State senatorial candidate and former regent Jim Rosapepe picked up a string of endorsements from elected officials across the region this week, signaling what could be a formidable challenge against one-term incumbent Sen. John Giannetti.
Although Giannetti has picked up several endorsements from influential police and teacher organizations in recent weeks, he appears to have run into trouble building support with local officials who are intensely familiar with his legislative record.
An analysis of the two candidates’ endorsements indicates what many race-watchers expected: a closely fought campaign in the run-up to the Sept. 12 Democratic primary. But the endorsements also indicate Rosapepe may have gained ground at the municipal level by picking up endorsements from the College Park mayor and five council members, as well as endorsements from four city council members in Giannetti’s native Laurel.
Giannetti, however, has rallied support from higher levels of government in picking up endorsements Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and Senate President Mike Miller. He has also worked actively to court student support and has a campaign office located in College Park.
The endorsements could be a shot in the arm for Rosapepe, who experts said faces an extremely tough race because he is running against a sitting senator.
“No challenger has an edge on an incumbent, generally speaking,” said government and politics associate professor Frances Lee. “In some cases, an incumbent may do something to discredit himself – like a scandal for instance – but short of something along those lines, challengers face an uphill battle. Any endorsement or support would be beneficial.”
Many endorsing Rosapepe said they feel though Giannetti is not without some legislative successes, they have generally found him difficult to work with.
“The bottom line is, I think Jim’s willing to listen to us,” College Park Mayor Stephen Brayman said, and recounted an instance when Giannetti sent a letter to city officials urging them to tax city businesses in order to fund a municipal police force. Brayman called that action heavy handed.
“Add to that, look at the fiasco he took us down with the UM-Shuttle,” a plan university officials recently killed, Brayman said. “It’s a little too flamboyant politics for me, and Jim’s a little more down to Earth.”
Giannetti’s campaign manager David Singer said that while Giannetti would “certainly appreciate” the endorsement of officials, they are not crucial to winning the election.
“The endorsement of other elected officials has not been his focus,” Singer said. “Elected officials each can only vote once. He has been more focused on winning the votes of the entire 21st district.”
Singer said he was not familiar enough with the relationship between Giannetti and council to speculate on why he did not earn their endorsement.
Rosapepe served in the House of Delegates for 11 years, on the Board of Regents and as chairman of the City-University Partnership, which may have contributed to the wide range of support from College Park officials. He is also running on the same slate as incumbent delegates Brian Moe (D) and Barbara Frush (D), whom Giannetti has regularly sparred with.
It is unclear whether Giannetti’s disagreements with local officials will translate to anger with primary voters, however. According to Lee, endorsements can be “valuable cues” for voters, though she questioned whether they would be heavily influenced by them in a local race.
“If the endorsement comes from a figure who is well-known for taking a position, that can say something about a candidates stance on the issues,” Lee said. “In local government, that’s less of an issue. Like the mayor of College Park, for example, unless he is really well known for taking a stance on a controversial issue, it just means [the candidate] has the qualifications and credits that the Mayor supports.”
“I think [the endorsements] demonstrate the very broad base of support, who have worked with both of us, and know both of us, and chose to support me over John,” Rosapepe said. “That’s particularly true of College Park.”
Singer said that while Giannetti did not receive endorsements from the council, endorsements from the Maryland State Teachers Association, Prince George’s County Educators Association and Equality Maryland, a gay and lesbian advocacy organization, would be a key factor on Primary Day.
“He is grateful for all these endorsements, but frankly, the only endorsements that matter are those of the voters,” Singer said.
Regardless of the impact endorsements have on the election outcome, Rosapepe said he feels the support bolsters his campaign.
“If you look at it from a College Park perspective, in terms of individuals and groups both on and off campus, I’m proud to have received so much support,” Rosapepe said.
Staff writer Kevin Litten contributed to this report. Contact reporter Steven Overly at overlydbk@gmail.com.