William Donald Schaefer

[LiberalEsto]

It looks like Peter Franchot has won the Democratic nomination for Comptroller. And current Comptroller William Donald Schaefer's long political career is over.

It is long past time for Schaefer to retire, and Maryland voters told him so on Primary Day. I agreed -- I voted for Franchot.

Schaefer has been mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland. He's noted for colorful stunts like jumping into a tank at the newly-opened Baltimore Aquarium, wearing an old-fashioned long striped bathing suit. He fought for Baltimore.

Schaefer is one of the old-school politicians, someone who doesn't depend on focus groups to determine what his position will be on a particular issue. He didn't want issues studied to death -- he wanted to get things done, and he did.

He's been extraordinarily outspoken in his career, and at times too independent. He's infuriated Maryland's Democrats by supporting and campaigning for Republicans, such as Bush. He's made any number of sexist, politically incorrect comments that have landed him in hot water.

I met Schaefer a couple of times as a reporter for the Montgomery Journal in the mid-90s. He is definitely a character. He is extremely intelligent, with a phenomenal memory, and a quip for any occasion.

I'm not sure if he will be able to handle having nothing to do once a new Comptroller is sworn in. People like that tend to wither away when they are removed from the halls of power.

Maryland politics will be duller without him.

[seemunkee]

1. About time

He was an embarrassment.

[DaveinMD]

2. Peter

will be a much better Comptroller. It will be nice to have a real Democrat in there again.

[nickshepDEM]

3. Ehrlich blasted Franchot today on WBAL...

Called him the most liberal fringe member of the general assembly.

Bobby also went on to say he's convinced McCarthy will give Franchot a run for his money.

I cant wait to see those two go at it on the board of public works.

[DaveinMD]

6. They won't

because O'Malley will take Ehrlich's place.

[nickshepDEM]

8. Damn straight.

[nickshepDEM]

4. Dave, how did Raskin fair yesterday?

The last time I check he was leading, but that was at 11pm last night.

[DaveinMD]

5. he won

by a lot. It wasn't even close.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

7. He's a crass act, alright. n/m