Carr easily wins vote to replace Lawton

Al Carr: Elated to be the MCDCC's pick for District 18 delegate.Kensington Councilman Al Carr has been recommended by the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee to fill the open District 18 Delegate seat vacated by the death of the late Del. Jane Lawton.

Carr received 14 of the 22 votes cast from the committee. Former congressional aide Rick Kessler finished second with 6 votes, and community activist Roz Pelles finished a disappointing third with just 2 votes. Fredric Cooper and George English did not receive any votes.

“I’m just speechless right now,” Carr told PolitickerMD.com minutes after his selection. “I am so grateful for the support I received from the community, the central committee, and from my family.”

Carr said he felt that his experience as an elected official working with the Legislature and on policy matters had demonstrated his abilities to the central committee. He also said his previous candidacy for the same position in 2006 helped introduce his ideas to the committee and to district residents.

In addition, Carr said his first goals as a delegate would be to work to expand affordable housing and public transportation opportunities to the people in district 18.

Earlier in the night, while addressing the central committee and gathered audience, Carr reiterated his support for the construction of the purple line, but said that neighborhoods and local trails needed to be preserved. He also highlighted that he was the only elected official in the contest.

“I have the best experience to represent all of District 18,” Carr said. “I am the only candidate who ran in the primary in 2006, and I am the only candidate who has served in elective office.”

“If selected, I will make you proud,” Carr said later.

Once appointed, Carr will step down as the longest currently serving member of the Kensington Town Council. 

While Carr was selected, the most surprising moment of the night may have been the second-place finish by Kessler. Many Democrats thought the race would come down to a choice between Carr and Pelles. The Lawton family had expressed their support for Pelles.

“This is the first time I have run for office and it has been great fun,” said Kessler, a lobbyist who was once Chief of Staff to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell. “I’m not surprised by the results.”

Kessler said that he looked forward to working with Carr in an effort to improve the quality of life in District 18.

Pelles, meanwhile, was more subdued.

“I am disappointed,” Pelles said. “Especially with all the support I had from the people in the district and from the Lawton family.”

“I presented my thoughts and feelings to the committee in the most honest manner that I could,” she said later.

Pelles also said that she thought Carr would be an “effective” delegate.

The committee’s recommendation will now be sent to Gov. Martin O’Malley for approval.