support Jamie Raskin (source thread refers). I knew him as my State Senator in Maryland. (Unfortunately didn't know until now that he was running), especially against Mathews wife. I can tell you that I used to run into him working out on the machines at the YMCA....He would chat with me off and on - although I couldn't say that he recognized me. Once I sort of jokingly told him that I was dissatisfied with incumbent Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen and that he ought to run for his seat.
Also know that Raskin I think managed Obama's campaign in Maryland.
He is a strong family man - remember him telling me that there was some obligation he couldn't commit to because he had a commitment to his son.
He lives in Takoma Park, Maryland - a very progressive part of Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC which some call 'the Berkley of the East Coast'. Takoma Park has its own 'free speech' 4th of July parade; has a very fine food co-op, and finally voted itself to be a nuclear free zone (no nuclear weapons transported through Takoma Park).
I recall that Maryland's state legislators were very active in promoting farms to schools programs which Raskin supported. Maryland farms supported the local school lunch programs - possibly also nursing homes.
As a legislator, I had this experience with Raskin.....an issue with police. I was driving south on a 4 lane state highway late at night only to find myself confronting a police patrol car going north bound in my lane in a high speed chase....Scared the xxxxxxxxxx out of me. Fortunately, there was a break in the road islands and the police car switched lanes just in time. I emailed Raskin and told him about the situation - may have telephoned him. All I know was that I got immediate feedback from the head of the police in that jurisdiction.
On edit: Just checked Raskin's f/b page and he identifies himself as being a 'progressive' running for Congress. He has endorsements of the Sierra Club, DC for Democracy, and the National Education Association.
Jamie Raskin has an extremely fine reputation in Maryland and I hope and believe that he will defeat Matthews.
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