Posted on 08/11/2010 8:49:15 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
BETHESDA, Md. - When candidates are vying for votes it can be hard to get them to agree on issues.
But WTOP managed to get all the major candidates in the Maryland governor's race to make the same pledge: Not to distract drivers by waving campaign signs at them.
This pledge comes after political volunteers created 10 miles of delays on Interstate 270 last week by waving signs from the Falls Road overpass. Some drivers were furious about the delays. Others believe roadside distractions of any kind are a hazard that can cause crashes.
"We would never condone stopping traffic." Republican candidate Brian Murphy tells WTOP
"It was volunteers that did it. We talked to them. We said please don't do it again. But they're our volunteers. They are excited."
Speaking for Republican Bob Ehrlich's campaign, Andy Barth tells WTOP, "We have our own plans for getting our message out and we certainly do not intend to disturb traffic."
WTOP's Kristi King asked incumbent Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, "Do you pledge that your campaign sign wavers will not disrupt and distract traffic?"
O'Malley's response: "Yes. We will not be doing 270 overpasses, I can assure you."
"Traffic is such a problem in this area that candidates should be mindful of that when they campaign and try to do everything they can to stay out of traffic and keep from slowing down traffic," O'Malley said.
O'Malley says he finds subway stops more effective because he can talk with people, shake hands and pass out literature.
Waving signs roadside still happens in D.C. For example, Mayor Adrian Fenty and his campaigners slowed traffic at Ward Circle on Monday. Ward Circle is where Massachusetts and Nebraska avenues intersect in Northwest near American University.
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Just got back from sign waving in Hilo (The Big Island) for Lt. Gov. Aiona running for Governor. Big turnout for the event and Duke Aiona himself was the first one in line. Lots of “shakas” and much Aloha from both the wavers and the drivers and passengers.
Sign waving is a big time tradition in Hawaii.
I would expect nothing less from the idiots in Montgomery County (they try to give Berkeley, CA, and Madison, WI, a run for their money).
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