A heated Democratic primary contest for U.S. Senate is raising concerns about the potential for a fractured party heading into the general elections in November, when the winner is almost certain to face popular former Gov. Larry Hogan (R).
U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6th) and Prince George’s Couty Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) are locked in a pitch battle atop a field of eight other candidates for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D). Both sides are pointing at their opponent, blaming the other for what they said is bitter campaign rhetoric. But as the campaigns head into the final week of early voting before the May 14 election day, state Treasurer Dereck Davis (D) says Trone’s words threaten to divide the party headed into November.
State Treasurer Dereck Davis (D). File photo by Bryan P. Sears.
“I think folks will unify to the degree that we can but words do matter,” said Davis, who has endorsed Alsobrooks. “The more divisive the rhetoric, the more personal it gets, the longer it takes for that healing process to occur. And Larry Hogan is no joke. He is going to be one heck of a candidate. As soon as the party is able to unify behind the winner and run united, I think the greater our chances are. But this tone that’s taking place, this level of discourse is taking place, it’s going to require more healing.”
Of particular concern to Davis was a recent television news report featuring both candidates.
Trone, in that interview on NBC 4 in Washington, made a comment Davis said was dismissive of the lengthy list of officials from Prince George’s County who endorsed Alsobrooks.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Bryan P. Sears over at Maryland Matters
