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Photo: Mike Pappas
Mike Pappas stood up at the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee Christmas party on December 8, 2008 and announced he was running for governor. Those in the room were familiar with Mike’s spontaneous sense of humor and chuckled before going back to their conversations.
Later, as witnesses questioned Mike, he was firm in his unshakeable confidence and offered forgiveness to the doubting Thomases who had thought he was kidding. By the end of the party, the remainder of the attendees had formed a circle around a table and was discussing the steps forward. The possibility had started to become real.
As one of those party attendees, I see how that event mirrors Mike’s campaign so far – initial surprise and doubt quickly turns to encouragement and support.
It takes a rare individual to do what Mike is doing, preempting Bob Ehrlich as the assumed challenger to incumbent Martin O’Malley. Both Ehrlich and O’Malley have experience, name recognition, and a jumpstart on Pappas in fundraising. But Mike has the qualities that allowed his bold announcement: confidence, conviction, purpose, and enough humility to face a contest with highly unfavorable odds.
I have known Mike from our work together on the central committee over the past two and a half years. He has garnered the respect of his fellow Republicans through his common sense solutions to problems, well-spoken reason, straight-forward sincerity, and infectious sense of humor.
One conversation I had with him several weeks ago provides insight into his motivations for running. I asked him why he decided to run when it’s such a long shot. “I know I’m doing it for the right reasons,” he replied sincerely. That resonated with me because I see so often that self-sacrificing attitude missing in our public servants.
In my recent interview with the Perry Hall attorney and father of twin toddlers, I asked Mike a few more questions.
What are those “right reasons”?
Mike: “I believe that Maryland can be run better. The government needs to focus on its core mission: providing only the things the people cannot provide for themselves. The state needs to get out of things other people can do better. The people who are running the state now care more about the next election than getting things done. Our representatives are not fulfilling the reasons they were elected, but using their positions as a means to a higher office. Our founding fathers intended this to be a temp job.”
Why are you running when you know the odds are so against you?
Mike: “Because it has nothing to do with me. I’d rather do the right thing and lose than do nothing and watch the state keep spiraling down unchecked. People of all affiliations say the same thing: nobody’s listening.”
What are you offering that will attract voters?
Mike: “For the last four years I’ve spend a considerable amount of time at the legislature. I have been far more engaged than many of our elected officials. I’ve run and represented businesses, managed large numbers of people, worked with our elected officials, and lead organizations and community groups. I know how to lead and inspire people. I’m willing to hold myself to a higher level of trust than any in power seem willing to do. The most important qualification for holding public office is expressed intent to put the needs of the citizens before your own ambitions. Experience from previous elected positions only proves that you can get elected. They run time and again and what has it gotten us? A 20% increase in sales tax, 200% increase in BGE bills, $5 gas last year, high Maryland prices, a dying Chesapeake Bay, and clogged roads. How much more of that kind of experience can we take?”
How will you compete in fundraising?
Mike: “It’s not an issue unless no one hears what I have to say. I’m a firm believer that if you build it, they will come.”
Are you willing to go against Ehrlich in the primary?
Mike: “I’m more concerned about having the political debate that’s so sorely lacking in this state than who my opponent is. The only difference between Bob Ehrlich and me is that he has the name recognition. He’s a citizen just like me. He’s a former congressman and I’m a former paramedic.”
Do you think you have a chance against O’Malley?
Mike: “I truly believe I can win with the right message and intentions. Unfortunately, the O’Malley administration refuses to make the tough decisions when they are not in the best interest of his political career. The best thing I can do is let the Democrats keep doing what they’re doing because people are increasingly unhappy.”
What issues are most important to you?
Mike: “My most important issues are to focus on providing education, health care, and personal security to every citizen in Maryland. We can do all these things if we can get the fiscal responsibility in place. If we weren’t squandering the money in Annapolis on projects and programs that don’t work, we could provide more services for less money. The government is encouraging people to move away from Maryland and driving away business. Veterans’ income and benefits should be sacred. We should not look to them when we need to make budget cuts or raise taxes.”
Are there any benefits to running if you lose?
Mike: “If we are unsuccessful in election, our elected officials will have gotten their positions through spirited debate and know they are accountable to the voters. But for the record, I'm planning on winning.”
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