Tomorrow night, assuming the end of the world blizzard doesn’t come twelve hours early, the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee will be choosing a new District 14 senator to replace Karen Montgomery, who has decided to retire. Delegate Craig Zucker has applied for the position, and is supported not only by his D14 colleagues but by a number of groups as well.
An interesting wrinkle has come up with the recent arrival in the contest of former D14 Delegate Herman Taylor, last seen earning 6% of the vote in an ill-advised 2010 challenge to Congresswoman Donna Edwards. Taylor had a well earned reputation as one of the more middle of the road members of the county delegation, particularly on issues such as abortion, marriage equality and labor rights.
Today, the wrinkle gets interesting for you, dear readers. Maryland Scramble has been provided with documents showing that NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, not content to simply endorse Zucker for the Senate seat, also wrote a letter to Central Committee members affirmatively opposing Taylor’s nomination, on the grounds that, among other things, “Taylor misrepresented his opinions on women’s reproductive health and received an endorsement from our organization” back in 2002, when Taylor was first elected to the House of Delegates. Strong words in a situation where normally mild manners and inference rule the day.
First, the letter dated January 15, supporting Craig Zucker:
I wanted to convey the news that NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC has enthusiastically endorsed Delegate Craig Zucker’s bid to assume the Senate seat of Karen Montgomery. Delegate Zucker has been a firm advocate for women’s unimpeded access to healthcare in our State and we believe he would be the best choice to succeed Senator Montgomery.
As you may know, the NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC is the only bi-partisan political action committee working solely to protect a woman’s right to choose in Maryland. To this end, we carefully consider each candidate’s personal commitment and public advocacy and voting record to this cause. Based on these criteria, we find Delegate Zucker has the best credentials in these categories and encourage you to support his candidacy for the Central Committee’s recommendation.
Thank you for your consideration,
Edward Terry
Chair, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC
8905 Fairview Road, Suite 401
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301/565-4154
[email protected]
Then, a second email dated today, January 20, regarding Taylor:
Good afternoon-
Attached is one other letter for your consideration for tomorrow night’s meeting.
The NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC wishes to express its strong opposition to the appointment of former delegate Herman Taylor to the District 14 Senate seat. In his 2002 campaign, Mr. Taylor misrepresented his opinions on women’s reproductive health and received an endorsement from our organization. During his service in the House of Delegates, he made votes that contradicted the positions expressed in his NPCM questionnaire.
We have elucidated in the attached document the occasions of Mr. Taylor’s votes that give us great concern if appointed to this Senate seat. We respectfully request the MCDCC considers this information as it evaluates candidates for appointment and notes our strong support of Delegate Craig Zucker who has a proven record of support for reproductive freedom in Maryland.
Thank you again for your time and dedication in the work you do-
Edward Terry
Chair, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC
8905 Fairview Road, Suite 401
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301/565-4154
[email protected]
The document referred to in today’s email lists eight votes during Taylor’s House service in which he voted against the interests of reproductive rights. The cover letter reiterates NARAL’s position that “Taylor misrepresented his opinions” in 2002.
No mincing words or beating around the bush for NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland. Points for honesty and candor.