An '08 Re-Match in Md.: Wynn vs. Edwards

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THE CALENDAR MIGHT tell you that Maryland voters are months from picking party nominees for the 2008 general election, but try telling that to Rep. Al Wynn, left, and community activist Donna Edwards.

After a bruising campaign whose result remained uncertain two weeks after the 2006 Democratic primary, the two are gearing up for a re-match next year. The battleground: Parts of Prince George's and Montgomery counties that Wynn, who has represented the 4th district since 1992, held onto with just 2,725 votes. And if 2008 is anything like 2006, the fight will likely be epic — remember, Edwards and Wynn staffers got into a scuffle during a campaign debate in Largo that started over the alleged removal of campaign signs. During this campaign, Edwards will likely attack Wynn from the left, a strategy that nearly paid off last cycle.

Last week, Wynn held his first fundraiser for the 2008 cycle — and he scheduled appearances in Montgomery County this week. The Montgomery section of the 4th district favored Edwards during the 2006 primary fight.

Edwards, meanwhile, has been slowly getting back into the campaign swing, and her name has been popping up in the press, especially in connection with issues related to National Harbor, which is under construction near her home turf in Fort Washington. Her kick-off campaign event is set for the end of the month.

Maryland's primary is set for Feb. 12, 2008. Last time, Edwards was endorsed by The Washington Post's editorial board and her candidacy was trumpeted by many activists, who labeled Wynn as Maryland's Joe Lieberman. Wynn, meanwhile, enjoys the support of the Democratic establishment in the state, including Comptroller Peter Franchot, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson.

» "Congressional Rematch in Maryland" [Md. Moment/WaPo]
» "Wynn-Edwards Race Gets Hot — Now With Video" [Md. Moment/WaPo]
» "Wynn Kicks Off '08 Race" [Gazette]
» "Editorial: For Congress in Maryland" [WaPo]
» "MD-04: The Edwards-Wynn Race Is a National One Now" [Daily Kos]
» "Rep. Albert Wynn" [Official Site]
» "Donna Edwards for Congress" [Official Site]