The state of the race
With just over a week to go, the race for Maryland Republican Party Chair is beginning to look like one which will disappoint about half or more of the party, depending on how it comes out.
I was inspired to think about this when I received dueling endorsements via e-mail and snail mail over the last couple days from several party leaders - key among them was 2012 Senate candidate Dan Bongino's endorsement of Greg Kline for the MDGOP's leadership position. In a statement released by Kline's campaign, Bongino is quoted as saying:
We have an important decision to make. During next Saturday's MDGOP Spring Convention, the Party will be selecting a new Chairman. I believe the best choice to turn this Party around and put us on a path to future electoral successes is Greg Kline.
Greg's plan for Maryland is detailed, visionary, strategic and avoids repeating the mistakes of the past. Greg will not forfeit any election, will cede no ground and will create an environment where all candidates and potential candidates will find a welcome home in our state GOP.
But while the Bongino endorsement will be valuable, in looking at the race thus far in terms of confirmed supporters - particularly ones with a vote in the matter - Kline is bringing up the rear. While it's not an exhaustive list by any means (and certainly feel free to add your name to the list as a comment I can verify) these are the endorsements I'm aware of. (Minutes after I posted I had to make an update, so this will change I'm sure.)
For Greg Kline:
Dan Bongino, 2012 U.S Senate candidate
Brian Griffiths, Chair, Maryland Young Republicans
Andrew Langer, Insitiute for Liberty
Eugene Craig, Baltimore County CC
Maria Pycha, Baltimore County CC
Kathleen Smero, Baltimore County CC
Jim Braswell, Anne Arundel County CC
For Collins Bailey:
Republican Liberty Caucus of Maryland
Patrick McGrady, Harford County CC and Maryland Liberty PAC
Scott DeLong. Harford County CC
David Tritt, Harford County CC
Chris Zeauskas, Chair, Cecil County CC
Mike Dawson, Cecil County CC
Phil Parenti, Chair, Prince George's County CC
Tom Slezak, Prince George's County CC
Joe Crawford, Charles County CC
Gary Rumsey. St. Mary's County CC
Michael Belan, Montgomery County CC
Diana Waterman has the longest list - but not all have a vote:
Louis Pope, RNC National Committeeman
John Wafer, MRP Secretary
Chris Rosenthal, MRP Treasurer
Marcia Jicka. longtime MRP employee
Ellen Sauerbrey, two-time gubernatorial candidate
Patt Parker, Maryland Federation of Republican Women
Ruth Umbel, Maryland Federation of Republican Women
Lance Richardson, Queen Anne's County State's Attorney
Earl Beville, Queen Anne's County Republican Club president
Mark Uncapher, Chair, Montgomery County CC
Mohamed Ali, Montgomery County CC
Sylvia Darrow, Montgomery County CC
Jerry Cave, Montgomery County CC
Josephine Wang, Montgomery County CC
Katja Bullock, Montgomery County CC
Larry Lauer, Montgomery County CC
Loretta Shields, Chair, Howard County CC
Diane Butler, Howard County CC
Frank Smith, Howard County CC
Dave Myers, Howard County CC
Nick Panuzio, Chair, Talbot County CC
Josh Horner, Talbot County CC
Dale Coldren, Chair, Dorchester County CC
Wayne Foote, Chair, Allegany County CC
Mary Burke-Russell, St. Mary's County CC
Laura Knickman, Queen Anne's County CC
Matthew Adams, Somerset County CC
While there are a lot of endorsements in Waterman's corner, it's worth noting that those who have made a stand only represent around 15% of the vote. Surely a few counties will have a unanimous vote, but I think most will be split two or three ways.
The question, though, might be more of whether a second ballot is needed rather than who will win. We will find out on April 20.
Update: The list has already changed - two three people listed as Waterman supporters have requested removal and I've made additions to the Kline camp.