Jim Robey Endorses Bob Ford for Howard County Democratic Central Committee

Sen. James N. Robey

On April 11, former Howard County Executive and State Senator James N. Robey endorsed Bob Ford’s bid to remain on the Howard County Democratic Central Committee. #hocopolitics

“I have known Bob Ford for many years and have seen how hard he has worked to elect Democrats in Howard County,” Robey said.  “During the battle for marriage equality, Bob was persuasive in arguing that the time has come for loving same-sex couples to receive the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as other married couples have always enjoyed.  I was happy to support the effort and was one of the principal advocates in the state.”

 

He adds, “Bob’s hard work and dedication to Democratic, progressive principles make him an outstanding and valuable member of the Howard County Democratic Central Committee, and that is why I am endorsing him in the upcoming election.”

Bob Ford is grateful for Robey’s support. 

Bob Ford

“I am extremely honored to receive this wonderful endorsement from Jim Robey, who has done so much to strengthen the Democratic Party in Howard County through his many years of party building and public service,” Bob Ford said in response. 

“His commitment to fairness and equality was evident as we navigated through the struggle to achieve marriage equality in Maryland.  I can’t thank Jim enough for his friendship and support.”

James Robey’s public service in the county began in 1966 when he joined the Howard County Police Department.  In 1991 he was appointed by then County Executive Charles Ecker to be Chief of Police.  He retired from the police force in 1998 to run for Howard County Executive in 1998.  He was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002.

In 2006 Robey ran for State Senator representing District 13 and defeated Republican Sandra Schrader with 56 percent of the vote. In 2010, he was re-elected.  Robey was chosen to replace Robert Garagiola in September 2013 as Senate Majority Leader.  He retired from the Maryland State Senate in January 2015.

According to Vote Smart, an independent non-profit research organization, Robey received a performance evaluation rating of 92 percent in 2011 from Progressive Maryland, a nonprofit, liberal advocacy group that rates legislators based on their positions on social, liberal, and family-related issues.