Baltimore State's Attorney Jessamy told supporters yesterday that having opposition is nothing new
By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com
(BALTIMORE – July 26, 2010) – Baltimore City State’s Attorney Pat Jessamy said yesterday at her 62nd birthday celebration that facing political opposition is nothing new. She stated that she has always had challenges from individuals who sensed that they could do the job better.
However, from the strong turn-out yesterday at her annual party at the Baltimore Rowing Club, I can only suggest to her challengers that they come with their A-game. Surrounded by the likes of political strategists Pat Scott and Larry Gibson, there is no doubt that Jessamy will run another formidable campaign for re-election.
Further, I might add that she appeared quite indomitable as she stood on a ladder in the center of the party to give her campaign speech. Clearly, she rallied her supporters with an upbeat message – full of hope and vigor.
Both the Baltimore Sun and the Investigative Voice have been featuring her critics, including challenger Greg Bernstein. To date, there seems to be a lot of back and forth between the two camps over basic facts. In short, Jessamy insists that her office’s record of convictions of violent criminals in Baltimore has been very good.
And she is particularly proud of her office’s track record hiring minorities. Even more, former Mayor/State’s Attorney Kurt L. Schmoke agrees.
Her opponent, on the other hand, thinks otherwise; yet, to date, he has not proven his point with any pertinent facts from any credible source. This is the assertion of University of Baltimore law professor and staunch Jessamy-supporter Gibson. Gibson contends that Bernstein is “dishonest”.
Also, besides this blog war, there is also some interesting support for Bernstein, a lawyer with 3 ½ years prosecutorial experience and over 20 years as a defense attorney; and it is coming from a well-known name in the African American community: Attorney Warren Brown. After at least two interviews with Brown, it is clear that he is under the notion that Jessamy’s office could hand out stiffer punishments and make more of a positive impact on the larger community by keeping violent offenders off the streets. The one interesting if not odd thing here, however, is that Brown is a defense attorney, who’s job is to get his clients the least amount of jail time – if any at all.
Doni Morton Glover, the founder and publisher of www.bmorenews.com, has been a journalist for the past 15 years. He is a writer, photographer, and a political analyst for WBAL TV 11. Additionally, he is a local radio personality and host of “Empower Hour” on Radio One’s WOLB 1010 AM. The show is now in its 10th year and is the longest-running customized program on the station.