Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Poll: Edwards now leading Van Hollen in U.S. Senate race

Maryland Congresswoman Donna Edwards has moved ahead of Rep. Chris Van Hollen in the Democratic race for exiting U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski's seat, according to a new poll. The poll, commissioned by the Edwards campaign, shows her currently beating Van Hollen by 42%-37% among Maryland registered Democrats.

Garrick Delzell, Edwards' campaign manager, attributed her surge to voters believing she better represents their everyday economic concerns than Van Hollen. Voters identify with Edwards as a single mom, Delzell said in an email, who "knows what it’s like to juggle bills, insurance, and a career."

Van Hollen has so far drawn a huge advantage from many wealthy establishment supporters, and a massive campaign chest funded partly by Wall Street interests. The Montgomery County congressman has led the race all year in polls and in fundraising.

Edwards' lack of establishment support has put many county and state Democratic officials in a odd position, one that could come back to haunt them in the future.

Most of Montgomery County's political machine is squarely behind Van Hollen, despite Edwards' potential to be the first African-American to be elected to the Senate from Maryland. Former Rockville Mayor and Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan is one of the few prominent former or current officials here to endorse her campaign.

In a statement after the poll results were released Tuesday, Edwards said, "Marylanders want someone who will fight for progressive values and the issues that matter to working families. These results show that Maryland primary voters believe I will be that voice."

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"...the poll, commissioned by the Edwards campaign..."

LOL

Anonymous said...

I've always hated Van Hollen. Way back when he was first coming onto the scene he held a fundraiser and I was the event coordinator. He never made eye contact with me or any of the staff, he tipped poorly, and was dismissive and cold...even when it was something he needed to know/do. It seemed to pain him to interact with anyone below his station.

The green room was also my office. Before the event, as the guests were arriving, he and his family sat in there...silent, staring forward, barely moving. It was creepy! Like they were robots or something. And, Jesus, the feeling in there was beyond skeevy.

I swear, I felt like Christopher Walken in the Dead Zone around him. I've routinely voted against him every time.

Anonymous said...

Edwards would be a fighter and advocate for the state.

Anonymous said...

The first rule of politics....when you are behind...create a "poll" that shows that you are leading...and then release to the news media.

I can create a poll that show that the vast majority of the people of Maryland support.....any issue you want.

Anonymous said...

Look the only Statement that matters is "Most of Montgomery County's political machine is squarely behind Van Hollen, despite Edwards' potential to be the first African-American" if Montgomery County Politicians are backing them they r corrupt.

JAC said...

Very far Left is an understatement. She'll advocate for more rules, fees, taxes, restrictions to entrepreneurship, bringing back the Rain Tax. If it's about increasing the reach of government, she's for it. Thank God for Larry Hogan! Hogan Strong!