Maryland Democrats and Republicans woke up happy and energized Wednesday after the Super Tuesday results with the realization that, for the first time in decades, next week?s state primary might matter in selecting the next president.
“Maryland is poised to be a real player,” said Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor. “All over the state, our people are really excited,” especially with the opportunity to nominate either the first woman or the first African-American for president.
“This is the most competitive election we?ve had in a long time,” said John Flynn, executive director of the state GOP. More than 500 people from both parties are running to be convention delegates, a much higher number than usual.
Both parties are expecting visits from all the top candidates, with Republican Mitt Romney due to speak at a Baltimore County Lincoln Day tonight in Arbutus.
“People who are not Romney fans are just dying to come to this event,” said county GOP Chairman Chris Cavey. “Everybody wants to see a presidential candidate.” He said he?s sold standing-room only tickets for the sold-out event.
“This regional primary makes Maryland relevant,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, with Virginia, Maryland and D.C. voting next Tuesday, a move he strongly backed. “We?re anticipating one of the largest turnouts” in recent times, Miller said.
“We would not be surprised to see 1 million [Democrats] coming out” to the polls next week, Cryor said.
“The young voter revolution is huge and it?s going to be huge in Maryland,” said Jennifer Kramer, president of the state?s Young Democrats.
Some of the most fired up Democrats were at a rally for Obama supporters in Maryland.
“Barack Obama will become the next president of the United States,” predicted Rep. Elijah Cummings, co-chairman of the state Obama. Cummings, a former head of the Congressional Black Caucus, said “never did I dream in my lifetime” that it could happen.
Attorney General Doug Gansler, the other co-chairman, said Obama would carry all three major Democratic jurisdictions in Maryland -? Baltimore City, Montgomery and Prince George?s counties. Almost 150 elected officials have now endorsed Obama, and they represent the diversity of Maryland, Gansler said. At one point, he addressed the crowd in Spanish, followed by an even longer speech in Spanish by Del. Joselyn Pena-Melnyk.
Joining the Obama team Wednesday were Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Thomas Mac Middleton of Charles County.
Gov. Martin O?Malley and Sen. Barbara Mikulski are leading Clinton?s campaign in Maryland.
