More News

The upcoming election for the District 47 state Senate seat is leaving many area residents and municipal leaders in an uncomfortable position, as they said they don't like having to choose between the two candidates — incumbent David Harrington and challenger Victor Ramirez.

"It's a shame they're running against each other," said Cheverly Mayor Michael Callahan. "Both have worked very hard for the district."

District 47 includes Bladensburg, Brentwood, Cheverly, Chillum, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Hyattsville, Landover Hills, Langley Park, New Carrollton and North Brentwood. The primary election is Sept. 14.

Both Ramirez, one of the three Dist. 47 delegates, and Harrington have long-standing ties to the area.

Ramirez, who grew up in Mount Rainier, has served two terms as a state delegate. Harrington was mayor of Bladensburg for seven years and served on the Prince George's County Council for another six years before being appointed to complete the term of state Sen. Gwendolyn Britt, who died in 2008.

"It is going to be a very close race," said North Brentwood Mayor Petrella Robinson. "They have great history and are well-liked in the district."

Both have shown real interest in developing the Port Towns area, said Rufus Lusk, a partner in the Port Towns Shopping Center in Colmar Manor.

The candidates both feel that a close race will ultimately benefit the voters.

"I think the competition has been healthy," Ramirez said. "More than anything, I think it brings out the best in each candidate."

Harrington said that all races are competitive, but the election ultimately brings voters together for a fresh start.

"Sept. 15 will be a new day. ... We'll have a united district," Harrington said.

Harrington has been endorsed by environmentally focused groups such as the Sierra Club and the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. Public-safety-focused groups such as the Prince George's County Fraternal Order of Police and the Prince George's County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics association have endorsed Ramirez.

The latest round of campaign finance reports, submitted to the state by each candidate in mid-August, shows Ramirez with a substantial cash advantage. Harrington reported having a cash balance of slightly more than $10,000, while Ramirez reported having just shy of $67,000.

But instances of inaccurate financial reporting in Harrington's past have damaged his credibility with some voters.

This summer, The Washington Post reported that Harrington failed to disclose a house he owns and rents out in Bladensburg as a source of income. Four years ago, while on the County Council, Harrington drew criticism for using county-issued credit cards for personal purchases and not reimbursing the county quickly enough.

"That bothers me," said Bladensburg resident Richard Brown. "It bothers me that he can't keep those funds straight."

Nonetheless, Brown said, Ramirez may be overreaching by seeking the Senate seat.

"He would have had my vote as a delegate," he said. "I'm not sure he'll get it as a senator."

Clarence Shaw, president of the Chillum-Ray Citizen's Association, said both candidates were well-liked in his area, but based on the number of yard signs, he would give Ramirez "a slight edge."

But however the election plays out, it would result in a net loss for the district, Brown said.

"I hate to see them running against each other, because I'm going to lose one of them," Brown said. "I'd like to have both of them working for us."

dleaderman@gazette.net