Turnbull To Lead MD Democratic Party
Susie Turnbull, who served most recently as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, has signed on to lead the Maryland Democratic Party.
"I am excited to help move the Maryland Democratic Party further ahead in our state," Turnbull, a Bethesda resident, said in an interview with On Call. "We had a terrific campaign in 2008, and I want to build on that. And I think that right now in such difficult times in our country that it is really important for people to be involved and to make a difference. So I'm happy that I am going to be able to be a part of that process."
Turnbull's name will be put into nomination at a Feb. 19 meeting of the party's executive committee. Gov. Martin O'Malley notified supporters last night that Turnbull will replace outgoing chairman Michael Cryor.
"Susie is a friend and colleague of many of you and will bring her successful experience as a political organizer and fundraiser to the Maryland Democratic Party," the governor said in an email. "She just completed a very successful term as DNC Vice Chair in helping to elect President Obama and Democrats across (the) country. A longtime Democratic activist and chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party in the 1990s, she will build upon the successes of Chairman Cryor and get our party ready for 2010."
O'Malley, the former mayor of Baltimore, is up for re-election next year. It remains to be seen if the man he defeated -- former Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. -- will seek a rematch.
Turnbull said she decided to take the job to support Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), who is serving her fourth term and is expected to run for re-election next year, and because she has admired the way O'Malley has handled the state's budget crisis, among other challenges.
"The other reason I'm doing this is that I'm confident and comfortable and proud to associate myself with Gov. O'Malley," Turnbull said. "I think he is a true leader who has tackled major issues with incredible competence and heart."
Turnbull said another part of her new gig that appeals is that she could rival the head of the Republican National Committee, former MD Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.
"One of the I think fun parts of this new job is I hope that people will come to the Maryland Democratic Party for comments and thougths about Michael Steele because we know him best," she said.
First elected to the DNC in 1992, Turnbull has served the Democratic Party in a number of positions. She was on the DNC Executive Committee from 1997-2009; she was appointed DNC Deputy Chair in 2003; she was the elected chairwoman of the DNC Women's Caucus, 1997-2003; she was named as one of the founding co-chairs of the DNC Women's Vote Center in 2005; and she was the national chairwoman of the DNC Women's Leadership Forum from 2002-2004. Turnbull was also a platform speaker at the 2000 and 2008 Democratic Conventions.
Turnbull is an Ohio native. She has lived in Maryland since 1979 and holds a master's degree in urban studies from the University of Maryland. Turnbull and her husband, Bruce, have two adult sons, Joshua and David.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
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