Van Hollen, Edwards Square Off in First Maryland Senate Race Debate

[brooklynite]

Roll Call:

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Maryland Reps. Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen faced off for the first time Sunday, showcasing sharply different styles as they vie for the Democratic nomination for Senate.

Speaking here in an office park at a forum hosted by the National Organization for Women, the two candidates running to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski touched on issues of women’s health, economic inequality, trade and violence.

...snip...

Van Hollen kicked off his remarks by pointing to his efforts to seek equality for all — women, disabled people, gays. While he’s not a member of any of those groups, he did so because it was the right thing to do, he said.

...snip...

Edwards, on the other hand, drew on her personal experience as a black woman and a single mother, saying her first-hand experience dealing with many of the issues made her uniquely qualified.

This is a race I'm staying out of until there's a nominee.

[elleng]

1. 'It was Edwards who took the first jab at her opponent,

criticizing him for his professed willingness to accept a budget compromise that included cuts to Social Security.

“I think here is where there is and has been, frankly, a fundamental difference between myself and Chris Van Hollen. … When it came time to cut a deal, that was part of a budget deal, Mr. Van Hollen was willing to consider, those are his own words, cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” Edwards said. “I think that is unacceptable. Social Security and Medicare are bedrock fundamental principles of the Democratic party.”

Van Hollen defended himself on Social Security, but never hit back at Edwards.

“I actually led the effort to convince the president not to put the chained CPI proposal in his second budget. At the same time, frankly, I persuaded him not to put a cut in federal employee benefits in his budget,” Van Hollen said, noting his high ratings with retirement groups.

Even after the forum, Van Hollen ducked his head and demurred when asked by CQ Roll Call about the fact that she had gone after him, saying he had said all he had to say during the debate.'

[qwlauren35]

2. Actually, I think it's important to look at what Edwards brings.

Yes, they are both fairly progressive. But Edward has lived the issues that Van Hollen "supports". I think it makes a difference.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/04/1382386/-Face-off-at-Maryland-NOW-Forum-Edwards-vs-Van-Hollen#comments

[bigdarryl]

3. Any polling on this race?