Candidates vie for Britt's seat

Five candidates are now in the race to replace the late Democratic state Sen. Gwendolyn Britt who passed away Jan. 12. The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee will meet at the Prince George's Ballroom in Landover on Wednesday night to discuss a replacement in the vacated 47th district. Their eventual recommendation will be sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley for approval.

The late senator's husband, Travis Britt, is among those vying to fill the open position. Mr. Britt will be joined by four other candidates-former Delegate Rushern Baker, and current Delegates Jolene Ivey, Doyle Niemann and Victor R. Ramirez. The current delegates all serve the 47th district.

Mr. Britt is a former teacher's assistant and liquor-license inspector. He could not be reached for comment this afternoon, but earlier this week he told the Gazette that fulfilling his wife's legacy would be his main interest, focusing on issues like gay rights and equal treatment for ex-felons.

‘"I'd like her proposals, her desires to go forward," Britt told the Gazette. "I haven't even thought about my agenda yet."

Ivey has served in the House of Delegates since last January, and was press secretary for current U.S. Senator Ben Cardin from 1988-1989 when he was a U.S. congressman. She was also the co-founder of the group Mocha Moms, Inc., a support group for minority mothers who do not work full-time outside of the home. Ivey spoke this afternoon with PolitickerMD.com, highlighting her gender as an important fact in her candidacy.

"There are no other women from Prince George's County in the Senate," Ivey said.

She said she would prefer that the open position would go to one of the current district 47 delegates because "people have had an opportunity to vote for" those candidates.

Ivey said she was concerned with Mr. Britt's health. Britt suffers from diabetes and undergoes dialysis "several times a day," according to Ivey.

"I understand why he is pursuing (the position)," Ivey said.

She said Mr. Britt was "smart" and "committed," but emphasized that the "state of his health is my only question."

"He has always been very kind to me," Ivey added.

When speaking with the Gazette, Britt said his condition would not affect his duties if appointed, adding "I absolutely feel that I can do it."

As for her platforms, Ivey said she would commit herself to expanding Medicaid accessibility. She also said she would work with women who are victims of domestic violence and with low-income citizens.

In addition, Ivey said she thought Sen. Britt's greatest achievement was "her contribution to the Civil Rights movement."

Ivey said she also understood the degradation of discrimination based on race, highlighting the fact that her father, an African-American, and mother, who is white, were married in the 1950s.

Baker, a former delegate, served Prince George's County in District 22B from 1994-2003. He was the Chair of the Prince George's County delegation for four of those years. Baker unsuccessfully ran for county executive in 2002 and 2006.

Ramirez began his service in the House in 2003. He is a member of the Judiciary Committee and was previously a member of the Ways and Means Committee. He has previously devoted time to improving conditions for immigrants.

Niemann has also served in the House since 2003. He has also been an Assistant State's Attorney for Prince George's County since 1998, specializing in the prosecution of economic and white-collar crimes.

Telephone calls made to Baker, Ramirez and Niemann were not returned. PolitickerMD.com will attempt to interview these men prior to Wednesday's meeting of the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee.