s/o ideological politics of MoCo

[Anonymous]

This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

Alternatively, because the Republicans wouldn't accept anyone like Connie Morella, even assuming anyone like Connie Morella wanted to run as a Republican in Montgomery County (or anywhere). Instead, the candidates like Connie Morella in Montgomery County are running as Democrats - and winning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

[Anonymous]

Both sides let the extreme wing run things. MCGOP too often put up crazies (Ficker) or Trumpsters (Cox -- OK that was MDGOP not MCGOP).

Then the Dems like Takoma Park/SS control things, mainly because they are the most vocal and involved. The people in upcounty (Germantown, Clarksburg) where all the population growth is, are too busy making a living to get involved in the local party dramas.

The solution is open primaries, which means in the general (which has much higher turnout) you'd end up with a left-wing dem and a moderate dem most likely. Then the silent majority would pick the moderate dem.

Instead, the race is won in the primary, where there is scant voter turnout except among the most involved, which tend to be the most progressive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both sides let the extreme wing run things. MCGOP too often put up crazies (Ficker) or Trumpsters (Cox -- OK that was MDGOP not MCGOP).

Then the Dems like Takoma Park/SS control things, mainly because they are the most vocal and involved. The people in upcounty (Germantown, Clarksburg) where all the population growth is, are too busy making a living to get involved in the local party dramas.

The solution is open primaries, which means in the general (which has much higher turnout) you'd end up with a left-wing dem and a moderate dem most likely. Then the silent majority would pick the moderate dem.

Instead, the race is won in the primary, where there is scant voter turnout except among the most involved, which tend to be the most progressive.

I never understand this "Marc Elrich is a crazy left-winger" thing. You know who loves Marc Elrich? The Citizens Coordinating Committee on Friendship Heights, the "Save Westbard" group, the Kenwood Citizens Association, and the Montgomery Countryside Alliance. He says a lot of stuff, but when it comes down to it, he supports the homeowners who oppose change, every single time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both sides let the extreme wing run things. MCGOP too often put up crazies (Ficker) or Trumpsters (Cox -- OK that was MDGOP not MCGOP).

Then the Dems like Takoma Park/SS control things, mainly because they are the most vocal and involved. The people in upcounty (Germantown, Clarksburg) where all the population growth is, are too busy making a living to get involved in the local party dramas.

The solution is open primaries, which means in the general (which has much higher turnout) you'd end up with a left-wing dem and a moderate dem most likely. Then the silent majority would pick the moderate dem.

Instead, the race is won in the primary, where there is scant voter turnout except among the most involved, which tend to be the most progressive.

I never understand this "Marc Elrich is a crazy left-winger" thing. You know who loves Marc Elrich? The Citizens Coordinating Committee on Friendship Heights, the "Save Westbard" group, the Kenwood Citizens Association, and the Montgomery Countryside Alliance. He says a lot of stuff, but when it comes down to it, he supports the homeowners who oppose change, every single time.

True, but also CASA and all of the labor unions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

And it was a brilliant move.

You’re welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not another “omg Montgomery County is dying from communism” thread.

I am more curious from the birds-eye view standpoint as how MoCo became in the last 20 or so years so ideologically distinct from the rest of the region which is pretty mainstream and moderate. Previously, MoCo elected Connie Morella Republicans and Doug Duncan Democrats, as someone mentioned in another thread. How did we go from that to electing Marc Elrich, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando?

You can say there is a less White and more diverse electorate, but that does not mean more progressive. Usually people of color vote for moderate Democrats, not progressives. You can also say it’s the dominance of Takoma Park/Silver Spring activists, but why? Why doesn’t the rest of the county outvote them? And what draws more left leaning people to places like downtown Silver Spring anyway? Is it some kind of self sorting like people with left wing views move here or is it a highly successful effort to drown out more moderate voices?

Your premise is faulty. There aren't any more "Connie Morella" Republicans. The Republicans got rid of them. Meanwhile, on the County Council: Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Sayles, Luedtke, Albornoz, and Sayles.

The Democrats got rid of Morella by rezoning her district so Van Hollen could win.

The Republicans in Montgomery County could run "Connie Morella" Republicans, if they could find any. So, why don't they?

Because they would lose.

This life long Democrat has started to vote Republican in Maryland state elections, especially when there is a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hogan and then Moore.

Would you vote for a local Republican who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-environment, anti-trump, while anti tax-and-spend and pro-police and against substanceless DEI initiatives?

DP. In Montgomery County, we call those people Democrats. They run as Democrats, and Montgomery County voters elect them as Democrats. OP's issue isn't with Montgomery County voters, it's with the county, state, and national Republican parties.

Sorry, but anyone who stands in opposition to DEI measures and programs, is for status-quo with regards to police funding or opposes massive police reforms, or opposes spending on programs that help those with less, is NOT a Democrat in my eyes. Those are just another flavor of republican. Just because they oppose trump doesn’t mean they’re not scum.

So don't vote for them. The point remains: the moderate candidates the OP is bemoaning the lack of, in Montgomery County, are actually still getting elected in Montgomery County, just as Democrats, not as Republicans.