Delegate Dwyer's Dispatches

Article on Sign Waving from Hometown Annapolis

Louisa Baucom — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:40:55 +0000

Sign of the times: Candidates try to connect

Capital Gazette Communications

Published 09/09/10

Standing on a highway overpass in the heat of an early August morning, Del. Don Dwyer was undeniably in his element.

Commuters heading north that morning were greeted by not only the Republican from Glen Burnie, but also by an almost 80-foot-wide display of signs and flags. The delegate, seeking his third term, tried to make a connection – however brief – by pointing and waving at the driver of every car, truck and van that passed beneath his feet.

Dwyer, one of the most conservative and controversial politicians in Maryland, calls the traveling display his “brand,” a way to stick in the minds of voters.

“You can’t get any more grass roots than this, because it doesn’t cost any money,” he said. “I don’t have the money to fight back. This is the way I can reach the people.”

As the post-Labor Day world turns from baseball and seersucker to football and tweed, commuters across Anne Arundel County are sure to catch more glimpses of political candidates standing on the side of roadways with wide signs and grins.

And there’s no time to waste, as the primary election has already begun. Maryland wraps up its first foray into early voting today, and the official primary follows on Tuesday.

County Councilman Chuck Ferrar, who is facing a challenge in the Democratic primary from Chris Trumbauer, has spent many recent mornings waving signs at the intersection of Forest Drive and Chinquapin Round Road.

Ferrar said it’s one way to guarantee people who may know him from the community or business world make the connection that he is running for County Council.

“It is amazing how many people see me (waving signs) and recognize me later on,” he said.

County Executive John R. Leopold, typically seen as the pioneer of sign waving in the county, said he even went out to a roadside before surgery this summer. He said sign waving works best as a supplement to knocking on doors.

“Sign waving is only good as a reinforcement of personal contact,” he said. “Sign waving should try to establish … that psychic energy.”

Some candidates have found unique ways to get attention in their sign-waving efforts. Dr. Ron Elfenbein, a Republican running for state Senate in District 30, started holding free blood pressure screenings on Forest Drive last week.

“Most people kind of tune (sign waving) out,” he said. “This is kind of a good way to stand out.”

Elfenbein said he doesn’t try to force politics on the people who stop, since there is a medical purpose to what he is doing. But he did acknowledge that this is a way to introduce himself to the community before the election.

“Clearly there is a political motive there,” he said. “We got a lot of positive feedback.”

Dwyer tries to choose his areas based on traffic counts to maximize his exposure. Although sign waving has physical benefits – the delegate estimates he will lose 20 to 30 pounds over the election season – he acknowledges it is hard to know how many drivers actually vote in a given district.

Meaningful dialogue also can be tough to find.

“I only got eight middle fingers this morning,” Dwyer said. “I’d love to have one of them stop and just engage in a conversation.”

—

lfarrell@capitalgazette.com

Dwyer Not Endorsed by the Gazette

Delegate Don Dwyer — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:03:24 +0000

I was not surprised nor should you be that the Gazette did not endorse me yet again.

It is obvious that our local news paper is more liberal than I am. Fortunately, their editorial attacks only bolster my supporters.

I did not go to Annapolis to make friends, nor did I go to go along get along; I went to make a difference. I have and will continue to defend the Constitution on which this great State was founded.

The editors somehow believe that it is inappropriate for me to stand and defend what I believe in as an elected official. They also believe it was irresponsible for me to hold Maryland’s Attorney General accountable to his Oath when he violated the Constitution and the separation of powers. For the record, he was impeached but was not removed by the Democrat majority in the State House. I hope you agree with my impeachment charge.

They said “Voters will have to decide for themselves whether Dwyer’s strong conservative views are more valuable than his embarrassing antics…” I have never been embarrassed defending the Constitution and your God given right to Life, Liberty and Property. I have simply stood on my beliefs and will continue to do so if you trust me once again to represent you.

It is true, I am outspoken. It also true that I refuse to speak in politically correct terms, I tell people what they need to know, not what they want to hear. As you might expect, this makes me controversial at times.

I have and will continue to fight to protect you and your constitutional rights. Fortunately, I have a well documented record of doing just that. My challengers on the other hand have no record anywhere.

Constitutionally Yours,

Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.

