Okay, we’re down to the wire. If Democrats vote, Democrats win. Give some time to get out the vote: canvass, phone bank, volunteer at early voting locations and on election day. Send a clear message to Trump and his cronies by coming out strong for the entire Democratic ticket.

One of the most important races is that for Maryland governor. Among the many threats we would face if we fail to defeat Governor Hogan are two that would have long-term, irreversible negative impact: redistricting, and state judicial appointments. The United for Maryland PAC has launched a video to educate Marylanders about redistricting, and plans a second video about judicial appointments, but as of now they are strapped for cash to finish the second video. Here is a message from Betsy L. Halsey, President, United for Maryland PAC:

With the election just two weeks away, United for Maryland PAC has partnered with The Other 98% to create a video that will reach nearly 1 million Democrats in Maryland. Our first video focuses on the Koch Brothers' relationship with Hogan and the risks associated with redistricting under Hogan.

We would like to produce a second video focusing on the fact that our next Governor will likely appoint 5 of 7 judges to Maryland’s highest court. We have witnessed the unbelievable with Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the US Supreme Court. If Hogan is re-elected, his appointments will threaten any possible protection our highest court could offer Marylanders, including protection for a woman's right to choose.

We need your support now to make this final push before Election Day. Unfortunately, too many Democrats do not realize what is at stake in this gubernatorial election. Working with The Other 98%, we can reach well over a million Maryland Democrats with this critical messaging. Let’s keep Maryland blue! To help, donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ufm400

As you know if you’ve been reading these President’s Notes, WDC is in the process of establishing our legal status and is not in a position to make financial contributions directly to candidates in this election cycle. United for Maryland is doing effective work to elect Ben Jealous and defeat Hogan, but it needs donations to keep the momentum going. This is one way you can make sure your money is making a difference. Read more about United for Maryland by following this link: https://unitedformaryland.org/

Watch their first video, about redistricting, https://www.dropbox.com/s/ts1zf4quyz5deoj/Kochs-Maryland.mp4?dl=0

Contrary to the Washington Post’s wrongheaded endorsements in two of the top races, we Democrats know that Ben Jealous and Marc Elrich are the leaders we need for these challenging times. (At least the Post got it right by endorsing Attorney General Brian Frosh and CD6 nominee David Trone.) Jealous and Elrich share our Democratic (and democratic) principles. Both will govern for the benefit of all Marylanders, not just for the privileged few. Both advocate sensible business development, along with the infrastructure that is equally necessary. Both believe in fostering entrepreneurship that strengthens our economy and opening up business opportunities to segments of our community who may have been shut out in the past.

Both Ben Jealous and Marc Elrich need your help. Sign up to canvass or phonebank. And go directly to their campaigns to contribute: Jealous donate link and the Elrich donate link.

Or, consider volunteering for the Consolidated Campaign by clicking here.

November 6 is not far away. Let’s all keep our energy up and our volunteering steady through Election Day. With luck and hard work, we will have lots of celebrating to do when we awaken on November 7th.

Whatever happens on November 6th – in Maryland, and across the country – our favorite pollster, Fred Yang, will explain it all at our WDC luncheon on Friday, November 16. Those of you who heard Fred after the 2016 election know that he can make a spreadsheet as compelling as 50 Shades of Gray. Register using this link today!

And one last thing, only tangentially related to the election: As you may have heard, WDC member Julie Statland has launched a blog, Riveting Women, featuring “extraordinary and inspirational women.” The current issue profiles WDC member (and D 19 delegate) Bonnie Cullison. Check it out here. (Then go out and vote for Bonnie if you’re a D 19 resident.)

For 61 years, WDC members have helped shape politics and elections. We won’t stop now! See you on the campaign trail, and at the polls.