Van Hollen visit sparks controversy, cries from GOP

The founder of Carroll County tea party group We the People sent out an email urging members to give Rep. Chris Van Hollen a "WTP welcome" when he visited Carroll Community College Monday night. The democrat from District 8 was met with insults, jeers and yelling during half of his two-hour meet-and-greet.
The event was supposed to be an opportunity for the six-term congressman, who recently began representing Carroll due to redistricting following the 2012 election, to meet the new constituents he represents and learn about issues they want addressed. But under the surface there were tensions over an issue between Don West, recording secretary for the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee, and Michelle Jefferson, founder of We the People.
On Friday, West filed a petition for a peace order against Jefferson. The petition alleged that Jefferson had sent out an email that made "possible threatening actions" against Van Hollen. In mid-June, Jefferson sent out an email to her tea party group telling them to attend the Van Hollen event and give him a "WTP welcome." West also alleged that Jefferson had sent him a text message that called him a "wienie" and "jackass."
On Monday morning, Carroll County District Court Judge Joann Ellinghaus denied West's petition because it had "no statuary basis for relief." Had the petition been granted, Jefferson would have not been allowed to contact, attempt to contact, harass, or visit West's residence or work. She would have still been able to go to Monday night's meeting.
In an email sent to the Carroll County Times Monday, West refused to comment.
The Van Hollen camp distanced themselves from the controversy Monday.
"Congressman Van Hollen has absolutely nothing to do with any effort to block any constituents from attending and does not support such efforts," said Bridgett Frey, spokeswoman for the congressman, hours before the event. "All constituents are welcome at Monday's meet-and-greet event."
Col. Philip Kasten, with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, said law enforcement had been contacted about concerns of a possible protest at the meet-and-greet. Maj. Tom Long contacted Jefferson to confirm or deny that a protest would take place at the event, Kasten said.
"It is protocol to ensure that if you have parties that have converging views, that everyone is permitted to have a peaceable forum where they can share their opinion and listen," Kasten said. "That is the extent of our involvement."
As a result of concerns, members of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police and community college security force were on hand to ensure there was an orderly event.
Kindling was added to the fire between West and Jefferson over the weekend when conservative blogs picked up the story and incorrectly reported on Saturday that the tea party group had been banned from the meet-and-greet.
Dan Bongino, a former Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland, and Brian Griffiths, chairman of the Maryland Young Republicans, issued statements against the petition.
Neither the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee nor the Maryland Democratic Party have issued any public statements or press releases in support of West's petition. Jackie Jones, chairwoman of the Democratic central committee, attended the Monday night meet-and-greet and said her organization had nothing to do with the petition.
After about an hour into the meet-and-greet, the tone of the questions and the participation of the crowd of mostly Republicans intensified. Those asking questions began shouting at Van Hollen and criticizing his and the Democratic Party's efforts in Washington, D.C.
As Van Hollen tried to answer questions on topics like immigration reform, taxes and veterans benefits, members of the audience began yelling and interrupting him. Shouts of "resign, "who's your master" and "socialism" were followed by thunderous applause and cheers by the more than 100 people in attendance.
At one point, a man began yelling and criticizing Van Hollen for his belief that climate change is partially due to humans. The man charged toward Van Hollen and a state trooper stepped up to hinder the interaction of the man and the congressman. The man said he wanted to shake Van Hollen's hand.
When the volume of the crowd was getting particularly high, Republican county Commissioner Richard Rothschild, R-District 4, stood up and shouted "C'mon people, let him talk."
When Van Hollen did not answer a question to the satisfaction of the crowd, he was booed. Several times during the last half of the event, he asked people to remain courteous and raise their hands to ask questions.
"I think we should have vigorous, civil discourse," said Van Hollen, following the event. "People are going to disagree but my hope is that by having civil discussion we may be able to, at least, move away from the areas where there's misunderstanding and focus on the areas, that we disagree or agree."