It’s time to vote today after the longest and most expensive presidential campaign in U.S. history. And, just as a reminder, here are The Baltimore Examiner’s endorsements in races and on issues vital to the future of America, Maryland and the world:
For president and vice president: John McCain and Sarah Palin. Unlike Barack Obama, McCain has an extensive military background, and the raw courage he exhibited as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam will make him an outstanding commander in chief of a nation still at war. Running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, battled corruption in her own party and her state’s biggest industry. The two Republican mavericks are the nation’s best insurance against a Democratic Congress run amok.
Maryland 1st Congressional District: Republican Andy Harris will be an essential, powerful voice in Washington as part of an honorable and loyal opposition. Even though he lowered himself in the final days of the campaign with downright dishonest attacks on Democrat Frank Kratovil, Harris can redeem himself in Congress and deserves your vote.
Maryland 5th District: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is a key player in a Democratic Congress that has earned even lower public approval ratings than President Bush. But Hoyer – who battled Nancy Pelosi ally John Murtha for the leadership post – is a pragmatic centrist who will modulate his party’s lurch leftward.
Maryland 6th District: Another voice Maryland and America need to keep in Congress is that of Roscoe Bartlett. This vigorous eight-term Republican brings the kind of book smarts and street smarts America needs in our lawmakers. Democrat Jennifer Dougherty knows what it means to meet a payroll, but this time around voters have absolutely no reason to throw Bartlett out.
Ballot Question No. 1: Early voting. Vote no. Of all the “vote early, vote often” jokes ever tossed around about elections from the conception of our democratic republic, this is one that must not be turned into law.
Ballot Question No. 2: Slots. Vote yes. Slots may not be all their proponents say they will be, but we know they will keep money here in Maryland. We’re going to need it. Get a grip on reality voters, slots are in this region to stay, just in neighboring states. For that reason alone, we should support them here.
Finally, a hat tip to all the candidates who willingly put their private lives on hold – and in some cases on display – to run for public office and in so doing, graced our nation with their sense of duty and sacrifice. Thank you, no matter how it all shakes out.
