I just got back from Maryland after spending yesterday at the polls in support of my amazing friend and colleague,
Bridget E Kelly, who was running for state senate in district 35. At the polls, we were amazed by a virtual conga line of people who stopped to tell Bridget that her message of "community, compromise, consensus and commitment" and "every voice matters; every voice heard" resonated personally with them. Armed with a modest budget, no political experience, a cadre of loyal supporters from both Pennsylvania and Maryland, and a passion for governmental reform, Bridget knocked on a minimum of 100 doors EVERY DAY in her district. She visited town halls, libraries, veterans’ hospitals, the Chesapeake, NAACP meetings, churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, prisons, and homeless encampments. I've seen her spend 20 minutes with an individual who was adamant against voting for any democrat, listening to his concerns, and wishing him well even when she knew she was not going to get his vote. Yesterday, Bridget and her campaign were caught in the anti-democrat backlash that swept not only Maryland but a lot of the nation. Although she had 11,000 people buck the trend and vote for her, often splitting their vote to do so, she was unsuccessful. In the end, Bridget did not lose: the voters in District 35 in Harford and Cecil Counties did. And what a shame for them. Bridget ran a clean campaign and refused to bad mouth her opponent in any way; but I am willing to bet he is not going to pound the pavement like she did or take the time to interact not only with the power brokers but also the forgotten, the underrepresented, the disenfranchised, the poor and the people who exist on the outskirts of our society. I hope for the voters in district 35 I am wrong. As for Bridget, she remains committed to the people of Maryland and summed up her experience with this quote: "you don't need to be elected to step up and serve". What a class act. Bridget, it's an honor to know you and an honor to have worked on your campaign. It's an experience I'll never forget. --Marilyn
Bridget E Kelly: Marilyn Lake-DellAngelo, you are a wonderful friend.
Marilyn Lake-DellAngelo: back at you, Bridget! :-)
Cathy Montague Jenkins: A loss for maryland for sure. Better luck next time Bridget! We need you!
Betsy Scholz Paugh: This is the truth, and a well deserved tribute to an outstanding woman! Proud to be your friend Bridget E Kelly
Maureen O'Reilly Naylor: Wow, well said and definitely heartfelt. I am inspired by Bridget's commitment and willingness to give.
Linda McConnell Nicosia-Sherman: Great job, Bridget,Maryland's loss! Marilyn, you are a true friend.
Sandra Fisher: Next time you'll win!!!