Maryland Leaders Unify Behind Kerry for President
The group of leaders consists of United States Senator Paul Sarbanes, United States Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, Attorney General Joe Curran, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Representative Ben Cardin, Representative Dutch Ruppersberger, Representative Chris Van Hollen, Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch, Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, Baltimore City Mayor Martin O'Malley, Howard County Executive Jim Robey, and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.
The Maryland Leaders' joint statement follows:
"We join together today in enthusiastic support of John Kerry for President because of his strong record on national security and his positive vision to restore economic prosperity in America. He combines a 35-year record of fighting for Democratic values with a unique understanding of national security issues.
"Maryland has suffered in the Bush economy, and we need John Kerry's leadership to help all our people who are working overtime just to keep up with the high cost of health insurance, child care, tuition and other basic needs. John Kerry will bring back job growth, keep America stronger and safer, fight to make health care affordable, work to ensure our children receive a quality education and protect our environment.
"We urge all Marylanders to unite behind John Kerry for President, the Democrat who can and will defeat George W. Bush in November - and restore the promise of the American dream for all."
John Kerry said, "Maryland is a leader for Democratic values, so I am truly honored to have the support of so many of this State's distinguished Democrats as we fight to win every vote on March 2nd. George W. Bush has been an economic disaster for Maryland. Bankruptcies are up, and thousands of jobs have been lost. But together, we can retake the White House and bring back job growth for the people of this State."
In addition to demonstrating the appeal of Kerry's experience, character and vision, the endorsement by many of Maryland's highest-ranking Democratic elected officials adds significantly to Kerry's momentum in Maryland. Last week, Kerry was endorsed by some 80 state legislators, county officials and other local Democratic leaders from across the State of Maryland.
Kerry is the only Democrat running a national campaign and the only candidate to win delegates in every state that has held a primary or caucus. He has now won 15 out of the 17 primaries and caucuses so far, and has a commanding lead in the nomination race with over 600 total delegates - nearly 30% of the total delegates needed for the nomination. Kerry is the only candidate with active campaigns in all ten Super Tuesday states, as well as the primaries in Hawaii, Idaho and Utah that fall on February 24.