A COMMENTARY BY DANIEL 'THE WHIG MAN' VOVAK

As we reflect on Maryland Republican Chairman James Pelura's three years as the Party's leader, what did the mild-mannered veterinarian teach us? ANSWER: the concept of "loyal opposition." Loyal opposition is a term I doubt Dr. Pelura has ever used, though it is a concept he taught me. Moreover, the theory was punctuated by a long phone conversation I had with Larry Helminiak when he asked me point-blank if I enthusiastically supported Republican primaries and I said "yes."

Before Dr. Pelura wrote his resignation letter, he and I had a spirited phone conversation when he thoroughly shared his beliefs with me, and the frustrations that probably every one of his predecessors has had. Pelura emphasized to me that Republicans in Maryland need to become a viable minority Party and the only way to achieve that was to stand on principle. Later, he openly shared with me the difficulties he had with managing egos.

For a brief history of loyal opposition, consider how it was completely followed in 1976 when then-Governor Ronald Reagan opposed President Gerald Ford for the presidential nomination. Reagan's loyalty was so sincere that he articulated the Republican Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.


Election math

On the second day in office, a chairman looks again at numbers, including the budget and election math. For a moment, ignore the actual people who serve in these seats and focus on our reality.

Registered Voters
Democrats 1,942,700
Republicans 907,734
Independents 479,552

House of Delegates
Democrats 104
Republicans 36
Independents 1

State Senator
Democrats 33
Republicans 14

Governor
Democrats 1
Republicans 0

U.S. Representative
Democrats 7
Republicans 1

U.S. Senator
Democrats 2
Republicans 0

After viewing Republican math in Maryland, it becomes painfully obvious that the Party needs to attract more voters in order to become competitive. Further, when considering Maryland's history over the past four decades, it becomes apparent that Maryland (and Hawaii) are the weakest States in America for electing state-wide Republicans. Thus, sadly, Maryland is a partisan Democratic State operating usually as a one-party monopoly.

Certainly Metropolitan Washington, D.C. is more focused on politics than anywhere else in the country, with new residents being constantly attracted to the region. Therefore, there must be a trove of issue-driven Republican voters in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, and Southern Maryland who have not yet been motivated.


Base-voters like exciting primaries

What did Dr. Pelura do to try to combat Republican attrition? My guess is he reexamined the Republican base during primaries. Consider the number of voters in the highly contested 2000 Republican Primary between George W. Bush and John McCain. Then, compare that with the virtually-decided 2008 Republican Primary.

2000 Presidential Primary: 770,497
2008 Presidential Primary: 320,989

What happened to those 449,508 Republican voters? Certainly reviewing presidential primary math inspires all of us to conclude that exciting primaries lead to excitement in General Elections. In 2000, Republicans believed their votes mattered, which is why then-Governor George W. Bush defeated Vice President Gore. Thus, voter energy begins with spirited contests!

To exhibit the ideological purity of Dr. Pelura, I want to trumpet a critical point he made: Maryland Republicans needed a valid election for his seat as chairman, which is why he didn't just resign immediately. Obviously, he believes energetic competition strengthens our Republican base against well-organized Democratic Party forces. A chairman vote with a physical ballot (not a voice vote) will enhance his beliefs even further.

A chairman's job is to create excitement among energetic voters so they believe their votes matter. Optimism leads to Republican success! We need to attract new candidates and donors and not just recycle old lists. I believe Chairman Pelura has been open-minded to change and welcomes new candidates because he knows new blood is necessary to rally Maryland voters to new heights. I humbly submit this commentary and ask you for your vote to make me Maryland's next Republican Chairman.