Maryland: Ervin Loses Again; Jealous Up

​Gubernatorial candidate Valerie Ervin’s (D) legal saga continues.  You will remember she was the running mate to gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kamenetz (D) who suddenly passed away on May 10th.  As was her right as the designated running mate, Ms. Ervin, a former Montgomery County Councilwoman, assumed control of the gubernatorial campaign.  Later, the Maryland State Board of Elections ruled that it was too late to re-print ballots and the only way ballots would count for Ms. Ervin is if people continue to vote for the late Mr. Kamenetz. 
 
Ms. Ervin challenged the ruling in court asking for a ballot re-print to include her name, and has now lost twice, with the second ruling coming on Monday.  She is now running out of time to change the system.  Early voting begins June 14th for the June 26th primary election.  The Board of Elections has agreed to allow signage in every polling place instructing voters who want to support Ms. Ervin that they must check Mr. Kamenetz’s name.  Needless to say, this system damages Ms. Ervin’s chances of prevailing in the primary vote.
 
The Washington Post sponsored a poll of the Democratic primary (5/29-6/3; 1,015 MD adults; 968 MD registered voters; 532 likely MD Democratic primary voters) and found former NAACP president Ben Jealous taking over the lead with 21%.  Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker is second with 16%, followed by Ms. Ervin who commands 8% support.   State Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) attracted 6% preference.  The Democratic winner faces Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in the fall.
 
--Jim Ellis