Where Seafood and Politicians Collide

By Ana Faguy

On the third Wednesday of every July elected officials, lobbyists, political activists and seafood lovers come together on the Eastern Shore to get a first-hand look at the fresh seafood — and the political hopefuls for the upcoming election season.

The weather at the 41st annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield will be its usual hot and steamy — sunny, with a high temperature of 87 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The political forecast is a little cloudier, but the event should feature more politicians than usual, as it’s the last crab feast before the June 2018 primaries.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who is highly popular on the Eastern Shore, will be on hand, along with at least four of his potential Democratic opponents, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, state Sen. Rich Madaleno, who formally declared his bid on Monday, tech entrepreneur Alec Ross and attorney Jim Shea.

Another potential Democratic contender, Rep. John Delaney (D), won’t be attending, due to votes in Congress. The gubernatorial campaigns for Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz (D) and former NAACP President Ben Jealous did not respond to requests for comment. But it would not be surprising to see them there — as the chattering classes play close attention to office-seekers who are missing.

As has been typical in recent years, the tent sponsored by high-earning lobbyist Bruce Bereano will be the center of the action for political types; it has grown in startling fashion over the past decade. But several other community organizations and interest groups will also be sponsoring tents.

Maryland Matters will have a team of reporters in Crisfield, so please watch for our coverage!

Here is a map of the hospitality tents:

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