Maryland’s Democratic establishment formally announced its support Tuesday for former Vice President Joe Biden to become the next president of the United States.
The Biden for Maryland campaign also wanted to ensure voters fill out their ballots with exactly one week until the June 2 presidential primary, marked as state’s first election to be conducted primarily by mail because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
State. Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-District 21), who represents parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, said more than 200 local, state and federal officials, community leaders and former elected officials are ready to support Biden.
“They reflect the diversity of our state geographically in every possible way,” said Rosapepe, who co-chairs the Biden for Maryland campaign along with Del. Erek Barron (D-District 24) of Mitchellville. “We, in Maryland, do not take voters for granted.”
Nine people spoke on behalf of Biden describing him as a “leader,” “unifier” and “the real deal.”
“Even before I tell them to vote for me, don’t forget to vote for Joe Biden,” said Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young. “I believe Joe Biden will win and he will become president of the United States of America. We can all feel great again…”
State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, who said she initially lent her support last year to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), proclaimed Tuesday,’ “Let’s go, Joe.”
Democrats in Congress said Republican President Donald Trump isn’t fit for leadership in the White House.
“President Trump has mismanaged and misinformed the American people since day one,” said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland). “Now in a national emergency, we see just how dangerous his leadership has been.”
Similar sentiments were expressed Thursday during the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee’s first virtual session with 54 participants.
Cheryl Summers Landis, who chairs the central committee, reviewed information on the party’s national efforts to ensure Biden wins the November general election.
The coronavirus has eliminated traditional grassroots and door-knocking activities, so digital sessions and virtual events have become the new format to boost the party and reach new voters.
Some of those efforts that coincide with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) efforts include using the primary election to recruit volunteers for the general election, increase monthly investment in every state by 33 percent and preserve voter protection to help all Democrats “to victory.”
With Maryland Democrats outnumbering Republicans by a 2 to 1 ratio, some work will be done during the general election to help Democratic candidates in neighboring states such as Virginia and Pennsylvania.
A focal point for Democrats will be to retake the Senate, so the DNC plans to provide grassroots efforts for challengers against 10 Republican incumbents. Those races include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky, Sen. Lindsay Graham in South Carolina and Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
“Are you a proactive agent of positive change who is committed to … save our democracy?” said Landis, who also serves as interim DNC national committeewoman for Maryland. “If yes, then let’s work together to get out the vote and change our White House, the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to Democratic leadership.”