Maverick misnomer

State Sen. James Brochin is the type of legislator we should all want representing us, especially independent minded and progressive Marylanders.

According to this Baltimore Sun article, Sen. Brochin has run into some 
trouble with the Democratic majority for "giving them no votes' according to 
Senate President "Mike" Miller. Miller, not surprisingly got petty over  
Sen. Brochin's perceived lack of support for the Democratic agenda by 
moving his seat to the back of the Senate Chamber.

I'm not sure why the Sun labels a legislator who listens to constituents, has principles and acts on them and is not afraid to confront his party's agenda is a "maverick". Frankly we need more such mavericks and fewer lemmings who tow the party line with every single vote whether Democratic or Republican. Realistically, no single party has the best solution/policy for each and every issue. Whether you lean toward one agenda or another is understandable, but blindly following party leadership as Miller seems to be promoting is nonsense.

So let's hope more independent thinking politicians such as James Brochin and Wayne Gilchrist (we should mourn his loss in the primary) are re-elected and stay in office.