Why is every candidate MIA in HD 93? (Blog for Democracy)

Why is every candidate MIA in HD 93?

Tonight I was trying to encourage a friend to run for State Representative in HD 93. That's the seat where Ron "Need a Truant Officer" Sailor currently serves. To say he "serves" is an understatement, since the man has missed 211 of 233 votes during the entire session. Yeah, using the word "serves" is stretching it bit.

So she informs me that Malik Douglas is already running for the seat. After a google search of Malik Douglas, I found this article in Download file">The Champion newspaper (PDF warning) that says:

Malik Douglas, 36, who will serve as a platoon leader for the military police beginning Jan. 10 [2008].

Malik is in an active duty Army National Guardsmen serving in Iraq. God bless him. While he's in Iraq for 12 months, Malik's mother and wife will campaign for him.

Eh?? HD 93 voters currently have a Rep. who's missing and the only other candidate is 8,000 miles away. Federal law prohibits active servicemen from campaigning or holding elected office unless they receive a waiver from the US Secretary of Defense. Yeah, I can see Robert Gates giving a democratic candidate a waiver to run for office...then again crazier things have happened.

If there isn't a real challenger, who is available to go door knocking himself/herself, then Mr. "Need a Truant Office" will win again. Sailor will win the race but still won't show up to represent his District under the Gold Dome. That Sucks!!

Posted by Bernita on March 16, 2008 11:10 PM | Permalink

Comments (5)

Malik

That rule only applies to military members that are under Title 10 (Active duty) it does not apply to service members that are in the National Guard. I agree that Sailor needs to be out and District 93 receives the representation that they deserve. Although I will be far away, I have actively campaigned for the last 7 months and have talked to a lot of citizens that support me as a candidate. My tour will end in December and I will return to take the office. We have many supporters that will get out in the neighborhoods and discuss the important issues in the district and I will utilize my cell phone and email to keep in contact with the citizens of the district. Everyone knows that it is time for Sailor to leave and they want a change. If you would like further information on my campaign, please visit my website and email me at info@malikdouglas.com. Thanks

Posted by Malik | March 17, 2008 6:07 PM

Posted on March 17, 2008 18:07

Mouth of the South

Maybe the tag line can be Absent for a reason! That district could use some decent representation though, Democrats are scarce enough down at the Dome as it is.

Posted by Mouth of the South | March 17, 2008 11:29 PM

Posted on March 17, 2008 23:29

Jules

Malik,

Thank you for your service in these most difficult of times.

I wish you a speedy return to your friends and family.

Best of luck with the race, as I understand it a couple folks have run, a guy for mayor in the midwest somewhere and another national guardsman for congress. If I could rememeber their names, I would post. Maybe later. Could be cool to find out what their experience was.

Posted by Jules | March 18, 2008 9:45 AM

Posted on March 18, 2008 09:45

Malik

Thanks Jules,

I just came home today for a four day pass and I saw that Sailor plead to federal charges. This is just one of the reason why we need a person that will have the courage to stand up and do what is right. I am that person and I can't wait to get to the Gold Dome to give excellent representation to the citizens of District 93.

Posted by Malik | March 18, 2008 9:05 PM

Posted on March 18, 2008 21:05

Mouth of the South

Well, there is going to be a special election for that house district and whoever wins that will probably win in the fall.

Is your plan to run in the special election and then be absent for the entire time up until the fall?

Or not contest the special and run against whoever wins that in the fall?

Have you thought about having your wife run in your stead? Just a thought.

Posted by Mouth of the South | March 18, 2008 10:04 PM

Posted on March 18, 2008 22:04