Witness History: At MSBA Interviews, Candidates for Governor Share Their Visions

As the home of Maryland’s legal profession, the Maryland State Bar Association works to provide increased exposure and educational opportunities to all of Maryland’s lawyers.

As part of its goal to expand its advocacy on behalf of its members, the MSBA, in partnership with Stevenson University, conducted a series of nonpartisan, apolitical interviews with Maryland’s Gubernatorial candidates the week of December 6, 2021. In planning for these interviews, MSBA invited all individuals who had announced their candidacy at the time.

Over the course of the week, former State Senator Bobby Zirkin sat down with the candidates in a series of informal discussions designed to inform MSBA members, and the public at large, about the goals and pri-orities of the women and men seeking to lead the state. The interviews took place at the Inspace Theatre at Stevenson University’s Greenspring Campus. 

Democratic candidates Rushern Baker, Jon Baron, Peter Franchot, Doug Gansler, Ashwani Jain, John King, Wes Moore, and Tom Perez, Republican candidate Kelly Schulz, and Libertarian candidate David Lashar joined Zirkin for interviews throughout the week. Candidates Dan Cox and Robin Ficker were invited for interviews but  were unable to attend. The interviews were live-streamed and recorded. 

MSBA President M. Natalie Mc Sherry noted that “presenting the premier interviews and debates to Maryland lawyers and the public is an opportunity we’re incredibly honored to spearhead as we offer poten-tial candidates a platform to present their plan on moving our state forward in 2022 and beyond.” 

These interviews were only the beginning of MSBA’s efforts to ensure the legal profession learns more about the individuals who hope to lead our state and their plans for the future. MSBA also scheduled interviews with candidates for Maryland Attorney General. And, for the first time, MSBA will host gubernatorial debates, at its 2022 Legal Summit in Ocean City, Maryland.
MSBA continues to serve our members and the public by connecting with important leaders around the state and talking about the issues that matter to you. Click HERE (https://www.msba.org/connect-with-the-candidates/) to view the full MSBA Gubernatorial Interviews, recent MSBA interviews with the candidates for Maryland Attorney General, MSBA Gubernatorial Debates, and more.