Top Democratic candidates for Maryland Senate seat began the primary debates intensely, as Congresswoman Donna Edwards and Congressman Chris Van Hollen sparred with each other over their stances and records on a range of issues demanding attention in the state.
Edwards, who represents the 4th Congressional District and Van Hollen, who represents the 8th Congressional in the US House of Representatives, are showcasing their performances in the race ahead of April 26 primary that may well throw up replacement for incumbent Democratic Senator Barbara A. Mikulski.
Mikulski is retiring this year after a long service as elected lawmaker in both chambers of Congress, setting off a highly competitive primary in Maryland.
Maryland became a focus of nationwide discussions in the summer of 2015 following the mysterious death of 25-year-old African-American Freddie Gray in Baltimore – a development that spotlighted issues of poverty, unemployment, race, policing, criminal justice and governance in the state.
During Friday’s debate – in WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show -Representative Edwards, a lawyer and longtime activist, cast herself as the candidate being closest to common Marylanders, citing her experience and story as single African-American mother.
Later, the two candidates also appeared in an exchange, arranged by the Prince George’s County Young Democrats and the Eleanor & Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club.
“I have walked in the shoes of the people I hope to represent,” Edwards said.
At another point she also alluded to the importance of her making to the Senate as someone also bringing an African-American perspective.
For his part, Karachi-born Van Hollen, who has been endorsed by The Washington Post, presented himself as candidate representing all segments of the population.
“I’m fighting for every vote,” he said. “When I talk to people across the state, regardless of race, regardless of gender, what they’re looking for is someone who can deliver results.”
A contentious moment came up when Rep. Edwards tried to dismiss Van Hollen as representing Democratic establishment.
Reacting to the point, Van Hollen referred to support of the people he has been able to garner in elections all over Maryland.
“These are people who have worked with both of us, and these are people who can testify to results,” he said.
Van Hollen launched attacks on Edwards, presenting himself as leader who delivers and questioning the record and efficacy of his opponent’s leadership. Van Hollen even described Edwards’ scathing criticism of his stances and performance as an attempt to hide her ineffective record.
“Ms. Edwards has not been telling Maryland voters the truth,” Van Hollen said. “A lot of rhetoric but no results, no record,” he added.
Rep. Edwards described Van Hollen as too ready to compromise with Republicans and a career diplomat having little concern for the people. She also accused him of trading away hard-earned Social Security benefits.
On the other hand, Congressman Van Hollen, who has been praised and endorsed by The Washington Post and some Republican leaders, presented his ability to work with the Republicans as a distinctive quality that served the masses.
He also accused Congresswoman Edwards of siding with the Tea Party in allowing a default on debts and said he worked on the side of Democratic Senator Mikulski .
Polls have been indicating the two high profile candidates and colleagues locked in a tight race. However, a Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore poll last week found Edwards leading by six points. In a clearly Democratic state, the winner of the primary is expected to have a winning edge over Republican candidate in the November election.
Both Edwards and Van Hollen have popular support as politicians, making the primary a vigorous contest.
