Lt. Gov. Brown Grilled During Debate About Failed Health Care Rollout
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- Democrats together in the same place at the same time. Maryland voters witness the first televised exchange between leading contenders in the state's gubernatorial primary.
Pat Warren has more on one outstanding issue.
The failed health care rollout has been seen by some as a threat to the Brown campaign, but it appears he got off easy.
Aim taken, shot fired.
"I think the lieutenant governor is the only person that believes it's been a success," said Md. Attorney General Doug Gansler.
The now-defunct Maryland health care website blew up on day one, and some speculated it could blow Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown's campaign for governor out of the water.
Attorney General Doug Gansler supporters at the Democrat's gubernatorial debate expected it should.
"I thought the point had to be made really about Anthony Brown ducking the chance to be straight with people about the health care debacle," said Glenn Ivey, Gansler supporter.
"Everyone involved with the health benefit exchange is responsible--and that includes me," Brown said.
Brown supporters say that's good enough for them.
"Look, after all, at the national level we've had problems in implementing all across this country," said U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards, Brown supporter.
It's a campaign issue in many other states where rollouts failed. But in Maryland, it's ancient history.
"I think it is, because the Baltimore Sun poll back in February showed that only about six percent of the respondents cared about that issue," said Don Norris, UMBC public policy chairman.
In fact, according to political expert Don Norris, the candidates failed to gain traction on any issue.
"I thought it was pretty boring," said Norris.
Little bumps, maybe, but no blood, no bruises.
Warren: "Having seen this debate do you think there's any reason for us to see a second one?"
Norris: "I don't think there was any reason to see the first one, considering the way it turned out."
The next debate is June 2.
Republican candidates square off on May 31.
Maryland's primary election is seven weeks away.
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