2010 election endorsements: Tough leaders for tough times

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama drew a massive crowd at Bowie State University, urging Prince George's County Democrats to come out in force to re-elect Gov. Martin O'Malley, who was losing ground in the polls. Democratic leaders feared the low turnout that plagued the primary would continue into the general election.

Partisanship aside, there are significant enough issues at stake in the county that presidential involvement should not be needed to inspire residents to vote.

The county's budget shortfalls (officials estimate a $50 million county deficit next fiscal year), second-highest crime level in the state, low standardized test scores, financially distressed hospital system and highest foreclosure rate in the state are among the many challenges that make turnout critical.