Last Minute Election Dash

UPDATED–With the primary election on Tuesday, many Baltimore County candidates were trying to win votes with last-minute campaigning on Monday.

Not that it's likely to change how many people actually go to the polls. 

Katie A. Brown, director of the the Baltimore County Board of Elections, said early voting this year showed that voters are not enthusiastic about the election, which is typical for non-presidential elections.

"We expected 20 percent and got 3 (percent)" of voters, Brown said.

"We could have anywhere from 50,000 to 130,000" voters on Tuesday, she said. "The last gubernatorial primary in 2006, we had 130,000."

Joseph Bartenfelder, a Democratic county executive candidate, certainly didn't care that turnout might be low on Tuesday. On Monday he was working the room at the Overlea-Fullerton Senior Center. 

The County Councilman made his way from table to table, shaking hands and chatting with women playing bingo. They didn't even mind that he was interrupting the caller.

"I think that's just fabulous … Everybody was elated. They enjoyed it," said Charlotte Vogel, 84, of Bartenfelder's visit.  "He's an honest, upright, wonderful person. He's a good neighbor. He's good to everyone and he'll look out for us."

Bartenfelder spent most of the morning at his campaign headquarters in Timonium, planning for a long day of stops and meet-and-greets for Tuesday. He said his camp was "energized" to see the finish line.

"I'm relieved that it's almost over. I think at the same time we're energized and we're feeling good about what we're getting as feedback all around Baltimore County … We're really close to bringing home a big win, not just for us, but for the people in Baltimore County."

Just down the way from the bingo hall, five men took turns shooting pool at the Senior Center. While four of them were either out of their voting district or didn't care much for politics, one man from Overlea was proud to support Bartenfelder.

"I agree that he's a good man for the job because he's local. He knows what the people want. He's a worker. He's a farmer. He knows what it's all about to be out there with the rest of us working people," said Ed Nizer, 69.  

Bartenfelder touted his campaign's grassroots efforts. 

"Traditional handshakes, shoe leather campaigning, getting out and meeting people … It's really brought us in to direct contact with people from all neighborhoods and all communities all across the county," he said. "You get to learn more about Baltimore County. You get to learn more about what the needs are." 

Bartenfelder's main competition in the Democratic primary, Kevin Kamenetz, was out at Park Heights Avenue and Old Court Road waving to drivers. He said he had already voted during the early voting that occurred last week. 

In an email to his supporters from his campaign, the County Councilman wrote, "Together, we have knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of phone calls to let Baltimore County Democrats know what is at stake in this election: our County's future. 

"When the polls open at 7:00 AM tomorrow, our volunteers will be there. Our phone banks will be operating all day to remind our supporters to get out and vote.  More volunteers will go door to door reminding people to vote," the email said. "Your help, and, more importantly, your vote, will propel us to victory tomorrow." 

In the District 3 race for County Council, incumbent T. Bryan McIntire was not nearly as aggressive as Bartenfelder. In fact, the 80-year-old Republican wasn't doing any active campaigning.

Why? 

"I choose not to answer the question," he told Patch. "I have my own priorities, ideas, and ways to get things done."

Was he that confident? 

"I am cautiously optimistic," said McIntire, who would be seeking a fifth term on the council if he wins the primary and goes on to win the general election. "I don't know what the people will do but I am prepared to accept the results either way."

One of his challengers, Todd Huff, was trying to drum up votes yesterday. 

"McIntire has had a great run in the past but it's time to retire. God willing, I will assist him in that tomorrow," Huff said. "It is time for a positive, energized change for Baltimore County. People are looking for business minded individuals to help run the government."

In the District 5 County Council race, 24 hours before polls opened, Bill Paulshock, a Democratic contender for the Baltimore County Council 5th District seat, wasn't knocking on doors or delivering stump speeches. Instead, the 49-year-old owner of Bill's Seafood and Catering Company spent a full day at work. 

"A lot of people think that campaigns are won in the final minutes or the final couple months of an election," Paulshock said. "But truly, a campaign is won based on what you've done your whole life."

Between taking orders at his small business, Paulshock frequently visited his campaign headquarters, located next door on Belair Road. Throughout the day, dozens of campaign supporters filtered through the office collecting bags of fliers for distribution at Baltimore County polling places.

More than 100 Paulshock supporters will man every polling place in the district tomorrow.

One of his competitors in the race, Mike Ertel, was knocking on doors in Parkville.

Candidate Gordon Harden said he didn't have plans for campaigning in person.

"I'm not a sign-waver," he said, adding that his campaign has gotten a lot of sign requests lately from voters he says are "disappointed in dirty politics," referring to Ertel's use of Harden's financial troubles in campaign videos.

His campaign also deployed his biggest weapon: County Executive James T. Smith Jr. sent out a recorded telephone message telling voters that he has endorsed Harden.

"Please join me in voting for Gordon Harden for County Council," Smith says in the message.

Want to find your polling place: 

http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Elections/0911pollingplaces.pdf