GOP planning revolution in MD... similiar to efforts and gains made in VA.

[nickshepDEM]

From the Washington Post:

"We've been in the desert for 36 years," said John Kane, the state GOP chairman. "The governor has given us a toehold. Now we'll see if we can become truly relevant."

Maryland Republicans say the model for what's possible sits just across the Potomac River. In Virginia, GOP leaders toiled for decades to climb from the back benches of power to ultimately control both legislative chambers.
<snip>

In addition to their focus on the Maryland governor's race, they believe the bid by Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R) to capture an open U.S. Senate seat could provide inroads into the state's most reliable Democratic voters: African Americans. The GOP is targeting the state's populous blue-collar suburbs and fast-growing exurbs, where party leaders hope to pick up as many as 14 seats in the House of Delegates and seven in the Senate this November.

And they're already contemplating 2010, when a win in the governor's column could give them control over redistricting and crack open a state where, just a few years ago, Republicans felt like foreigners.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE. These people are hungry, and if we do not follow suit and get hungry ourselves... We could lose seats this election cycle and the next couple to follow. We need to stop the ball before it gets rolling, if ya' know what I mean. No one thought it was possible in VA, but look where the VA-Democratic Party is now.

[aintitfunny]

1. The article is specific in this point

"In addition to their focus on the Maryland governor's race, they believe the bid by Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R) to capture an open U.S. Senate seat could provide inroads into the state's most reliable Democratic voters: African Americans."

Which supports theories put forth on other threads backing Mfume as the Democratic nominee. Being hungry may not be enough.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=157x2720

[nickshepDEM]

2. We have Brown running for statewide office. And...

If O'Malley gets the nod I have a feeling Curran will step down as Attorney General allowing Glenn Ivey to run for Attorney General. I think we will be fine.

On a side note, Ive never really bought into the whole, blacks will vote for blacks just because they are black arguement. Personally, I think that insults their intelligence. They will side with the candidate they identify with most on the issues.

[aintitfunny]

3. Sadly, people vote their hearts and the issues

be damned, black, white, red or yellow, blue or green. Then there is all that money that will be behind Steele helping to make him look like a paragon of social moderation. Don't kid yourself. How Maryland Democrats have "let down" the Black community will be an underlying theme of the Republican campaign, to think otherwise is naive. It does not insult anyone's intelligence to see where this can and will go. It was one of the main points of the article you posted and something the Republicans in Maryland are hanging their hats on.

[indigo]

5. plenty of data

On a side note, Ive never really bought into the whole, blacks will vote for blacks just because they are black arguement. Personally, I think that insults their intelligence. They will side with the candidate they identify with most on the issues.

to support your view. But various issues will have a different impact depending on demographics. What is dangerous is a perceived slight -- the promotion of particular candidates/issues while appearing indifferent to the issues that matter to a particular voting bloc. Supresses turnout.

[safi0]

8. I actually kind

Of disagree with that second part. Perhaps I feel this way because I have no representation at all in Congress. But I'm Muslim, and their are only 2 scenarios where I could ever support a Republican, one is if the guy running was a personal friend and the other was if he was a Muslim.

[DaveinMD]

4. Virginia and MD are completely different

Virginia was the seat of the confederacy. Maryland has a more progressive tradition. When Dems controlled Virginia, these were blue dog, conservative Dems. Maryland had real Dems in the legislature. The comparison is complete bs.

[aintitfunny]

6. It was Yellow Dog Democrats in Tennessee (eom)

[AuntiBush]

7. The GOP Doesn't Stand a Chance.

Not in this state. From Baltimore city, Baltimore County to Harford County and back, this state will stay blue.

A lot of real estate has been bought-up by out-of-town GOP supporters. Yet, the backbone of most Marylanders is Democrat voting in major primaries. Many locals are fed-up with their GOP reps, as well.

And, I know plenty of people in VA that are fed-up with the GOP Republican scandals. Less they steal the votes, they won't take Maryland.

Look at what the Gov tried to do today: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=157x2773

[AX10]

9. The Democrats better not fall asleep.

DO NOT take anything for granted. The Democrats can NOT afford anymore losses.