Extra Buzz, Vol. 8
Former County Commissioner Blaine Young promises "a campaign like never before is being put together" for his pal and former colleague County Council member Kirby Delauter (R.) Young said on his Facebook page Sunday night that Delauter offers "straight talk with straight answers," and is enlisting support for
Delauter to challenge County Executive Jan Gardner in 2018.
The post, along with a letter inviting supporters to a May 12 fundraiser, alludes to a run for county executive, but doesn't clearly state Delauter's intentions. But the message is clear. Gardner is positioned in his letter and on his website, as Delauter's nemesis in the letter and post, and in a private conversation, Young said in a private conversation that Delauter's son would take over Delauter's business, W.F. Delauter & Son, if he is successful.
The county executive is limited to two terms. Gardner beat Young in 2014, with 55 percent of the vote. Gardner has not publicly announced plans for a second term, but potential challengers are targeting her.
Young believes Gardner's a vulnerable because she didn't win by a landslide when he himself was a tarnished candidate. He believes he lost the women's vote because of his very public infidelity. Young had an affair with a county employee while he was president of the Frederick County commissioners, and subsequently got divorced.
"Kirby's needs your support. He can win! I got 45 percent of the vote against Gardner. All while living two lives and being unfaithful to my ex-wife with one of my county employees. Which everyone in a small county knew and crushed me with the women's vote. I was very wrong and I should of know better. May those I hurt forgive me one day with my changed behavior. Kirby is a incredible man, husband, father, grandfather, veteran and small business owner that employs 60 plus people. He can do this but he needs your support.Straight talk with straight answers. Take Frederick County back. County Council member Kirby Delauter," Young said in his Facebook post.[sic]"
When I asked Young about the chatter regarding Del. Kathy Afzali's (R-Dist. 4) plans to run for the same office, with the backing of Sen. Michael Hough (R-Dist. 4,) Young's said, "Well she better be ready then." Is Young Delauter's campaign manager? He didn't respond to my question, but he is certainly a fervent supporter. Perhaps he's looking for some redemption from his loss to Gardner, even by proxy.
Below is the invitation to Delauter's fundraiser.
