The Post and the Gazette have reported that Delegates Aisha Braveboy (D-25) and Gerron Levi (D-23A) are considering running for Prince George’s County Executive. Normally, two freshman Delegates would not be considered top-tier contenders but we believe it is unwise to count them out.
First, many of the more established candidates have serious issues. Former Delegate Rushern Baker and Senator C. Anthony Muse had crippling financial problems the last time we checked. Sheriff Michael Jackson has yet to get past the dog-shooting scandal that has since resulted in a lawsuit. State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey has been hurt by his failure to prosecute anyone in the jailhouse killing of Ronnie White. And can any incumbent Prince George’s County Council Member mount a strong defense of that body’s performance?
Neither Braveboy nor Levi have been tainted by any of the above issues. Their challenge will be financial. Baker has raised $1,570,999.56 in contributions alone since 1999. Ivey has raised $550,663.67 and Jackson has raised $424,232.02 over the same period. None of those figures include loans. Levi has raised $116,557.55 and Braveboy has raised $56,440.61 for their campaigns so far – small potatoes in a County Executive race.
Still, everyone must bear the following in mind. Our database geeks report the following voting patterns in the last two Prince George’s Democratic primaries.
2006 Primary
Total Voters: 109,832
Women: 67,065
Female Percentage: 61%
2008 Primary
Total Voters: 176,682
Women: 109,158
Female Percentage: 62%
Our hunch is that if the Prince George’s County Executive contest turns into a race between several problem-plagued male candidates and one credible female candidate, girl power could win out. Mark these words!