Early voting for the 2012 Primary Election begins this Saturday. Over the past several weeks, many friends and neighbors have asked who I am supporting in the various primaries. I want to share with you four of the candidates in contested races who I have endorsed:

For the United States Senate, I believe Senator Ben Cardin should be returned to his seat. I have had the honor of working on a few projects with Senator Cardin, and am always impressed with his wealth of knowledge on just about any subject. No matter what group he is with, he understands the issues and is a strong supporter of the working class. Ben is also a voice of reason in Washington. Somehow he finds a way to work across party lines to find a fair and balanced approach to getting things done; a trait that we need more of in our government.

For the 6^th District Congressional Seat I am supporting State Senator Rob Garagiola. I have served in the Maryland Senate with Rob since 2007 and have worked closely with him on a host of issues from education to transportation to the environment. He is smart, energetic, and I don’t know of anyone that works harder. Rob is a legislator who gets results, and we need people like him in Washington. His work in Annapolis on issues like health care, the environment, public transportation and public education have prepared him well for the issues he will deal with on a federal level. Rob Garagiola has been an incredibly effective State Senator for his Montgomery County constituents and he will be a fantastic representative for the 6th District in Congress.

For the Montgomery County Board of Education in District 2, I am endorsing Jeanne Ellinport. As a former School Board president, I believe it is so important to have board members who have been actively involved in our public schools and have seen firsthand the challenges that our school system faces. Jeanne Ellinport’s years of diligent, behind-the-scenes advocacy on behalf of children and youth in our county is well known by educators and parents alike. She understands the needs of our children today, with an eye on what is best for Montgomery County tomorrow. This is why she has also received the endorsements of the teachers, retired teachers and all staff support positions, as well as, Montgomery Women and a number of other elected officials.

For the Montgomery County Board of Education At Large seat, I am endorsing Phil Kauffman. I had the pleasure of working with Phil in our PTA years. Phil has been involved in our public schools for many years, is a strong community activist and has been a wonderful addition to the Board of Education. His educational background in Economics and Law has served the Board well and make him highly qualified for his position as Chair of the Board’s Fiscal Management Committee. Phil has received the endorsement of MCEA, MCPSRA and SEIU Local 500. I am proud to have my name among so many who support Phil’s return to our Board of Education.

Our county, state and country are facing many challenges. We need people in office who are willing to make tough decisions with knowledge, understanding and compassion. All four of these candidates are up to the challenges they will face in public service and I am proud to support them and proud to call them friends.

If you want to vote early, Montgomery County residents can vote at the following locations:

Germantown Recreation Center
18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown 20874

Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center
14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 20853

Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center
14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 20866

Montgomery County Executive Office Building
101 Monroe Street, Rockville 20850

Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Place at Fenton and Ellsworth, Silver Spring 20910

The centers are open for early voting at the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 24^th – 10AM – 8PM
Sunday, March 25^th – 12PM – 6PM
Monday-Thursday, March 26, 27, 28 & 29 – 10AM – 8PM

Each of these accessible sites has ample parking and Ride-On service available. All will have the electronic ballot appropriate for each Montgomery County registered voter. For directions, check the early voting section at the Montgomery County Board of Elections site www.777vote.org.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 3^rd and the polls will be open from 7AM – 8PM. On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling place. To find out where your polling place is located, go to the Montgomery County Board of Elections site www.777vote.org and click on the polling places tab.