on what I know as of this writing, I can’t see myself voting for him in the
Primary Election in 2014. This blog is
about decisions, and this was a tough one…but in light of this new information,
and Brian’s apparent acknowledgement of responsibility in this matter, I don’t
see how I could act otherwise.
I haven’t decided about the third slot yet. It is too soon. Perhaps
I will cast a ballot for Sachs. Maybe I will just vote for Hill and Lam.
However, given the importance of ensuring that Gisriel
finishes no higher than fourth and knowing that one vote could make the
difference, that means a third vote for one of the remaining viable alternatives…in
no particular order…either Stewart, Ebersole or Dongarra. At least there is some time to work out that
question.
I am guessing Brian had rough day, but hope arrives anew
with each sunrise. He will come out of this wiser.
Stay tuned, as more will follow.
