Sheila Dixon: Maryland's first black governor?
Mayor Sheila Dixon is walking a treacherous path in Annapolis. As the Baltimore Sun’s Julie Bykowicz reports today, Dixon has encountered some critics among the city delegation in the state capitol, who say that on certain issues, she doesn’t communicate enough with them.
As Bykowicz reports, the mayor’s role in Annapolis is important. Working with legislators, she must make sure the city doesn’t get rolled by interests from other parts of the state who are concerned that Baltimore gets too much assistance.
That’s particularly important this year, when a budget crisis is forcing deep cuts, and programs that Baltimore residents rely on could face the ax. Her effectiveness during the 2009 session is almost certainly hampered by the criminal corruption charges hanging over her.
The most influential local leaders appear to be those who have an eye on higher office. Before Dixon, two of the last three mayors of Baltimore went on to become governor. Other ambitious county executives such as Jim Smith in Baltimore County and Doug Duncan and Ike Leggett in Montgomery County have skillfully worked the corridors of the State House to make themselves players.
But if Dixon aspires to higher office, she doesn’t show it. And she doesn’t seem to approach her Annapolis visits as a statewide coalition-building opportunity.
Her role in the state capitol raises an interesting question. If Maryland is to have its first black governor, will that leader come from Baltimore? Can a mayor of Baltimore who is black get elected statewide? Is there any way Dixon could be that person? The answer to that last question, right now, appears to be no.
Comments
So she can steal more money?
Posted by: scott | February 16, 2009 1:15 PM
I like Sheila, but she doesn't win a statewide election. Period. Anyone who thinks she has a chance seriously overestimates the strength of the MD Democratic Party.
(I'm a city resident who grew up in Carroll County.)
Posted by: Dan in B-more, hon. | February 16, 2009 1:46 PM
This is nonesense. She can't even run the city and you are talking about being governor? David, it appears that you have taken a hit from the Phelps Bong. She will not be elected because she is incompetent not because shie is black. Can you write about something that makes sense?
Posted by: ken | February 16, 2009 2:07 PM
You must be kidding, she shouldn't even be mayor of Balto.
Posted by: Mike B | February 16, 2009 2:28 PM
Is Ike Leggett running for higher office?
Posted by: Marc | February 16, 2009 2:31 PM
Dixon doesn't belong being the governor. She's already done screwed up Baltimore!
Posted by: Joshua | February 16, 2009 2:33 PM
Why not? The people of Maryland will vote for a Democrat no matter what they do, or how bad of a job they do. I'm sure Marion Berry would win if he ran.
Posted by: Mike | February 16, 2009 2:44 PM
Ike Leggett, Jack Johnson, and Sheila Dixon. Why on earth would anyone pick Johnson or Dixon with all of those ethical scandals? I don't care much for Ike Leggett (big government/big taxer), but let's be realistic, he probably has the best shot of any of those 3. And what's to discount Anthony Brown?
Posted by: Jason | February 16, 2009 2:52 PM
Must be a slow news day for you to start posing this question--your editors at least know how to create a headline to get people to click through at least.
The citizens of Maryland were stupid enough to elect O'Malley even though Erlich's approval ratings were high, so anything is possible if you have the letter "D" behind your name.
Posted by: joek | February 16, 2009 3:15 PM
Are you nuts? Man, Democrats have no shame. She's as corrupt as they come.
Posted by: ccp | February 16, 2009 3:27 PM
Dixon as Governor? No. Ms. Dixon's stained reputation garners little support outside of Baltimore City. Now that so much of the Maryland economy centers around D.C., the first black Governor will be from Prince Georges County.
Posted by: Joe Schmedlack | February 16, 2009 3:43 PM
Why would you even take time to write this story? Who would vote for her outside of Baltimore City?
Posted by: Joe Sabitino | February 16, 2009 3:55 PM
The answer to Dixon being the first black
Md guv is so "No", that it obviously a very slow news day.
Sure, some black politician from baltimore or montgomery or p g county
could and eventually will gov of MD
Posted by: Tony Joe from Baltimore | February 16, 2009 4:04 PM
NO BUT I'M SURE SHE'LL BE THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE TO GO TO PRISON. WITH THE NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGE THATS GOING TO HEAR HER CASE, THIS IS NOT THE END. HOLTON,LIPSCOMB,DIXON ? SOUNDS LIKE A LAW FIRM HA? OH WELL, LAWYERS AND POLITICANS...BOTH THE SAME, THEY'VE ALWAYS GOT A FREE HAND TO GO IN YOUR POCKETS. BY THE WAY...DEMOCRATS RULE. DIDN'T YOU GET THE MEMO? WE NOW HAVE SECRET MEETINGS ON FRIDAYS (OOPS) TO DISCUSS HOW WE'RE GOING TO SCREW UP THE COUNTRY LIKE THE REPUBLICANS HAVE FOR SO LONG. SNIGGLE,SNIGGLE, !!!
Posted by: D-Will of the people | February 16, 2009 4:45 PM
She's a crook and B-more politics are a joke. Idiots like her and Martin O. will be the down fall of this great state.
Posted by: Sheliathecrook | February 16, 2009 4:50 PM
Puh-leeeease! Provincial, self-serving, small-minded, inarticulate, ethically challenged, developer's puppet, embarrassment. Governor? Not! It will be a miracle if she makes it through this term as mayor, and a dual miracle if she is re-elected. What a ridiculous thought. The only blacks I can imagine becoming governor of Maryland are Anthony Brown, Michael Steele, or Wayne Curry. They can all walk, talk, and think without a script.
Posted by: N. Noshan | February 16, 2009 9:44 PM
I always thought Kurt Schmoke could have pulled it off.
Anthony Brown seems in position just by default, since Maryland politics never seems to be all that creative. Michael Steele is just as much of a crook as Dixon, though I'm not sure if that helps or hurts either one.
Short answer is that I sure hope not. I feel like she has a consulting job with a certain development company in her future.
Posted by: James C | February 17, 2009 1:08 PM
she would make a great Governor of Maryland in the tradition of Marvin Mandel and Spiro Agnew. "And as honest as the day is long", said Karl in Casablanca
Posted by: Apilgrim | February 18, 2009 12:30 AM
If she got elected to Gov, I will move the 5 miles from the PA line I am at now, into Delta PA. If O'Taxme was not bad enough!!
Posted by: kayleemackenzie | February 18, 2009 8:47 PM