Rushern Baker

Having dinner with a friend recently who made a point that should have been made a long time ago: "People are not getting past the face of Obama." I had to think about this and then recall a number of conversations I had with someone who is trying to convert me into being a Barack Obama supporter. That person did not want to hear what I have to say as far as why I support John McCain over Obama. All they know is that Obama could walk on water. Let's be honest, he did go up to the Mount of Invesco to tell it on the mountain ...so to speak.

Consider this piece to be my no confidence vote in Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson (D). OK, to be fair, I never had confidence in Johnson in the six years he has been county executive. Thankfully for the first two years of his era, I lived on the Anne Arundel side of Laurel.

First let me discuss the main reasons that he was elected. In 2002, he was elected on his campaign to root out police corruption, in addition to being in a very crowded field to succeed Wayne Curry (D). Candidates that year included council member Jim Estepp, former delegate the Rev. C. Anthony Muse and then-delegate Rushern Baker III. Two years ago, Johnson won by running (literally) from Baker.

And now for the monthly round up of things you should know about, things you haven’t heard about yet or things you already know but I’m going to tell you what I feel about it anyway, it’s time for Burns-pourri to wrap up June.

Starting up with two things from my blog…

Martin O'Malley partied in Philly. 

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend inched over Indiana.

Kweisi Mfume and Rushern Baker hit the pavement in Pittsburgh.

With Johnson's Help, Baker Thwarted Again

Former Del. Rushern Baker: Addressing the PG Democratic Central Committee LANDOVER - David Harrington, chairman of the Prince George's County Council, was selected by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee to fill the vacant District 47 Senate seat here last night.

Harrington received 12 of the 23 votes cast by the central committee, with chairman Terry Speigner casting the deciding vote in Harrington's favor over former Del. Rushern Baker, who received 11 votes.

The committee's recommendation will now be sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley for approval. Once approved, Harrington will serve the remainder of the District 47 term left vacant by the death of Sen. Gwendolyn Britt on Jan. 12. The current term runs through 2010.

Delegate Jolene Ivey did not receive a vote from the central committee. Travis Britt, the husband of the late senator, had been a candidate, but he withdrew his name from consideration prior to the vote. Two other candidates, Delegates Victor Ramirez and Doyle Niemann, also withdrew. Candice Henry, a local resident and substitute school teacher also competed in the race.

The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee will meet this evening in Landover to fill the vacancy created by the sudden death of state Sen. Gwendolyn Britt earlier this month.

At this point there appears to be no frontrunner for the District 47 seat, which Britt was elected to in 2002 and 2006. Among the contenders are her husband, Travis Britt, former Del. Rushern Baker, and Delegates Victor Ramirez, Jolene Ivey and Doyle Niemann.

The 25 Central Committee members will hear from and vote on the candidates from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Prince George's Ballroom. Their reccomendation will go to the Governor for approval.

District 47State Delegate Victor Ramirez, a candidate in the race to fill the vacant District 47 Senate seat, said his experience in the state legislature would aid his candidacy.

“Legislative experience counts for something,” Ramirez said during an interview today with PolitickerMD.com.

Ramirez has served the district in the House of Delegates since 2003. An attorney, Ramirez has served on the Judiciary Committee for the past year; previously serving on the Ways and Means Committee.

The delegate is joined by four other candidates seeking to replace the late Sen. Gwendolyn Britt, who passed away Jan. 12. Britt’s husband, Travis, is among those seeking the position.

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.