DMVDaily.com - A Remarkable Republican Candidate Dazzles Democratic Voters

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By GCOMM Media Co

Last night, citizens from across the City of Baltimore got an up close and personal look at the woman vying to become their next United States Senator.

The only viable female candidate left in what is shaping up to be an all-male congressional ticket in Maryland's upcoming General Election, Kathy Szeliga is looking to capitalize on the fact that she is the highest ranking female Republican in the state -- and the last option for the voters of the "Free State' to have a female representing them in Washington, D.C.

It also helps that she is seeking to replace the most outspoken and powerful female currently in our nation's capital, retiring U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski. But being a woman is the least of what makes the 59-year old state delegate the best qualified candidate for the open Senate seat, and last night she articulated an inspiring message that made even the most skeptical Democrat proud to have met her.

"Her message and life story was inspiring," says 42-year old children's advocate and father of three, Harold Diggs. "As a single father and businessman, I connected with her in a way that I just don't see her opponent being able to understand. She's the real deal, and I'm glad I came out to hear her vision for Maryland."

The event, a Conversation with Kathy, was a first in a series of ongoing discussions that the second term state legislator expects to have in the coming months with citizens from across the city. "We can no longer be overlooked by the "party in charge" [Democrats], who have gotten accustomed to not having a real General Election contest, so they have taken your vote, needs and concerns for granted," said Nicolee Ambrose, the hostess of last night's event and the Republican National Committeewoman for Maryland.

"Kathy is an inspirational candidate who has worked her entire life and always made a way even when there wasn't one, and that's the kind of leader we need in Washington," said Ambrose. Szeliga, who was all smiles as person after person got up to speak about the inspirational leadership she has brought to Annapolis, stood tall in front of the crowd and laid out key provisions of her vision for Maryland.

"We have to ensure that the departments and agencies in the federal government first do the job they are supposed to do, and make sure that they do it in a fiscally efficient manner," said Szeliga, who continued to reiterate the meaning of insanity being that of voters voting for the same old tired politicians and expecting different results. "Isn't that what our parents told us was the definition of insanity? So let's break from that norm and vote for a true change agent to represent your interests in Washington."

Szeliga spoke to her humble upbringings, meeting her husband Mark (who was also in attendance) over 35-years ago, and having $5 between them with no car and only minimum wage jobs to get them by. Having worked as a housekeeper for a company that she ultimately rose to become a manager for, she spoke to her and her husband struggling to open their own business -- a small construction company that Mark still runs -- and the proud moment twenty years ago when her children got to see her walk across the stage as she accepted her diploma from Towson University having earned a degree in Elementary Education.

"I realized when I was staffer in Annapolis that there weren't enough small business owners as elected representatives, people who have an understanding of how to balance their books in order to make sure their overhead is low and their profit line is enough to make payroll each week," said Szeliga.

"And there are even fewer business owners in Washington D.C. which is why we have out-of-control spending and no clear direction on how to effectively and efficiently make government work For, Of and By the People as envisioned by our Founding Fathers."

But rather than speak about her humble beginnings and political roots all night, Szeliga instead spoke to the areas of concern that she saw all across the state that were shockingly evident in many neighborhoods across Baltimore. "We have a drug epidemic that has ravaged our communities and torn families apart, and it's something that I plan to work closely with Governor Larry Hogan in tackling as your next Senator," said Szeliga.

Joining Szeliga were a few African American Republican candidates running for local city seats in the November elections, as well as a fellow Republican colleague of hers in Annapolis and a democratic leader on the circuit court bench. Those folks were Tamara Purnell, a candidate for the 7th district council seat; Shannon Wright, the GOP candidate for City Council President; Republican State Senator John Salley and longtime drug-court activist and leader, Judge Wanda Keyes Heard -- who was inspired by what she heard from Delegate Szeliga.

"She really gets what's going on and how to address the pressing issues facing the citizens of this city," said Judge Heard, who is also on the November ballot as one of six circuit court judges who need to get elected or re-elected to their seat. And while all four of the ladies on November's ballot stood tall together for a few photo ops, each individually advocating a desire and need for "change', it was Delegate Szeliga's inspiring message that stuck with many in attendance.

"Honestly, as a lifelong democrat I didn't know what to expect from this event or Kathy, but I'm somebody who puts the personality, principles and promises of the candidate ahead of party, which caused me to support Governor Hogan two years ago; and after tonight I can proudly say I'll be supporting Delegate Szeliga for U.S. Senate this fall," says Casey Jenkins, the owner of the establishment that hosted last night's event - Birldland Sports Bar and Grill.

To find out more about the Kathy Szeliga for Maryland movement and candidacy, go to: www.kathyformaryland.com and stay tuned to DMVDaily.com for more information on the upcoming "Conversations with Kathy' series events happening throughout Baltimore in the coming weeks and months.

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