To see the Gazette article click here:gazette

September 9 Candidate Trade Show

Louisa Baucom — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:29:39 +0000

Delegate Dwyer will have a table at the upcoming Republican Candidate Trade Show. Here are the details:

Candidate Trade Show
Columbian Center, Severna Park
Thursday, September 9th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

No speeches, just handshakes and conversations. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, Scout Groups, etc.

We hope to see you there!

Sponsored by Scardina Plumbing, Image Creators Salon, The Elephant Club, The North County
Republican Club, The Severna Park Republican Women’s Club and the Republican Women of Maryland.

Dwyer Signs Arizona Legal Defense

Louisa Baucom — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:26:03 +0000

August 31, 2010
Annapolis, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr. has signed on today to legal documents in the case of “The United States of America V. State of Arizona”; and Janice K. Brewer in her official capacity.

The Amicus Brief is calling for the reversal of the courts decision against the State of Arizona regarding the passage of State legislation (SB1070) that authorized the State of Arizona to enforce immigration laws within their state borders.

“This case and and the Federal Courts attack on the State of Arizona is a blatant abuse of Federal power and amounts to tyranny. The State of Maryland and many other States across this Nation are plagued with the cost and crimes associated with illegal immigration. Each State has the Constitutional right to defend itself and its borders against illegal intruders.”

Maryland will join the Arizona legislature and will introduce the same legislation in the 2011 legislative session. If necessary, Dwyer will be the lead sponsor.

New Features

Louisa Baucom — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:13:48 +0000

Be sure to check out our new “Media” button and it’s sub menus. You can either click the media button itself or one of the buttons below it. We’ve added photos, press releases, videos and more!

Attorney General’s Response to Second Letter Regarding 2A Ruling

Louisa Baucom — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:59:11 +0000

The second letter sent from Delegate Dwyer to the Attorney General can be found here for reference.

August 11, 2010

KATHERINE WINFREE Chief Deputy Attorney General

JOHN B. HOWARD, JR. Deputy Attorney General

The Honorable Don H. Dwyer, Jr. Room 154 Lowe House Office Building Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Delegate Dwyer:

We have received your letter dated August 3, 2010, in which you request further advice concerning the recent Supreme Court decision construing the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution – McDonald v. City of Chicago, 2010 WL 2555188 (2010). In particular, you ask about the constitutionality of the statutory conditions for a permit to carry a handgun that are set forth in Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, §5- 306(a)(5).

A law suit has recently been filed against the State challenging the constitutionality of that statute. Wool/and v. Sheridan, Case No.1: 1 O-CV -02068-JFM (D. Md.). Consistent with our obligations to defend enactments of the General Assembly, the Office of the Attorney General is defending the constitutionality of the statute in that litigation. See State v. Burning Tree Club, Inc., 301 Md. 9, 37 (1984). It has been the longstanding policy of the Attorney General’s Office not to issue a formal opinion on a matter that is currently in litigation. We will be happy to advise you of the outcome of the case when it is resolved.

Very truly yours,

Robert N. McDonald

Chief Counsel Opinions and Advice

WBAL Video – Dwyer is Controversal

Louisa Baucom — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:31:12 +0000

Check out this WBAL Story about the Same-Sex Marriage amendment. Be sure to watch the video:

Same-Sex Marriage Unexpectedly Debated In Legislature – Politics News Story – WBAL Baltimore.

Check it out!

Louisa Baucom — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:33:51 +0000

New photos of the Severna Park Parade added today!

Delegate Dwyer Pledges Continued Support of “Right to Work” Legislation in Maryland

Delegate Don Dwyer — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:55:37 +0000

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Today Delegate Don Dwyer committed to support “Right to Work” Legislation in Maryland.

This legislation if passed would break the stronghold labor unions have on business and employees in Maryland.

“Its time we allow businesses and their employees act and speak for themselves. This legislation would not prohibit unions

It simply allows an opt out provision. I fully support Right to Work legislation, as I have done so in the past.” Said Dwyer.

Delegate Dwyer Signs Arizona Immigration Pledge for Maryland, “Citizens Rights Act”

Delegate Don Dwyer — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:47:23 +0000

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Today Delegate Don Dwyer signed a pledge supporting the “Citizens Rights Act”.

This legislation is being introduced in the upcoming legislative session and will model

the Arizona immigration law that has caused National attention.

“I hope to be the first member of the Anne Arundel County Delegation to sign the pledge.

Why is it that so many are refusing to address the issue of illegal immigration? My solution is to

become citizens of the United States of America.” Dwyer said.