Roundup Of The District 17 Senate Campaign Between Sen. Jennie Forehand and Former Del. Cheryl Kagan
Sep 10, 2010 10:00 - 1 Comment
Rockville has been Ground Zero for one of the harder-fought election campaigns in the state, the race for democratic nomination to the District 17 Senate seat, which is currently held by Jennie Forehand. Forehand is opposed by former state Delegate Cheryl Kagan. The election is September 14.
While this is a primary election, the winner is for all intents and purposes the ultimate victor, as this is a solidly democratic district.
This campaign has been energetic for some time, as Kagan filed her candidacy in May but had been campaigning before then. However, now is the time that voters are making up their minds so we thought we would provide links to relevant information so readers can easily research.
In addition to everything below, we’ve asked each candidate to provide a statement of their choosing by the end of the day. We will publish those on Saturday.
(Note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates and we work hard to provide a balanced forum for all.)
Photo from candidate's web site
The Candidates’ Online Identities
- Jennie Forehand:
- Cheryl Kagan
- Main web site
- Facebook page
- Twitter account (@CherylKagan)
Endorsements
- Jennie Forehand
- Endorsed by The Gazette
- List of endorsements on candidate site
- Cheryl Kagan
- Endorsed by the Washington Post
- List of endorsements on candidate site
Debates
While there have been a number of debates in this campaign, the most recent was August 31, held in Rockville Memorial Library. The candidates questioned each other, and responded to written questions from the audience. Rockville Central had complete coverage:
- Forehand, Kagan Question Each Other
- Forehand, Kagan Respond to Audience Quatsions:
Our friends at TBD.com also hosted a brief (less than 10 minute) debate between the two candidates, and provided us with full video. You can see that here.
Contributor Opinions
A number of readers have submitted contributor opinion pieces in support of either Forehand or Kagan. Here they all are, organized.
- Contributor Opinion pieces in favor of Jennie Forehand:
- Contributor Opinion By Sen. Brian Frosh: Setting The Record Straight On Jennie Forehand
- Contributor Opinion by Richard Arkin: Kagan Goes Negative
- Reader Note by Kevin Brooks: Forehand Kagan…Pretty Simple
- Contributor Opinion by John Moser: I Support Sen. Jennie Forehand
- Contributor Opinion By Richard Arkin: Forehand The More Successful Legislator
- Contributor Opinion By Laura Berthiaume: What I Know
Photo from the candidate's website
- Contributor Opinion pieces in favor of Cheryl Kagan:
- Contributor Opinion by John Cooper-Martin: Cheryl Kagan Will Make a Great State Senator for District 17
- Contributor Opinion By Scott Maravilla: Cheryl Kagan Is Our Future
- Contributor Opinion By Sima Osdoby: Why I am Supporting Cheryl Kagan
- Contributor Opinion By Bob Wright: Kagan Followed Letter And Spirit Of The Law
- Contributor Opinion By Paul Carlson: Cheryl Kagan, The Hardest Working Public Servant I have Ever Known
- Contributor Opinion by Frederick Beckner: Cheryl Kagan Helping to Keep Big Money Out of Politics
- Contributor Opinion By David Spitzer: A Response to Richard Arkin
- Contributor Opinion By Arthur Katz: Forehand’s Mailer, Cover Their Eyes
- Contributor Opinion By Anne Robbins: My Support For Cheryl Kagan
- Contributor Opinion By Eileen McGuckian: Why I Support Cheryl Kagan
- Reader Note By Jim Coyle: Support For Kagan
- Reader Note By Dick Strombotne: Why I Support Cheryl Kagan
- Contributor Opinion By John Britton: My Preference For Cheryl Kagan
So, there you have it.
If circumstances change materially, we will update this page and mark it.
Happy voting!
Next week will be exciting to see the outcome of our District 17 Senate race and I hope that we have a good voter turnout. I find it very interesting that the members of Jennie’s team have not commented on this Rockville Central Blog voicing their opinion on which candidate they believe is best for our District. I guess the team yard sign is suppose to speak for them.
I know both candidates for the District 17 Senate seat, attended the entire debate at the Rockville Library, and have been reading the comments about both. I know for some voters it doesn’t much matter what is written. Having our own facts and opinions are what is important.
Those who like Jennie and think she has represented her constituents well will vote for her and those who like Cheryl’s style of campaigning against Jennie will vote for her.
It is very interesting to follow the comments of the Rockville activists. I believe the negative campaigning has brought a lot of talk about this Senate race. It almost makes me wish I could vote in this primary election. However, since the primary election in Maryland is not open to other party voters like me, they can only vote for the school board candidates. All voters can vote in the General Election and watch out with those results.
What is even of more interest to me is who has taken the time to comment on the candidates especially since I know them. Some comments are not valuable to me and it gives me even more reason which candidate I would vote for if I could.
I think the elections for our District will be close, if not the vocals will have convinced others to vote for the winner. Whoever the winner is we expect good representation in Annapolis. Most importantly be informed and VOTE!!