Edwards Versus Wynn

The Washington Post has an article today on the Democratic primary in Maryland's 4th Congressional District. That primary involves several candidates, but is really between Donna Edwards and Al Wynn.

The WP seems to be leaning over backwards to be fair to both candidates in this story in its Metro section, although it endorsed Donna Edwards in the last primary. (Edwards lost.)

Fortunately both candidates are intelligent and have liberal views that are consistent with those of the majority of the 4th District voters.

The WP writes:

In his 15 years in the House, Wynn's supporters say, he has been a vigorous voice for traditional Democratic causes, particularly raising the minimum wage, union protections for federal workers and proposals to expand health insurance for low-income children, vetoed by President Bush last year.

But Wynn has also shown a willingness to step away from his party on some key issues, particularly, he has said, when driven by his philosophy on small and minority business, leading him to votes that have created an opening for challengers.

The statement raises a question in my mind. The Democrats are very stong on small and minority businesses, so Wynn is claiming that he knows better on these issues than his party, and moreover, that the Republicans also do. I disagree.

I also looked up Wynn's contributers:

• for 2005-2006
• for 2007-2008

I guess I realize that a lot of companies and interest groups support sitting Congressmen, but I really wonder why they feel it important to support Wynn rather than Edwards. There are communications companies that seem to be interested in Wynn's (boneheaded) vote opposing Net Neutrality. Wynn is on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, serving on the Energy and Air Quality subcommittee and chairing the subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials. That explains the supporters from the electrical power industry, and perhaps from the realtors. (Are you satisfied with our energy situation? Do you want someone depending on corporate contributions to be dealing with air quality and environment?) But why is the Human Rights Campaign PAC (focusing on gay and lesbian issues) supporting Wynn in the primary? Edwards is a liberal as Wynn. Why is he getting support from Florida (FPL PAC FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT CO EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE, FLORIDA SUGAR CANE LEAGUE PAC)? Why is Wal-Mart Stores providing a nice donation in the primary?

I earlier posted that I am supporting Donna Edwards because I think she will be a more active and vital force for our interests in the Congress than Wynn has been. I think I am finding more reasons to support her over Wynn.