Nine candidates seeking to represent Maryland’s 4th
Congressional District talked Social Security, community policing and other
topics at a forum Saturday in Fort Washington ahead of the April primary — but
things got a bit testy near the end.
As the hopefuls gave their closing remarks, one
Democratic candidate, military veteran Warren Christopher, pleaded with the
audience at the Harmony Hall Regional Center to pick new leadership.
“There are many people who have had the opportunity
to deliver for you," said Christopher, referring to former Lt. Gov.
Anthony Brown and state Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (District 21), two other
Democratic candidates. “They have had 16 years. They have had eight or nine
years. If you can’t deliver and bring home the money here to the state, how are
you going to bring it home from Congress? How can we continue to move down this
path of the same results from the same career politicians?”
Brown took the high road, countering that his plan
will continue to focus on the accomplishments of President Obama regarding
health care and education.
Peña-Melnyk, who represents both Prince George’s and
Anne Arundel counties in the General Assembly, particularly took umbrage with
Christopher's contention that all the candidates should live in the 4th
District, which includes Bladensburg, Forest Heights, sections of Bowie and
Laurel and other portions of the two counties.
“My neighbors are in the 4th [District]. The
question should be the following: would I represent this district in the manner
in which it deserves? Yes,” said Peña-Melnyk, who lived in the 4th District in
Hyattsville until moving just outside the area in College Park in 2001. “I know
the district. Would any of them get out of their bed at 10 o’clock at night if
they get a call from a constituent? Hell no. Would I do it? Yes? Have I done
it? Yes.”
Federal law allows candidates who live outside a
district to seek election in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
as long they reside in the state.
The forum, hosted by the Southern Prince George’s
Business and Professional Women, Tantallon Square Area Civic Association and
Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition Inc., didn’t feature a
debate-style format, but those in attendance received voting information and
other materials for the April 26 primary, which begins with the early-voting
period from April 14-21.
In a heavily Democratic region, the winner of the
primary would likely replace Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland), who’s seeking the
seat of retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski.
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