Patrick
MSI Executive Member
Some of you are probably aware that Delegate Michael Smigiel is looking to run for the Senate seat opened when E.J. Pipkin made a recent career change and moved out of state.
I will personally say that when it come to your Second Amendment rights in Maryland, there will be a hard time finding someone who has worked harder or is more steadfast than Mike.
You have heard his energy in public. The truth is that his intensity remains steadfast in private - in those quiet discussions between lawmakers where concerns are discussed openly and information that makes people see things differently are exchanged.
I can personally vouch for Mike and say that last year's session would have been much worse without his tireless work. He was one of two or three lawmakers who were constantly working the issues with peers that were generally inclined to do whatever the Governor wanted. He sat face to face with many of them, and taught them that differences in style, grip, color and name of a firearm really don't make something more dangerous. He showed that registration was not only a bad idea, but dangerous to people state wide. He worked with some key people on the other side to open some doors and begin a conversation that many never expected to happen. And when things started going sideways, he was sometimes the only voice in the room to call these laws what they are: civil right violations.
Mike changed votes and outcomes. The ban was intended to be much worse, and he was one of the few who modified outcomes. He was key in our victory to defeat registration.
There are good people looking to pick up Senator Pipkin's seat. We are blessed that most of them appear to view the world in ways we would like. I do not know them all on a personal level, and do not want to cast aspersion on one. All I can say is that Mike is a man I trust. I wish I could share more.
To the extent you can help Mike, I think you are helping the cause. I would suggest a call to his office to help. I know the Central Committee members of the counties in District 36 are meeting today to decide on who should be endorsed by the state party. Your voice in that process is important - regardless of who you want to see in the hot seat. If you live in this District, you should get involved today.
We've lost another great friend in the move of E.J. Pipkin to Southern Methodist University in Texas. Much like Mike, E.J. was on constant alert and worked hard in the Senate to make changes that matter. I miss his leadership and look forward to seeing someone take his reigns and continue to make a difference again.
These are my personal views and the MSI Board, execs or management were not involved in this post. I speak only for myself
I will personally say that when it come to your Second Amendment rights in Maryland, there will be a hard time finding someone who has worked harder or is more steadfast than Mike.
You have heard his energy in public. The truth is that his intensity remains steadfast in private - in those quiet discussions between lawmakers where concerns are discussed openly and information that makes people see things differently are exchanged.
I can personally vouch for Mike and say that last year's session would have been much worse without his tireless work. He was one of two or three lawmakers who were constantly working the issues with peers that were generally inclined to do whatever the Governor wanted. He sat face to face with many of them, and taught them that differences in style, grip, color and name of a firearm really don't make something more dangerous. He showed that registration was not only a bad idea, but dangerous to people state wide. He worked with some key people on the other side to open some doors and begin a conversation that many never expected to happen. And when things started going sideways, he was sometimes the only voice in the room to call these laws what they are: civil right violations.
Mike changed votes and outcomes. The ban was intended to be much worse, and he was one of the few who modified outcomes. He was key in our victory to defeat registration.
There are good people looking to pick up Senator Pipkin's seat. We are blessed that most of them appear to view the world in ways we would like. I do not know them all on a personal level, and do not want to cast aspersion on one. All I can say is that Mike is a man I trust. I wish I could share more.
To the extent you can help Mike, I think you are helping the cause. I would suggest a call to his office to help. I know the Central Committee members of the counties in District 36 are meeting today to decide on who should be endorsed by the state party. Your voice in that process is important - regardless of who you want to see in the hot seat. If you live in this District, you should get involved today.
We've lost another great friend in the move of E.J. Pipkin to Southern Methodist University in Texas. Much like Mike, E.J. was on constant alert and worked hard in the Senate to make changes that matter. I miss his leadership and look forward to seeing someone take his reigns and continue to make a difference again.
These are my personal views and the MSI Board, execs or management were not involved in this post. I speak only for myself
BTW, another Mike to vote for is Mike Blizzard (I think the 34th District - Harford), he is a definite 2A supporter, so give him your consideration if you are in his district.
