Congressional District 8

 

Republican

 

John Walsh

Where you live: Silver Spring

Date of birth: Jan. 2, 1947

Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: I have a diverse background in logistics, transportation, delivery and software. Currently, I work for RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, a nationally recognized leader in the industry. Previously, I was a co-founder and chairman of DQS Global, an R&D software company with award-winning patents, and vice president of Group 1 Software, a leading application software company.

Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): City Councilor, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment in Lebanon, New Hampshire

Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

The greatest threat to our democracy is the loss of our collective voices in government, the influence of special interests and a highly partisan, dysfunctional government.  I am running to turn this situation around. I have 5 specific proposals described in detail on our website under the title, “My Fellow Citizens.” These proposals, if enacted, will increase the value of your vote and create a centrist, bipartisan government that serves all of us.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Immigration. We have to come to terms with our values, our history and the realities of our current situation. Most of us (with the notable exception of descendants of Slaves or Native Americans) are here due to the courage and sacrifices of relatives who fled untenable circumstances for a better life. Where would we be if our predecessors had not been given the chance for a new beginning? We have to find a fair, pragmatic and long-term solution. My proposal is to establish a new standing committee on Immigration. Currently, Immigration is only a Sub-Committee of the House Judiciary Committee.

3 – What is one major issue the current Congress has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Gun Control. I was born in Maine and my father was a Licensed State of Maine Hunting Guide and avid outdoorsman. I grew up around guns, fishing and camping. My father and his hunting buddies had pistols and rifles, but not machine guns, not weapons of war.

The NRA of today is a prime example of a special-interest group that distorts reason, disregards popular opinion and prevents Representatives from using common sense. I would have voted to ban assault weapons and require universal checks. These laws won’t prevent every attack, but together they will save lives and protect innocent victims.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I graduated from Brown University with a degree in Political Science and worked for a Republican Congressman in Washington, D.C. I have been an elected City Councilor and member of Planning and Zoning Boards. I have a 25-year history of pioneering new products and services for leading companies in software and distribution services and have several domestic and international technology patents. For my efforts in developing a new course on entrepreneurship, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce awarded me Small Business Leader of the Year. My wife wants you to know I’m a husband, father and grandfather, too!

 

 

Democrat

 

Jamie Raskin (incumbent)

Where you live: Takoma Park

Date of birth: Dec. 13, 1962

Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Congressman for Maryland’s 8th District. Previously: Maryland state senator. Professor of constitutional law at American University’s Washington College of Law for more than 25 years.

Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Served in Maryland Senate, 2007-16

Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I’m running for reelection after devoting myself in my first Term to defending the values and priorities of my constituents. Whether turning a proposed $6 billion cut to NIH into a $2 billion increase, defending “preexisting condition” coverage, or promoting cleanup of the Bay, I’m working to guard social progress. My district office has successfully closed more than 2,400 cases, getting people their Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits and helping people navigate federal bureaucracy.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

The key issue is defending democratic progress (environmental protection; Social Security, Medicare, and ACA; the civil rights and liberties of the people) against unceasing attacks and reckless fiscal policies. We need to restore government as an instrument for the common good and stop its use as a money-making operation for politicians and their friends. I’ll continue to champion public ethics and democratic integrity against the shocking corruption of this Administration.

3 – What is one major issue the current Congress has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The GOP majority has mishandled so much, but consider the instructive case of its sinister refusal to address the epidemic of gun slaughters piling up from Newtown to Las Vegas to Parkland. Rather than advance the common-sense agenda backed by 97% of Americans — a universal criminal and mental background check — the NRA-stained leadership has pushed two bills bound to make matters worse: one legalizing silencers and one compelling all states to allow people to carry loaded concealed weapons if they get a license anywhere. Let’s pass a common-sense safety agenda instead.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As a professor of constitutional law for 28 years and a Maryland State Senator for a decade, as a lover of American democracy and our Bill of Rights, and as a native to our area and the father of three children (including our youngest, who is now a junior at College Park), my whole life and career have prepared me to be in Congress during this time of crisis to fight for the values of equality, freedom, democratic pluralism and the rule of law. It is my honor every day to represent the people of Montgomery, Frederick and Carroll Counties.

 

 

Libertarian

 

Jasen Wunder

Where you live: Sykesville

Date of birth: Feb. 18, 1982

Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Paramedic, Lifestar Response

Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): I ran for this very seat two years ago.

Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

To being back the idea that people serving are not supposed to be above any law. We do not deserve to be paid 3x what the average citizen makes.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Reducing congressional pay and establishing term limits. We need to eliminate career politicians from become rich when they swore to work for the people.

3 – What is one major issue the current Congress has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Civil liberties and I would filler busters the use of drones on American citizens overseas as well and invasion of their rights by eliminating the Patriot Act.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I am an American tax pay citizen who has had enough with Government regulating every aspect of your life. From what you eat to what type of sex you can have with whom you have it with.